Get the Best Priced Dodge Nitro Parts

While most small and mid-sized sport utility vehicles can be rather drab and uninspiring to look at, the Dodge Nitro showed quite a bit of style when it first came out in 2007. With its retro-styled appearance, the Nitro featured a large wheelbase and flared fenders. Cosmetically and mechanically, it was a close relative of the legendary Jeep - which should come as little surprise, as it was based on the Jeep Liberty platform and was built at a facility that had been putting out Jeeps since the Second World War. The Nitro had a rear-wheel drive setup (part-time four wheel drive was an available option), powered by a 3.7 liter V6, mated to a six-speed manual transmission (a four-speed automatic was optional) - making it more like a truck than a passenger car.

The base model was equipped with air conditioning, an auxiliary audio jack and a roof rack. Options available on more expensive models included a sunroof, heated leather seats, an onboard navigation system, deluxe stereo and Bluetooth connectivity. Beyond that, the interior was disappointing; on the base model, cheaper materials, use of plastic and faux aluminum trim made the inside seem like an industrial vehicle. On the plus side, there was plenty of cargo space, particularly with optional slide-out "Load 'n' Go" cargo floor. There was only seating for five, but at least there was adequate leg and head room.

Handling and performance was nothing to shout about. The standard 3.7 liter V6 was not great in the acceleration department, and ride and handling quality was far below Dodge's usual standards. Even attempts to improve this element of the vehicle in 2009 were inadequate. A larger, 4.0 liter V6 was available, but it wasn't all that much of an improvement in either performance or mileage, which only averaged about 20 miles per gallon. At the very least however, it gave the Nitro above-average towing capacity.

Compared to its nearest competitors, the KIA Sportage and the Toyota Cruiser, the Dodge Nitro definitely came up short, earning only average ratings from the automotive media. Although priced less than the Toyota, at a sticker price of over $22,000, it was more expensive than the KIA Sportage - and the latter offered much more in terms of features and overall quality.

Not surprisingly, complaints about the Dodge Nitro are abundant. The worst model year overall appears to be 2008, with the most commonly-reported problem being a faulty electrical system. However, the Nitro has gotten high ratings for safety from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Nitro gets five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests except for rollovers, which were average. The IIHS rated the Nitro "Good" in front-end and rollover tests.

If you own a Nitro, there are a number of afternarket Dodge Nitro replacement parts that are distinct improvements over the original equipment. You can find Dodge Nitro parts and accessories at discounts of up to 80% at web-based parts dealers such as PartsGeek.com.