Dodge Nitro in person

[thedriver]

I visited the Iowa State Fair this year, and at the tent of the Local Dooge dealer they had a pre-production Nitro. The gentleman I asked about it said "There are only 4, this was shipped here from Detroit!" I don't know about that, but here it is:

Looks pretty nice in person

Edited August 19, 2006 by thedriver

[ocnblu]

Hmmm... a base model. Check out all the black plastic trim, and the 5 speed stick. Could be cool. When does this come out?

[Bimmer325]

The same cookie-cutter interior that could belong to just about any (and every) DCX product.

How exciting.

[thedriver]

Actually, it's a 6-speed

[DetroitNut90]

I like the Nitro, even if the interior is a bit uninspired.

[ocnblu]

Cool, it looks aftermarket, like a Hurst. It's a shame the 4.0L can't be ordered with a manual... or can it?

[deftonesfan867]

Almost as bad as Ford. Lately it seems like GM is the only domestic automaker getting it.

[Flybrian]

Worse than the Aztek with that digusting cladding.

[CSpec]

That plastic is really awful, but I think the upper-level models look pretty good, except since it's a Chrysler the interior sucks.

[regfootball]

damn, chrysler has some really cheap ass interiors these days. I can understand the XTerra simplicity of it, but it looks overtly cost cut by the bean counters.

really, the Nitro is nothing but a 'hood' cruiser. Kind of an Xb on steroids. People rag on Jeep for the Compass, but honestly, this is just as useless.

I guess this just strikes me as Dodge's answer ot the Xterra, that someone in the marketing department said it should mainly appeal to those in the ghetto/hood.

Edited August 20, 2006 by regfootball

[Guest YellowJacket894]

I give that front air dam about a week before it falls off. And what's going on there with the box fitting so snug under the rear bumper marked "Caliber?"

Wonder if someone could melt down all the black plastic on the base Nitro and get a drum of crude oil?

Edited August 20, 2006 by YellowJacket894

[SableStyle]

It looks better here than in the promo pictures, IMO...

It fills a void under the Durango, and therefore will draw some buyers who want a Dodge but want to save on gas.

It's a smart move, though the execution of design is a bit off.

[BlkHhr104]

Well for one thing I def. dont think this will affect Nox and T'rent sales, its ok... but I would even take an Escape over this, but I would get a Nox over both of em.

[jbartley]

OMG sooo much fugly gray plastic! it's like Chrysler has an obsession with it now! (see inside of sebring)

[Cory Wolfe]

Ew.

[american_revolution_2005]

I saw this in person at Woodward. It is nice but without the black plastic.

[Guest YellowJacket894]

Looks like the old S10 Blazer with some fender flares.

(Just, you know, add fender flares to that photo.)

[torobud]

Uhhhmmm production started last week...

[Drew Dowdell]

Uhhhmmm production started last week...

183025[/snapback]

why?

[Flybrian]

I'd rather have that Blazer. Seriously.

[thedriver]

Yeah, production started on Aug 15th, but this Nitro had been at the fair since the 10th. .

I like the look of it, but don't like ANY interiors at Dodge lately. I sat in a Tahoe at the fair as well, and the dash was great, but the door left me cold. This was a LT model, the door was one big chunk of dark charcoal Rubbermaid. I had expected some character lines, chrome or cloth or something, anything. Bleah.

[loki]

eh,

what kinda engines will it have anyway?

[toesuf94]

please note the crowd control measures that were in place to keep the throngs of would be buyers at bay...wow. The EPA could determine that thing to be an environmental hazzard should it ever be parked within 10 miles of an open flame. Seriously, are there any warnings on this truck to keep flame away?

The interior is blah, but this was a base model. What will they sell for?

[torobud]

eh,

what kinda engines will it have anyway?

183170[/snapback]

3.7L V6 like in the Liberty (ehhh)

New 4.0L V6 like they just started putting in the Pacifica

Pricing I believe is anywhere from $20K-$25K

[Cadavillac]

Folks may rag on it, but at least you have two different engine options and as well as the option to shift-for-yourself on the 3.7L... Hate it all you want, but some car manufacturers put a 4 speed auto behind everything they can... at least with the Nitro you get some different powertrain choices.

[Casket Demon]

I'm not diggin the negative overhang.

[X2222]

That color goes well with the nitro too. This car is pretty unique, it really can't do bad as a sportier ford escape type suv. It may even compete greatly with the H3.

[Intrepidation]

I don't like the non painted bumpers, but with all the paint it looks pretty damn good. To the people saying that it's cheap and will fall off...that plastic is what every new car and SUV has under the paint, including the crappy `Nox. At least the Nitro will have powertrain choices...and the powertrains won't suck.

[sciguy_0504]

The non-base models with body-colored bumpers look amazing even with the generic DCX interior. Why would Dodge send out such a cheap model for preproduction showing?