2011 Dodge Nitro Overview.
Dodge Nitro is a mid-sized SUV which combines a high belt line and a raised position for passengers in a unique and distinctive way to differentiate itself from other midsize SUVs. Available in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive Dodge Nitro is available in three versions: the heat, the detonator and shock. The three versions offer a powerful 260 horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission.
Heat offers standard equipment such as power mirrors, power windows and door locks with remote keyless entry, satellite radio, air conditioning, cruise control and seating for five. The Detonator includes rear park assist system, remote start, power driver seat, overhead console, trip computer, compass and outside temperature display.
The shock adds heated front seats, leather interior finishing, and a power sunroof. Safety features are regular with front airbags, side curtain airbags, active head restraints, traction and stability control system with roll-over mitigation, brake assist and a tire pressure monitor. For the year 2011, The Heat gets a variety of upgrades inclusive of a larger engine, five-speed automatic, new wheels, auto-dimming mirror, cruise control, UConnect, security system and deep tinted windows. The Detonator and Shock each receive new wheels and a striped hood.
Driving Impressions:
After sampling both the Dodge Nitro SLT 4WD and R/T 2WD, one definitely choose the R/T over the others since the 3.7-liter engine in the SLT is quite harsh and a way too slow and the four-speed automatic transmission certainly needs another gear. At 40mph the SLT lacked punch and didn’t exactly give a better ride either, the suspension levels did not get better either and the jolts and bumps were felt throughout the ride. The Dodge R/T is known for its high performance yet the top-class SUV did not give an exceptional performance; it was just a little better than the regular engine transmission and suspension.
The Five-automatic transmission creates a different experience though and is certainly better than the four-speed. Yet in the manual mode, it does not react as expected and responds only periodically. Most of the responses that it gives does not equal to saving fuel. The SUV declines to short-shift, or upshift before redline under tough throttle. And it is difficult to reverse during upshift throttle. And the transmission mechanism is not ergonomic either, which is the shifts are created by moving the gear from side to side and not to and fro, which could have made things much better. |
