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The 2006 Chicago Auto Show was the showplace for the Dodge Nitro, a compact
sport utility vehicle that is assigned the same platform as the Jeep Liberty.
The Nitro was first sold in the fall of 2006 and was the only compact SUV in the
maker's lineup. Since its inception at the auto show, consumers and reviewers
have questioned Dodge's decision to give the Nitro a modern, boxy design. Sales
have reflected that doubt, and the Nitro is one of the least profitable vehicles
for Dodge.
Available with either a 3.7L Powertech V6 or a 4.0L SOHC V6 engine, the Nitro is
also one of Dodge's least powerful SUVs on the market. The Nitro also has three
transmission choices: a 6-speed manual, a 5-speed 5G-Tronic Mercedes automatic,
or a 4-speed automatic. The exterior of the SUV is styled with oversized wheel
wells, sharp lines, and a flat hood. Unfortunately, while the design has been
well-received in Europe, American buyers have been put off by it. Mostly,
consumers and critics alike agree that the sport utility vehicle simply does not
fit in the maker's lineup.
More disappointment came for Dodge when the magazine Consumer Reports named the
Nitro one of its eleven worst cars for the 2008 model year. The Jeep Liberty was
among the ranks as well. Coupled with rumors of a Chrysler bankruptcy (Dodge's
parent company), the maker is on shaky ground with consumers. Financial gurus
like Jim Cramer are stating that Chrysler is a sure bet for failure.
Unfortunately, claims that Bob Nardelli, the Chrysler CEO, is completely
incompetent do nothing to help the American maker.
Another rumor floating around is that American manufacturer Ford will take over
the minivan division of Chrysler and keep Jeep around, but will phase out all
other vehicle models. Regrettably, that would mean an end to the short life of
the Dodge Nitro. Most gossip points out that even if another manufacturer
absorbed Chrysler into their ranks, they'd still surely get rid of the Dodge
Nitro because of poor sales and harsh criticism. No matter what, Dodge claims
that a newer, more publicly-accepted Nitro is in the works and will blow the
competition out of the water. Nevertheless, reviewers are commenting back that
Dodge is simply blowing smoke and has no real resolution for the current
rebuffed design. Latest rumors include the addition of a V6 HEMI in the Nitro
and a spinoff crossover vehicle that will resemble the Nitro, but will be
marketed more to a younger market. |
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