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Nitro observations

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Nitro observations - 1/9/2007 12:30:12 PM   
dcxguy

 

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I'm starting to get used to my blue Nitro. Boy, that electric blue really stands out. Since all the other black and chrome exterior pieces on the SLT are the same color on the R/T, I would think the R/T version would look too blue. The blend of black and chrome on the SLT w/ the blue body I think looks better. Can't beat the stronger engine and bigger wheels on the R/T though. Don't you notice that the electric blue, sunburst orange and inferno red colors look nicer in the shade than in the sun.  That's just me.

I'm looking for positive/negative things to report back to my company so they can hopefully improve the vehicle. Here are some things I want to mention.

Seats
1.  I really like the front seat side bolsters as it really hugs your body.  I wish I could lower the drivers seat some more.  Being 5"6', my head is a only about 3-4 inches from the roof.  A taller person would probably be touching the roof.
2.  The maximum setting on the heated seats is just the right temp.  On my Liberty, the heated seats feel too hot after a while.
3.  Lots of good knee space in the 2nd row.  Even if the driver and passenger seat is set way back.  The 2nd seat comfort is average.
4.  The headrests are not functional.  They lean forward too much and don't provide any comfort to the head whatsoever.
5.  The seat leather feels good for a low end SUV.

Dashboard
1.  I keeps on accidentally pressing the A/C when reaching to adjust the blower.  They should increase the resistance on that button so there's less chance of pushing it by mistake.  Or like in the Honda CRV, don't make the whole face a button.  Maybe just the lower half of it.
2.  I also accidentally press the ESP button (turning it off) when reaching down for the heated seat button.  Maybe they should move the ESP away from the heated seats button.  You normally use heated seats in winter.  You wouldn't want to turn off ESP accidentally in slick conditions.
3.  I like the ventilation control knobs.  The feel and look is very nice.  I've seen these kinds on the Honda CRV.  The '07 Chrysler Sebring also has these controls.  They should make it the standard for most Chrysler vehicles.
4.  I like the REQ radio (not MyGig).  FYI - REQ is the sales code.  The buttons have a good feel and are well grouped together.  The two dial buttons on each side have a nice feel when you turn them.  They don't feel too loose or too hard when being turn.  They also have a nice surface that gives your fingers good traction on the dial.  It feels like dials on a more expensive radio.
5.  Leather steering wheel is thick which is a good size and feel for most hands.  Still getting used to the buttons on the steering wheel spokes that control the vehicle information center display.  I really like the 'RESET ALL' option which saves you from having to reset each veh. info center seperately.  I do this everytime I fill up with gas.
6.  I like the gauges and they way they illuminate in daytime.  Sometimes I forget to turn on my headlights at night because I see the gauges lit up when I start the car.

Interior
1.  The locking/unlocking of all door locks is noisy.  They all go down and up with a loud 'CLANG'.  First time I've experienced this in all the Chrysler vehicles I've driven.
2.  I like the 115V auxiliary power outlet in the 2nd row.  I haven't used it yet but I know this will come in handy for a laptop or mini-dvd player.
3.  Most of the plastic like on the dashboard and doors feel cheap (just like they do on the Jeep Compass).  I guess you can't expect much from a lower end SUV.
4.  Rear cargo space is excellent.  Much better than the Liberty.  It's odd they don't provide a cargo cover standard on the SLT.  I think it should be.
5.  The back side of the 2nd row seats scratches easily.
6. Why are only the speakers in the cargo area tagged with 'Infinity Sound System'?  IMO, if you got the upgraded sound system, all the door speakers should be labeled as such.

Engine
1.  Fuel economy it the same as my Liberty.  No surprises here.
2.  Engine is sluggish.  Especially in overtaking situations.  You really have to floor it to make it jump.  Liberty is more peppier.  It'll probably be dog when the A/C is turned on.  The cruise control computer has to work extra hard to keep this baby on the same speed.  LOL.

Exterior
1.  Love those chrome wheels.   Easier to clean.  Looks good w/ the electric blue body color.
2.  The satellite radio antenna on the rear part of the roof looks sporty.  A lot of cars are going this way.  I really like it.  I wonder if these are safe in car washes.  I don't want to take a chance so I take it off everytime I enter the carwash.  It's a hassle.

Ride
1. Overall a better ride than the Liberty. The suspension handles bumps firmly but comfortably (note: the R/T has stiffer suspension). Not much body roll on fast turns - a good thing. Also, a much quieter ride than the Liberty.

This is all I have for now.  I'll probably add some more as time goes on.

< Message edited by dcxguy -- 1/12/2007 4:47:58 PM >
Post #: 1
RE: Nitro observations - 2/9/2007 11:03:59 PM   
enns_aw

 

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Joined: 8/17/2006
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Low end SUV? for $34k (canadian) i would think it would be considered more than a LOW end SUV...

mind you that the economy model is still all black bumpers and small wheels for $24k (canadian)

(in reply to dcxguy)
Post #: 2
RE: Nitro observations - 2/10/2007 5:24:35 AM   
dcxguy

 

Posts: 41
Joined: 12/5/2006
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The term 'low end' is relative to how one looks at it.  'Low end' also means it's position amongst all SUV's.  You can't expect to see 'Dodge Aspen' or 'Jeep Commander' type leather in a Nitro.  Chrysler couldn't sell the Nitro at $34,000Cdn if it put the same quality materials as it did in it's 'high-end' SUV's.   Remember too, that we're talking about SUV's, not cars.  SUV's are normally more expensive than cars because of all the extra mechanical stuff (4x4, suspension) they have.

< Message edited by dcxguy -- 2/10/2007 5:26:38 AM >

(in reply to enns_aw)
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RE: Nitro observations - 2/10/2007 9:51:33 PM   
enns_aw

 

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True. And those are very valid points. But when you can buy the Jeep Compass (which is based on the same build) for $10k less and still have all the wonderful things that the Nitro has (4x4, suspension) i just dont see how it compares. Or how about the new Jeep Patriot, which is being advertised as a higher end model than the Nitro for the same price. Sometimes less.

EDIT: I am wrong. The compass is not the same build as the Nitro. I was getting it confused with the the Caliber.

< Message edited by enns_aw -- 2/10/2007 9:53:32 PM >

(in reply to dcxguy)
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RE: Nitro observations - 2/10/2007 10:49:43 PM   
dcxguy

 

Posts: 41
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The so-called 'cheap' plastic the press writes about is the same on the Nitro and the Caliber, Compass, Patriot.  They all basically have the same quality level of materials.  In these times of high gas prices and the need for more fuel efficient engines, people will lean towards the Compass and Patriot.  The Nitro may have strong sales initially but will die down after it's first 2 years.  There are just too many stronger competitors in this segment.

(in reply to enns_aw)
Post #: 5
RE: Nitro observations - 2/13/2007 1:33:06 AM   
enns_aw

 

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Joined: 8/17/2006
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Stronger competitors. While i believe that for practicality and reason i still cant find a small suv with the bold styling cues of the Nitro. It is hands-down the best looking suxv i have ever seen. Maybe i'll wait a couple years for a used one.

Oh and what other kind of suv's are in the same range?

(in reply to dcxguy)
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RE: Nitro observations - 2/13/2007 11:22:14 PM   
AirJunky

 

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AirJunky's photo gallery
quote:

ORIGINAL: dcxguy

The so-called 'cheap' plastic the press writes about is the same on the Nitro and the Caliber, Compass, Patriot.  They all basically have the same quality level of materials.  In these times of high gas prices and the need for more fuel efficient engines, people will lean towards the Compass and Patriot.  The Nitro may have strong sales initially but will die down after it's first 2 years.  There are just too many stronger competitors in this segment.

These materials have been used in cars for years. My 1998 Dakota had the same plastic dash pieces, console, grill, trim, etc. So why is it new now?
The only other SUVs I can think of in this range are the Envoy & Landcruiser (more expensive), and the RAV4 or Escape (can't tow anything). I'm sure there are more but of these, the Nitro is the best of both worlds.

(in reply to dcxguy)
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RE: Nitro observations - 2/20/2007 5:43:47 AM   
wildbill


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I think the xterra, escape and equinox are also considered in its class but I like the nitro better than those too.  Calling the plastic cheaps just sounds like something people make up when they can't find anything else to say about it.  I have no problems with it and think the interior looks really good and I won't change the door handles or anything else myself. 

(in reply to AirJunky)
Post #: 8
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