What was the last year Dodge made Nitro?
The last year Dodge produced the Nitro was the 2011 model year.
Overview of the Nitro’s run
The Dodge Nitro was a mid-size SUV introduced for the 2007 model year and built on a platform related to the Jeep Liberty. It was designed to offer rugged styling with available four-wheel drive, but it faced stiff competition and mixed sales throughout its life.
Key production details
The following timeline highlights when the Nitro was built, where it came from, and when it ended.
- Model years: 2007 through 2011 (Nitro introduced for the 2007 model year; production continued through the 2011 model year).
- Assembly location: Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Illinois.
- Platform origin: Shared development with the Jeep Liberty, part of Chrysler’s mid-size SUV family.
- Final year: No 2012 Nitro; production concluded after the 2011 model year.
The Nitro’s five-model-year run ended with the 2011 edition, after which Dodge regrouped its SUV lineup and did not revive the model.
Context: why Dodge ended the Nitro
Industry conditions and brand strategy helped determine the Nitro’s fate. It competed in a crowded field of compact/mid-size SUVs and trucks, and sales did not meet long-term expectations for a durable niche model. Dodge subsequently realigned its SUV offerings and did not introduce a direct replacement for the Nitro.
Contributing factors
Several factors shaped the decision to discontinue the Nitro, including market demand, profitability, and the broader plan to streamline Dodge’s lineup around other SUVs and crossovers.
- Sales performance: The Nitro struggled to achieve sustained, high-volume sales in its segment.
- Product portfolio: Dodge restructured its SUV lineup, with emphasis shift toward models like the Durango and other crossovers.
- Design and market fit: The Nitro’s styling and positioning did not secure a lasting foothold amid evolving consumer preferences.
Ultimately, the Nitro ended after the 2011 model year, with no direct successor in the Dodge lineup.
What to know if you’re looking at a used Nitro
For potential buyers or enthusiasts, the Nitro is a curiosity in Dodge history. Used examples are available, but prospective buyers should carefully evaluate maintenance history, common wear on aging SUVs, and any model-year-specific quirks that show up in owner forums and recalls.
Notes for buyers
Typical considerations include checking drivetrain and underbody wear, verifying maintenance records, and understanding that parts availability may hinge on market demand for older, out-of-production Dodge SUVs.
Summary
The Dodge Nitro ran from 2007 through 2011, with the 2011 model year serving as its final production year. There was no 2012 Nitro, and Dodge did not directly replace the model in its lineup. The Nitro remains a defined chapter in Dodge’s history of bold, rugged crossovers.
