Dodge Nitro

The Dodge Nitro was launched in 2007 as a midsize SUV with a boxy-yet-sporty look. It's based on the Jeep Liberty, and has an old-school body design atop the sturdy truck-style platform. Compared to other midsize sport utility vehicles, the Nitro is on the smaller side, and reviewers praise it for its maneuverability.

A high roofline and rectilinear profile translate to plenty of headroom, legroom, and cargo capacity.  They're also a nod to the Nitro's Jeep roots. The front grille, on the other hand, is all Dodge Ram; the fierce-looking front end seems a little misplaced on this cartoony bodystyle.

The Nitro's fuel economy isn't terrible for a two-ton vehicle, but compared to the Ford Escape or the Saturn Vue, it's a bit of a gas-guzzler. Still, it's got its charm, and the folks at Chrysler have high hopes for the new brand.