As the first compact SUV in the Dodge lineup since the 1990 Raider, the Nitro is based on the Jeep Liberty. Call it a Liberty that's been liberated. Sure, the Nitro is built on the same platform and in the same Toledo, Ohio, plant as the Jeep Liberty, and boasts some of the features we'll see in the 2008 Liberty model. But this is a significantly different design, plus a reworking of the suspension and powertrain. Should the Liberty come out with the Nitro's 4.0-liter V6 engine and some of its interior upgrades, it will be much improved. Here's hoping that parent company Chrysler sees fit to equip both with its new six-speed automatic transmission.