One quick comment: Consumer Reports tested the Nitro a few issues back, and found it to be one of the worst cars they had ever tested (highs: none; lows: it doesn't drive well, it doesn't brake well, it gets abominable fuel economy, it's cheaply-finished,...). The only reason to buy one, they say, is for its look (if you're into that - personally, the Nitro reminds me of that other breadbox-looking car, the Scion xB).

The Edge on the other hand got much better reviews, but cannot compete with the Murano (with which it is competing).

Also: "buying American" these days isn't that easy anymore, as there are plenty of domestic cars that are being built abroad, while the opposite is true, too. If you insist on an "American" brand, you might miss out on better cars for less money (that's not too say that all foreign cars are better and cheaper), only to find out that your "American" car was completely built in Mexico - you'll only have fooled yourself