Overview & Reviews

The Dodge Viper was conceived as a modern interpretation of the classic muscular American sports car. Debuting as a concept in 1989 to huge consumer enthusiasm, everything about the production Dodge Viper was perfectly over the top, including its cartoonish styling, giant 335/35-series rear tires and thumping 400-horsepower V10 engine.

The second-generation Dodge Viper stayed the course with outrageous styling and power, but it was a bit more livable and produced more power. Compared to the original, the sequel had a longer wheelbase, a stiffer chassis and revised suspension tuning, which gave the car greater dynamic precision. But that didn't mean the Viper lost its raw edge and lack of polish, and for the Viper enthusiast, that's the way it should be. The problem, perhaps, was that there just weren't enough Viper enthusiasts around. With sales sagging in comparison to other high-end sports cars, Dodge pulled the plug for 2010.

However, the Viper's departure was short-lived as a new, third-generation model arrived for 2013. It now belongs to Chrysler Group's new SRT division, so make sure to read our SRT Viper review for the latest information.

Most Recent Dodge Viper
The second-generation Dodge Viper was produced from 2003 through 2010.

At its debut, the V10 was 8.3 liters in size and generated 500 hp and 525 pound-feet of torque. Only the roadster was available. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and a standard limited-slip differential. Detail changes were limited only to colors and trim for the next couple years until 2006, when the SRT-10 coupe debuted along with a 10-hp increase.

There was no '07 model, but for 2008, the Viper came back better (and more riotous than ever). The V10 now displaced 8.4 liters and produced a prodigious 600 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. The styling was also refreshed that year, while the even more hard-core ACR edition debuted with plenty of goodies designed to dominate on a track.

Regardless of which year and engine you get in this Viper, performance numbers were otherworldly, as the Viper could reach 60 mph in either 4 seconds (8.3 liter) or 3.7 seconds (8.4 liter). Containing all this power were massive brakes and impossibly wide 19-inch forged-alloy rear wheels (the fronts were 18s). What it lacked, however, was a stability control system to save overzealous drivers from themselves. Side-impact airbags were also unavailable.

Indeed, pushing this Dodge to the limit required the skill of a seasoned driver -- although it was certainly more controllable than its predecessor. Yet even rookies could admire the Viper's unbelievable road-sticking handling and mammoth V10 that pushed it to triple-digit speeds seemingly in the blink of an eye. No matter your driving skill, however, owning a Viper takes some dedication. With its cramped cabin, raucous noise, rough ride, antiquated interior controls and leg-singeing side pipes, this no-nonsense supercar made a pretty lousy daily driver or road trip companion. Still, for those seeking a back-to-basics, wickedly intense all-American muscle machine, there's nothing quite like a Dodge Viper.

Previous Dodge Viper Models
The original Dodge Viper debuted for the 1992 model year. With lots of tail-wagging power and no life-saving electronic driving aids, the original RT/10 Viper roadster was a supercar that didn't suffer fools lightly. Minor concessions to "luxury" appeared over time, such as real windows that replaced clear vinyl side curtains, but Viper fans had nothing to fear, as Dodge's top-dog sports car remained obnoxiously loud and fast. Despite the release of a GTS coupe and simultaneous upgrades for the entire line, the Viper remained essentially the same car from its debut to its 2003 redesign.

At its heart was a 400-hp, truck-based engine with lighter-weight aluminum substituting for cast iron. It was bumped up to 450 hp for 1996, when other major changes arrived with the more powerful GTS coupe. It was now a bit more civilized, with dual airbags and air-conditioning. Dodge also changed the exhaust system from side- to rear-exit, which drew the wrath of some Viper nuts despite eliminating the oh-so-frequent leg burns that could occur during entry and exit. The RT/10 roadster received much of the updates applied to the GTS coupe the following year.

In 1999 the Viper received bigger wheels, optional Connolly leather inside, power mirrors and a remote release for the coupe's glass hatch. A track-biased Viper ACR trim level also became available that year. Used Dodge Viper shoppers might also want to note that a fairly significant feature -- antilock brakes -- did not become available until 2001.

User Reviews:

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  skullboy - 2004 Dodge Viper
  By i dont know - January 20 - 2:00 am

  it goes very fast, and its a great car.

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  snooch to the nooch - 2004 Dodge Viper
  By james naughton - January 20 - 2:00 am

  its a great car

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  80 Miles New and Top End Destroyed - 2004 Dodge Viper
  By PilotInLA - January 13 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned the car less than 12 hours/80 miles and the Top End self destructed. Dodge has done nothing in helping get the car fixed. Im told repair could take 10 + weeks to pull the engine and send to factory in MI. District Manager Jason Baldwin will not even return my phone calls. Very poor customer support for a $90K cash purchase. I own two Benzs (S55 and SL55 AMGs). Youd think D/C would support their upper level customers better. Last D/C product Ill buy...

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  Viperiffic - 2000 Dodge Viper
  By Dave Green - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Pure Adrenaline Rush from first sight to each fond farewell. I have to share this car with my wife as she loves to drive it too. Dream car with affordable price.

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  WOW! - 2004 Dodge Viper
  By The - January 1 - 2:00 am

  IT IS AMAZING VERY FAST AND FUN TO DRIVE HIGHLY RECOMENDED

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  SRT-10 2004 - 2004 Dodge Viper
  By alex655321 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Car is very fast, a handful to handle (vs. my z06) and overall I like it alot. Puts out alot of heat, but stays cool inside, so far. It requires a good driver to drive it fast.

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  love this car - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By how - November 25 - 2:00 am

  traded in my 2002 vette z06, this awsome car is more fun in all ways to drive then the vette.where ever i go people always ask me about it.thais is bnot a car for the faint of hart. the only thing negative i can say is that my licnese is not going to last long

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  Better Than I Expected - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By Ziv - November 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Viper. Since I have already modified my 1994 RT/10 to 800HP I had relatively low expectations for performnce. This car is FAST and handles like a dream and comfortable. No excuses performance, awesome brakes and suspension. I am only seeing about 11MPG average (I only have 900 miles on it so far) sothat may improve. The exhaust note is sweet especially at high RPMs but I think I need it a litte louder on the low end. Best sports car for the money. Great view of Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Porsches in the rear view mirror.

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  VROOM! VROOM! VIPER! - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By lainabove - October 26 - 1:00 am

  All I can say is if you have the money buy the car. It is fun and VERY FAST! The best car I have ever owned!

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  oh yeah - 1996 Dodge Viper
  By waldo1217 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  A fun to drive car that has a lot of raw power, and is very reliable.