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:
Showing 141 through 150 of 215.00-
the best car there is - 2003 Dodge Viper
By Slyguyy131 - October 22 - 2:00 amthis car is the best u will own. if u dont have a viper yet u should go out and buy 1 right now. if u have a lambo or ferrari sell it and buy as many vipers as u can
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good car - 2003 Dodge Viper
By scottsman - October 19 - 2:00 amits one of the best cars i have ever had!!! its fast... it turns good ... i love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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2002 final edition - 2002 Dodge Viper
By berry222 - October 18 - 2:00 amCar purchased new 9-11-03 9 miles, currantly 550 miles. Brake noise is common with these cars, due to the high performance brake pads. Car should have come with cruse control option, Dodge did not offer this as a factory option. However this car is a modern classic and exceptional in style and performance.
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World Class Sports Car - 2003 Dodge Viper
By Fred Driving School - October 16 - 2:00 amI drive the 2003 SRT10 for pleasure. And it is a pleasure to drive. The acceleration is had to match, the brakes are unbeatable, cornering is fantastic. The top is easy to put up or down in seconds. One Fast Ride for performance lovers.
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LETS GET IT ON!ooofa,ooofa,KABLAM! - 2001 Dodge Viper
By masteroftimeandspace - October 6 - 2:00 amlove this vehicle,so does the rest of the world.? else compares?The most bang for the buck re pricier sports cars and its American.I dont expect it to be a Cadillac Fleetwood 4dr as far as comfort goes.Anyone must realize that before purchasing,I hope.one should not expect it to be a Honda Accord when it comes to service or reliability issues either.I believe all citizens should be provided one through a constitutional amendment.I would never pay more for an import that has less visual impact and weak performance,just because its made in Germany or wherever.And Im of Bavarian descent.USA all the way baby!What a car the RT/10 is.Impress yourself!!I want a GTS/ACR too!!
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its ausom - 2003 Dodge Viper
By cdorm85 - September 29 - 2:00 amthe best car I have ever driven
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Once Again the Viper Dominates - 2003 Dodge Viper
By Y2KGTS - September 25 - 2:00 amHaving owned a 2000 Viper GTS prior to the SRT-10, I was skeptical that this car would live up to expectations. It blew them away. The looks, which I did not like in pictures, turned out to be nothing less than gorgeous in black. The power is improved, the brakes are incredible, and the car is refined yet not watered down in any way. In the brief time I have owned it, I have won a couple car shows featuring new Vettes and even a few other Vipers. I have also taken it to the drag strip, where it once again dominates. I have yet to encounter any stock car that will come close in performance, including previous Vipers. Bottom line: This car is AWESOME!
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Viper boy - 2003 Dodge Viper
By Lucas Gabriel - September 24 - 2:00 amI love this model of the Viper, I think its the best car Ive ever drove. It is a top of the line car.
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great - 2003 Dodge Viper
By fm - September 23 - 2:00 amits hot hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiii iiii iiiiii iiii i i i i i i i i i i i ii ii
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mopower - 2003 Dodge Viper
By dragfast - September 6 - 2:00 amA true present day muscle car,anyone that does not agree should check their pulse.The fact is that MOPAR is always improving on a already outstanding supercar,that seems like their could not be anymore to improve upon.The bottom is that the Dodge Viper holds its own against the worlds elite.
