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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  SRT IS A GREAT CAR - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By Skip White - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my seventh Viper. I must say this car is so much improved than former models. The changes that were made to the car are great, not that the former model was bad, but this car has a very updated look to it. Many things that were allready ok on the former model, have been improved. I love it, its great car to drive, and if I must say, no car on earth is as appealing to the public.

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  Viper - Great Car!! - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By cpaulcoco - July 26 - 2:00 am

  drive one yourself - handling superb - exceleration phenomenol - 25 mpg in 6th gear, but you must do at least 70 mph

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  awesome power - 2000 Dodge Viper
  By tricki - July 25 - 2:00 am

  great machine with loads of power and best handling ride i have ever driven. You have to drive it to believe it.

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  dodge - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By masterdawgC - July 24 - 2:00 am

  its a great car and its very fast and is fun to ride

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  Not for sale at ANY price... - 1997 Dodge Viper
  By Hammer - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the car since new for 6 years now. Eevn now, after all that time, the power and handling of this car still amazes me. This car IS NOT recommended for the faint of heart, posers and Wusses - I recommend a Ferrari for those people.

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  The good, bad, and ugly. - 2001 Dodge Viper
  By brett_summerer - June 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought my car 4/02. Took 3 months to wipe the grin off my face. By 9/02 it had been in the shop more than 30 days, and Ive now filed for the lemon law. Build quality and comfort are atrocious, but I still love driving it every now and again. Loved owning it, cant wait to get rid of it.

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  better and better - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By lovelife - May 29 - 2:00 am

  this is the 5th viper in my colletion, and the cherry on top of the sundae. absolutely a fantastic vehicle. dodge gets a thumbs up for this concept - an american supercar to go head to head with the best europe has to offer and the $$$ can NOT be beat.

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  awsome car - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By lucas storrs - May 20 - 2:00 am

  I have had a very good experience I have wrecked twenty times in 2 years

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  Dodge Viper SRT-10 - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By Moora - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I think the 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10 is a wonderful, fast, viper-like sports car (I hope Dodge hears about this). Its also extremely reliable. Its interior is wonderful with the gauges vertily in a curved line. Just a work of art!

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  1995 Dodge Viper RT/10 - 1995 Dodge Viper
  By Nick Strake - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Without a doubt one of the most fun cars ever built to drive. The interior ans options are cheap and basic, but you are too busy having fun to notice anything else besides the road.