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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  GREAT!! - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By sAM - December 11 - 2:00 am

  BEST IN THE WORLD!!

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  Final Edition # 171 of 360 - 2002 Dodge Viper
  By Daniel Lesser - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Definatly the coolest, fastest, most fun car I have ever owned and driven. Owning a Viper is much more than just owning the car... it is an experience.

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  dodge viper - 2002 Dodge Viper
  By darrell logan - November 26 - 2:00 am

  it is very fast and nice

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  the best car in the world - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By viperboy - October 31 - 2:00 am

  it a great car and it is a blast t6 drive. gotta have one!

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  GREAT - 2001 Dodge Viper
  By Chris Mann - October 12 - 2:00 am

  It was great to drive

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  piece of crap - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By billlotida - October 5 - 2:00 am

  In the beginning I thought buying the viper is such a nice car, I felt so special driving it. That is until I was on date with my girlfriend when it stalled. We were stuck in the middle of nowhere for hours. The 24 roadside assistance they promised us was of no help the mechanic they sent us did not know anything.

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  Viper SRT - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By ViperSRT - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle not built yet. Opinions based on drive eval of a test vehicle. Currently own a 1995 RT/10 and the SRT- 10 is a major improvement for everything except exterior performance (impossible to improve on the original).

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  BURNOUT MASTER - 2003 Dodge Viper
  By Eklipse Man - September 19 - 2:00 am

  The viper has a classic problem that comes with massave hp and a rwd ststem IT WILL SMOKE THE TIRES OFF WITHOUT FAIL inotherwords Too much hp too little traction

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  What a car! - 2002 Dodge Viper
  By shclarke - September 1 - 2:00 am

  It is rare to find a car that is as much fun to drive four thousand miles later as you thought it would be the first time you saw it. This car just gets better and better. I was afraid I might have some problems with it, but it has run like a top. I cant say enough about how much I love this car! This is clearly not the car for everyone, but it is certainly the car for me.

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  hott stuff - 1996 Dodge Viper
  By dumbass - July 14 - 2:00 am

  i love it more than any other car ive ever had. it is the most fun to drive and look at.