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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  2002 Dodge Viper ACR - 2002 Dodge Viper
  By Pablo Picasso - May 31 - 2:00 am

  Had the ACR for one week. So far so good. Drives very fast with poor gas mileage. Turns heads everywhere. Slightly uncomfortable race-like ride, but that is expected.

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  Spanking Good - 1992 Dodge Viper
  By Big Bob - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Its mad fast and it will BLOW you away

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  awesome car - 2002 Dodge Viper
  By seth parr - May 22 - 2:00 am

  this is one of the best cars that you could ever want to by you will be amazed by the ability of this car wow

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  Best Car Ever - 2002 Dodge Viper
  By Treyman - May 21 - 2:00 am

  The best car ever. No complaints.

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  My new Viper - 2002 Dodge Viper
  By 2tall - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car overall. The only american car to qualify as an exotic. The only "rare" production car in america (maybe Prowler too). Blows the doors off everything out there except 1 Porsche and the new Lambo. More expensive and rare than anything that BMW makes except the Z8, and everything Jag makes except the XKR convertible. Style for days. Power for weeks. Everybody else, sit down.

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  Most Incredible American Muscle Car - 2002 Dodge Viper
  By getbit - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Most exhilarating drive I have ever experienced. This is my third Viper and cant seem to find a peer for sheer adrenaline rush that this car provides.

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  sweet - 2001 Dodge Viper
  By sweet - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I have one and it is very fun to have one

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  Best SUV in its class - 2002 Dodge Viper
  By Phil Mc Crackin - May 12 - 2:00 am

  This SUV outperforms all the rest. Handle the rockies like a Billy Goat. Clearance was unbelievable on off road course. Three days in Baja proves it can run with the Hummer. Under water performance was astonishing. Propeller never failed once. It was worth the 350 hP outboard as an option. Mud tires a must in Colorado winters.

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  awsome!! - 2002 Dodge Viper
  By jew - May 11 - 2:00 am

  horsepower is really great i love the car so much its brand new i cant wait to drive it more

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  92 Vipers Review - 1992 Dodge Viper
  By John Mend - May 2 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle performed out of the ordinary and was extremely fun to drive. It was a powerful gas guzzler. And not very comfortable due to its performance.