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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Is that a Viper - 1994 Dodge Viper
By Steve - August 9 - 2:29 amThere are not many cars on the road that get the kind of attention the Dodge Viper receives. I have owned the car since late September of 2004 and have always gotten a wave, a smile, a thumbs up, a yell, a nod and the occassional reving of someone elses engine. Every once in a while a Viper fan will spin their head so far around that youd swear it made a complete 360 turn. The car is a treat to drive. Not only is it one of the fastest production cars on the road but its fun to drive. The Gen I vipers handle like go carts as compared to the newer models which lack the "fun factor". This car is the best bang for the buck on the market. It is just as awesome today as it was in 1994.
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Viper review - 2005 Dodge Viper
By buckey - July 27 - 5:07 pmI purchased this auto after much consideration of whats available on the market for a superior performing and appearing, as well as convenient sports car. I also wanted a convertible to be able to have the open air feeling that accompanies that. This car has completely satisfied that objective and I can truthfully say that I have been completely happy with my choice.
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Super Car - 2004 Dodge Viper
By Douglas C Miller PhD - July 9 - 10:54 amIve had my all black Viper for almost a year now--just about at 10K miles. Performance is as expected-- unbelievable. I find it very comfortable as an everyday car but superb out on the road. My only complaints are how hot it gets once the engine is warm, particularly in traffic, and the poor gas mileage (but I expected that with this engine). Its not easy to fit in a tall passenger either, but at my height Im very comfortable, and the drivers seat just hugs one. Acceleration is far and away the best Ive driven, better than BMWs, Porsches, Vettes. I test drove everything except Ferraris and Lamborghinis and chose the Viper, and Im still happy with it.
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Love it - 2005 Dodge Viper
By Willard - June 18 - 1:55 amMore power than you can imagine. A muscle car that needs no maintenance. It is truly a modern day hot rod. It is a mix of raw power and gut wrenching off the line thrust. Who would actually believe it gets over 20 miles per gallon on the highway? It does!
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Great Super Car - 1996 Dodge Viper
By Domenic - May 27 - 11:56 amCar could not be better just got my 96 Viper white w/ Blue stripes a month ago and already put over 3000 miles on it I drove it home from Missourri 900 miles w/ the top off it was great. I can not drive this car enough.
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EXCELLENT - 2005 Dodge Viper
By dodge_girl - May 14 - 7:40 pmThis is the best car ever! It is very fast,cool,and did I mention fast? I would only recamend it for very experienced drivers like myself. Altough this car is very expencive it is so awesome. When I am just driving down the street I get good looks from people and very many comments like nice ride or awesome wheels. This car is like I said before..........AWESOME!!
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VIPER Review -- MY PICK!!! - 2004 Dodge Viper
By BillyD - May 9 - 3:05 pmI just purchased one. I am 41 years old and it took a lot of wife convincing. Anyway, on the maiden voyage, I came up against a Mustang Cobra SVT (690hp). I had my 8 year old boy with me. Before I even knew what I was doing (and thinking I was 21), the race was on. The Viper won by a hair from a rolling start (10mph) to 80mph. Exhilaration was the feeling until I realized what I had done (on a 30mph 4 lane street in a very upscale neighborhood). Thank God there were no cops. If you love beautiful, fast cars, buy one!
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Whooooa! - 2005 Dodge Viper
By Brett - May 5 - 4:42 pmIve owned my Dodge Viper SRT-10 for about 12 months now. Ive owned over 16 cars and this is by far the most powerful, awe-inspiring, attention getting, like you are at an amusement park fun to drive car I have ever experience. The value of this car when comparing price to performance is simply unbeatable. This in not an everyday driver, but is great fun on the weekends and coastal trips. For the automotive enthusiasts the Viper SRT-10 is a must have.
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Awesome car! - 2005 Dodge Viper
By Mike - April 18 - 8:22 pmWe purchased Dodge Viper a month ago and both me and my wife already fell in love with it. We almost bought new Vette and thank God we didnt. By far this is the best styling (in/out) and performance you can get for your money. The car is gorgeous from any angle you look at and is probably best designed car ever. The dealer was nice enough to throw in a free (Mopar) navigation system which I highly recommend.
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Dream Car - 2004 Dodge Viper
By Thom - April 18 - 11:00 amThe Dodge Viper has always been my dream car. The latest generation Viper is the best yet. The performance is amazing, the acceleration incredible. And the car really does attract attention everywhere it goes.
