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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  Kens Viper Review - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By Ken - June 6 - 5:07 pm

  This is my second Viper. I had a 2002, the older body style convertible RT/10. Although I loved the 2002, the new Viper SRT/10 has some significant improvements, particularly in the exterior design and the interior. Performance, as with the 2002, is spine tingling.

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  Great Super Car - 1996 Dodge Viper
  By Domenic - May 27 - 11:56 am

  Car 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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  Itll knock your socks off! - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By Ooomph - May 17 - 1:13 am

  Being a former Vette owner let me tell you there is NO comparison. This is a street legal race-car, period. Whether youre hunting TT Porsches, 360s or whatever, this car will easily even out the playing field. You want comfort? Buy a Caddy. If you want to make old ladies dive for the emergency lane as you pass at 65mph still in 1st gear, buy the Viper. This car may not be the fastest, quickest or slickest but it sure does rank high in all of those categories! How many other bone- stock American made cars will hit 160mph in 4th -- in less than a half- mile? I love my Bright Silver Metallic Viper SRT-10! (my wife hates it...jealousy!)

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  EXCELLENT - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By dodge_girl - May 14 - 7:40 pm

  This 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 pm

  I 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 pm

  Ive 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 pm

  We 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 am

  The 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.

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  incomparable - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By Ryan - April 17 - 4:43 am

  Driving the Viper is an absolutely incomparable inxperience. Nothing close to this price range is even remotely as gorgeous or as much fun to drive. Power and performance are unmatched. The amount of attention you get everywhere you take this car is unbelievable. Short of dropping a quarter million dollars on Lamborghini, Ferrari or some other hyper-exotic, there is nothing at all like this. The $80,000 price tag is a steal considering the power, performance and looks of this car. Plus the Viper name is legendary. Mustangs and Corvettes are ubiquitous, nobody cares when they see those. The cars touchy handling and huge noisy engine arent for everyone, but I love everything about it.

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  Viper - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By Ken - March 24 - 5:36 pm

  I have had many super experiences with this car. It is the best car I have ever owned. I am a car collector and have a 360 spider and am on the waiting list for a Mercedes Benz SLR. I also have owned many different performance cars but i still live the Viper the most.