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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Venom (My License Plate) - 2005 Dodge Viper
By Justin Carroll - December 4 - 1:18 pmI got a Viper SRT-10 for my 17th birthday, and it is one of the most exciting things to do. My dad owns Auto Selects of Williamsburg, Virginia and this is where I got it from. When I drive up to my high school and people see this car, they just stare. I know that I am very fortunate to have this car but I would sell my first-born child before giving up this automobile
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the best - 2005 Dodge Viper
By smith - December 4 - 12:34 pmit is the best handling car i ever drove.plus it is very well put together.nothing bad to say about this monster.
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Vipe...The best performance sports car - 2005 Dodge Viper
By Larry - December 4 - 11:57 amThe acceleration is awesome ...the handling superb!
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Awesome vehicle - 2005 Dodge Viper
By bobbyjoe - December 1 - 9:11 pmFor the money, this has to be the best deal on wheels. Lot of bang for the buck. I feel like it is worth every penny spent.
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Viper 10 - 2005 Dodge Viper
By Vipper10 - November 17 - 11:01 pmAn awesome car to dirve through the country side.
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good stuff - 2005 Dodge Viper
By ccrjohnny5 - November 10 - 4:47 pmbuying this car was the best money i ever spent. its a hell of a lot of fun to drive if you know how to. And if u have the money to buy gas for a 10 cylinder car then i strongly suggest buying this car.
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Great Car - 2005 Dodge Viper
By )9990( - November 6 - 12:19 pmBest handling i have ever exsperenced in my life. I love this car and wouldnt trade it for anything!
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Amazing car!!! - 2005 Dodge Viper
By snakebite2 - November 3 - 2:00 amI have had this car for about a month and it is a blast! I traded in my z06 and at first was skeptical but this blows away a z06. The power is crazy and fun. Not only that. This thing is a real traffic stopper. When I drive by everybody stops and looks espiecally the teenagers at the shopping center. When I pick my kids up from school in it everybody stops and looks. They are rare too. I live in one of the most well off counties in the country and I have seen more ferraris and porsches(byfar) this year than vipers. Not only this they are ridiculoulsy fast. 0-60 in 3.8-3.9 seconds. 1/4 mile in 11.7 at 124 MPH. Top speed of 194 MPH. 60-0 in 97ft (world record.) If you can afford this car, buy!
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dodge man - 2005 Dodge Viper
By vrod - October 25 - 2:00 amThe best day of my life
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2004 Snake - 2004 Dodge Viper
By Jim Clymer - October 22 - 2:00 amCant believe how many times I been ask by others if they can have their picture taken with my Viper
