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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Waiting for SRT 10 Coupe - 2005 Dodge Viper
By Viper GTS 0001 - December 4 - 5:27 pmIve been lucky to have a 2001 GTS Coupe and the SRT-10 Roadster. The roadster is definitely faster, more "tourquey" and more comfortable. On the down side, I still prefer the more "throaty" rear exhaust rumble of the 2001 GTS as well as its more radical looks. The yellow / back striped GTS definitely gets more pedestrian feedback than the red SRT- 10. Ive seen the "prototype" SRT-10 coupe and they got it right. Cant wait for its release. Is it here yet? Is it?
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Twitchy - 2005 Dodge Viper
By Viper - December 4 - 5:15 pmI bought this car for my wifes birthday last July. It truly is an eye catcher and a great performer. But i guess we are not the atypical buyer for a vehicle such as this. We do not normally drive it very hard. I think the car is so twitchy at any speed that it is dangerous to drive fast. It follows the grooves of the road and is almost impossible to stay in any single lane. I have driven other high performance cars and i cant remember any of them doing this to this degree. The Viper is a work of art in the styling dept. The interior is spartan by any standard. and the lack of amenities is i guess part of its raw character. We love this car despite its few flaws.
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Stephen A. Gillen - 2005 Dodge Viper
By Steve Gillen - December 4 - 4:40 pmA Super car. I took it to vermont on a long ride. It got 22mpgs just lite cruising. The minute you go heavy on the gas -- down to 14.5
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dodge viper - 2005 Dodge Viper
By Ian shivo - December 4 - 2:47 pmwell my experience with this car is unbelievable i never drove a car like this i am use to a car going like 80 tops and i this car go nice and fast and this car is the best
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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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Fast Fun - 2005 Dodge Viper
By RaZ - December 4 - 1:10 pmThis car from the factory is quite fast. If you can get ahold of John Hennessey itll become one of the fastest street cars around. Take a look at the optional Venom 1000 package he offers for even more excitement.
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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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The Truth - 2005 Dodge Viper
By Mark - December 4 - 12:12 pmThe car is very fun to drive,very beautiful to look at,but it is scary to drive in higher speeds because it is very jumpy and not smooth.It has virtually no electronic items in the car,not even cruise control or any other modern electronic options. It is truly an american muscle car and nothing else
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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.
