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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  Just an $80,000 Dodge.. - 2000 Dodge Viper
  By sds130 - November 29 - 11:20 pm

  This is by far the worst car I have ever owned. The car is beautiful and fast, but that is where it ends. Dodges customer service and dealerships are the worst. After getting caught in a rainstorm during a 5 hour trip and having the seals replaced 6 times, I was told by Dodge "dont drive the car in the rain". Battery constantly dies...replaced three times...was told by Dodge..yeah, they have a heavy drain...the owner (of the dealership) has the same problem..just unplug it (invloves taking wheel off). Melted exhaust manifold, plugs, and wires at 19k...told by Dodge "these cars run hot"..door panel repeatedly falls off...all this from an uncomfortable and tempremental car to begin with!

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  Viper 10 - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By Vipper10 - November 17 - 11:01 pm

  An awesome car to dirve through the country side.

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  good stuff - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By ccrjohnny5 - November 10 - 4:47 pm

  buying 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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  Street Legal Race Car - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By Jon:M - November 9 - 9:14 am

  While the SRT-10 isnt nearly as stunning as the earlier RT/10 or GTS models, it remains true to Bob Lutzs original concept: it is as close as you can get to a road-course race car for use on the street for less than six figures. And while it isnt designed for it, off-the-shelf quarter-mile times in the 11s isnt too shabby, either.

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  Great Car - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By )9990( - November 6 - 12:19 pm

  Best 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 am

  I 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 am

  The best day of my life

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  2004 Snake - 2004 Dodge Viper
  By Jim Clymer - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Cant believe how many times I been ask by others if they can have their picture taken with my Viper

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  Good old american muscle - 2005 Dodge Viper
  By ViperDave - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 96 GTS when they first came out and loved it. I wanted the true convertible this time and like the new body style. I didnt trade the old one in and will drive both of them.

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  nice - 1996 Dodge Viper
  By evilfrenchcook - October 15 - 2:00 am

  very nice ride i like that the viper now has 505 hp. the torque is awesome to