After debuting with a 400-hp 8.0L V10, the five generations of the Dodge Viper continue to deliver supercar performance with evolving levels of comfort and stability.
Key Points
- 1993 to 2002 model year Vipers were sparse on the inside with spartan levels of comfort. However, they represent the cheapest used car options.
- Each additional generation added more power and creature comforts, as came with a dramatically increasing price tag.
- The most recent Dodge Viper models (2003 to 2017) are supercar fast but still carry a six-figure price tag.
- Dodge Vipers are surprisingly reliable, particularly early examples that parts with other Chrysler vehicles.
Early Viper Offers Low Frills but Big Thrills Thanks to Standard 8.0L V10 Engine
There are few cars with more panache and personality than the Dodge Viper. It was one of the few cars that went from concept to production with minimal changes. The original Viper was designed in the late 1980s and debuted in 1991 with a canvas roof but no door handles, keyholes, or even air-conditioning. It was as pure of a performance experience as you could get from a new car dealership. But that doesn’t mean the original is the best. So, settle in and let our guide help you pick the best year for the Dodge (also called SRT) Viper.
To say that the early models of the Dodge Viper are short of interior creature comforts is a massive understatement. The canvas top was just the beginning, the early Vipers had vinyl windows that zippered into place, just like a Jeep Wrangler.
It was reported that during development, the Chrysler engineers wanted to emulate the old Shelby Cobra, so you can understand how comfort wasn’t necessarily a priority. However, the leather bucket seats were adjustable, and you did get carpeted floors when the Cobra did not. The exterior was absolutely poster-worthy, with a long hood, curvy snake-like lines, and a cool side exhaust.
The early Vipers were powered by an 8.0L V10 engine putting out an even 400 horsepower and an impressive 456 lb.-ft. of torque.
Fun fact, the original prototype for the engine’s aluminum block came from Lamborghini, which was owned by Chrysler at the time. It featured a cool F1-style external cooling manifold to help tame the temperatures. It would hit 60 miles-per-hour in 4.2 seconds and top out around 160 miles per hour. However, you won’t find the latest safety tech on the first-gen. Viper, in fact, you won’t find any. No anti-lock-brakes, no traction control, nothing. It’s just you versus the machine, so buyer beware.
It did feature a fully independent suspension with Koni coil-over shocks and a tubular steel frame. It’s still said that early Vipers are a handful to drive.
Dodge Viper Does Away with Side-vent Exhaust & Adds Hardtop-only GTS Trim
Starting in 1994, you could mercifully find the Viper with optional air-conditioning. For the 1996 model year, Dodge added a rear exhaust in place of the side pipe exhaust system that was the cause of many burned legs. 1996 also saw a new fiberglass top option for owners who didn’t want to deal with the canvas roof on the topless Viper.
Power increased to 415 horsepower as well, but the big news was the new GTS coupe version of the Viper. The hardtop-only GTS has real power windows and subjectively is a lot better looking than the roofless Viper. It was quicker too, with another 35 horsepower over the open-air version. Starting in 1997 Dodge gave convertible models the same upgrades as the GTS and Dodge began referring to the convertible as the RT/10.
By the 2000s, the Viper soldiered on becoming a bit safer and a bit more usable. 2001 saw the addition of anti-lock brakes, a sign of the Viper’s maturity in the crowded sports car market.
If you are looking for a special edition version, there were a couple to choose from. The 1998 Viper GT2 celebrated an impressive finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans by race-versions of the Viper and got race-inspired aero parts and 460 horsepower. Only 100 were made, so be prepared to pay a steep premium if you can find one.
In 1999, the Viper ACR was added to the lineup featuring the same upgraded engine as the GT2, but with a stripped-out interior to help you go faster at the track. The ACR isn’t cheap either, but that version is a bit easier to find compared to the GT2.
Which Early Model Viper is Right for You?
Well, that depends on your budget intersects with your pain tolerance. The least expensive are the early model convertibles as their basic interior appointments are paired with the smallest engine. They originally sold just a bit over $50,000 and you can expect to pay around 80% of that amount today.
The GTS coupe version has been insanely popular, with prices holding well north of its original $66,000 price tag.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Viper GT2 has sold at auction at over $100,000 based on its limited availability and top-spec trim. The ACR was originally a $10,000 premium over the base price of a Viper, but they have been holding their value well because of their track-focused prowess and larger output engine.
Oddly enough, the Viper’s simplicity makes it a fairly reliable car. The parts-bin engineering means that it used a ton of other Chrysler parts, which makes mechanical repairs a bit easier on the wallet. Keep an eye out for leaks around various seals and gaskets, but it’s the usual stuff you would expect on a car of this age. However, body parts are much harder to come by.
If you come across a used Viper in need of repair for any cosmetic or exterior damage, expect to pay a premium for replacement parts.
Modern Vipers Ramp Up Price & Performance with New 8.3L & 8.4L V10 Engines
Fast forward to 2003 and the venerable RT/10 was replaced by the SRT-10 roadster. This new lighter Dodge Viper was technically the car’s third generation and represented a new breed of the V10 supercar. A new more powerful 8.3L V10 was massaged up to 500 horsepower and 525 lb.-ft. of torque. Clearly, the new Viper was not messing around.
There were not a ton of changes over the next couple of years, a limited-edition Mamba package added some black trim and $3,000 to the sticker price for 2004. While there were no big updates for 2005, the big news was the replacement for the GTS that arrived for 2006.
Exactly ten years since the unveiling of the original GTS, the new SRT-10 coupé arrived in dealerships. The trend of the more powerful coupe continued, the coupe had 510 horsepower and 535 lb.-ft. of torque. There was no 2007 Viper as Dodge got ready for yet another new Viper for 2008.
Unsurprising, the fourth generation Viper arrived in 2008 with an even larger 8.4L V10 engine. It put out a massively impressive 600 horsepower and 560 lb.-ft. of torque! The vaunted ACR returned in even more track-worthy form, setting a Nürburging production car lap record in Germany. In late 2009 Dodge announced the unthinkable, the beloved Viper would no longer be on sale after the 2010 model year. That makes the 2008-2010 model year run the shortest of all the Viper generations.
Thankfully, its demise was short-lived, by 2013 the fifth-generation Viper was back in showrooms. Even though it was still featuring the same 8.4L V10 engine, it was now tweaked to produce 640 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque. There were tons of changes to go with what would actually be the Viper’s final generation. The Viper was lighter and faster, with aluminum and carbon fiber body panels plus a whole lot more.
Performance was unreal, 3.5 seconds to sixty miles per hour and a top speed of over 200 miles per hour.
Sadly the Viper was not a sales success and its run ended in 2017. It didn’t come without a host of special versions, 2017 included five limited-edition Vipers that will surely hold their value. Will we see a new modern-day Viper? Now that Fiat is over Chrysler, it’s unclear whether the Ferrari brand would be up for a new Dodge supercar.
Which Modern Viper is Right for You?
Not too dissimilar to the early Viper, the more modern Viper also comes with a premium. Even early third-generation cars weren’t cheap out of the showroom.
The 2003 model started at almost $80,000 but you can find used examples in the $50,000 range today. Fourth-generation models were pricey as well, starting at just over $85,500 for a base model in 2008. Used prices are still quite high, typically over $70,000 as of this writing.
Jumping to the fifth generation, things didn’t get any cheaper. In fact, the 2013 Viper started at near $100,000 in base form, with the GTS topping a whopping $120,000. By 2017 Dodge had reduced the premium, with the base model starting at just under $88,000 and those special editions like the ACR back up in the $120,000 range. Those recent Vipers are still commanding a six-figure used price these days.
So, you can see what you are up against with modern-day Vipers. The amazing performance and incredible styling demand a premium to this day.
There are a few issues to track before investing such a sum in a Dodge supercar though. Two of the larger recalls are dubbed “R28” and “R29”.
Recall R28 notes that the engine block is susceptible to contamination by debris, which can result in total engine failure and would need an entire engine block replacement. Recall R29 says that oil can be forced into an air hose at higher speeds and higher rpms. A new oil management system and valve cover assembly is required to fix the issue.
Always make sure you check for open recalls and get an expert pre-purchase inspection done prior to spending your hard-earned money. The rest of the known issues and recalls aren’t all that significant, but be wary of consumable items needing replacement like tires, brakes, etc. None of those items are cheap for a modern Viper. The Viper is also quite a fuel hog, with a pretty low mpg rating, which is not surprising.
Regardless of the Viper that ends up in your driveway, it’s going to be quite an experience!
Photos: Stellantis
