2000 Dodge Viper: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Dodge's high-performance rear-wheel-drive 2-seat sports car gets only minor changes for 2000, including a new silver exterior color and revisions to the ACR equipment group.

Viper comes as the GTS coupe and RT/10 convertible. They share a 450-horsepower 8.0-liter V10, America's largest and most-powerful production automobile engine. A version of this V10 is used in Dodge's Ram pickup truck.

A 6-speed manual is the sole transmission; its shifter automatically goes from first gear to fourth gear in light-throttle acceleration as a fuel-saving measure. The clutch, brake, and gas pedals are adjustable for reach. The convertible has a removable soft top above the seating area; a removable hard top is optional. Air conditioning and leather seating surfaces are standard, but antilock brakes, side airbags, and traction control are unavailable.

Vipers now have a child-seat tether anchorage, and the race-ready Viper ACR gets a new nameplate and a revised front suspension with stiffer spring rates.

COMPETITION

This class features an interesting mix of hard-core performance models and more luxurious touring convertibles. Our Best Buys give you a little of both worlds. The Chevrolet Corvette is fast, comfortable, and reasonably affordable. Unlike previous models it doesn't beat you up with a hard ride, and it will cruise quietly at highway speeds. Our other Best Buy, the Mazda Miata, is a bare-bones roadster with few frills and average acceleration, but for weekend fun on a twisty back road it's hard to beat. If you don't mind spending a few more bucks, we recommend you take a look at the BMW Z3 and Mercedes-Benz SLK. Both are two-seat convertibles. The BMW is more sporty and the Mercedes is more luxurious. If you are interested in bang-for-the-buck our Budget Buys include the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang. At any given price or equipment level the Camaro is a faster car, but the Mustang might be a little more user-friendly as a daily driver.