2003-2006 Dodge Viper: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Dodge Viper
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Pros
- Acceleration
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Noise
- Fuel economy
- Ride
Vehicle Highlights
Dodge redesigned America's high-performance champ for 2003, giving the two-passenger Viper new styling, new engineering--and even more power than before. Gone were the GTS coupe and RT-10 convertible, with its cross-body roof hoop. Badged SRT-10, the Viper was now a true convertible with a manual folding top and an electrically heated glass rear window. Wheelbase grew by 2.6 inches, compared to the 1992-2002 Viper, but overall length shrunk about an inch and curb weight dropped slightly. When the roof was lowered, the folding convertible top's rigid center section doubled as a tonneau panel. Viper retained its front-mounted V10-engine/rear-wheel-drive layout, but the V10 was a new design of 8.3 liters and 500 horsepower, versus the previous 8.0 liters and 450 hp. As before, the sole transmission was a six-speed manual. While ABS was standard, this two-seater maintained an aversion to high tech by not offering traction/antiskid control. No side airbags were available, either. In the redesigned interior, the tachometer sat directly before the driver, with a 220-mph speedometer to the right. Standard equipment included leather-and-faux-suede seats; a tilt steering column; power-adjustable clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals; power windows; and air conditioning. Tires were run-flats on 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rears. Side-mounted exhaust pipes returned from the original Viper, and xenon high-intensity-discharge high- and low-beam headlamps were standard. Sports-car rivals included the Acura NSX, Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 911, but nothing was quite like the muscular rear-wheel-drive Viper.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Dodge Viper SRT-10 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 10 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 10 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 38 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 2003-2006 Dodge Viper includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2003-2006 Dodge Viper and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2003-2006 Dodge Viper is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Simply put, Viper is an emotional statement that makes little sense for daily transportation--rendered only slightly rational by the improved 2003 version. A Chevrolet Corvette, base Porsche 911, or even a Mustang Cobra, can match the Viper's usable street performance at lower cost and with much more refinement.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Dodge Viper SRT-10 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 10 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 10 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 38 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $1,430 |
| Alternator | $730 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | |
| Brakes | $1,840 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $1,900 |
| Exhaust System | $4,300 |
| Radiator | $920 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $9,200 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,450 |
| Universal Joints | $1,650 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2006 | |||
| Viper conv. | $56,000-59,000 | $53,200-56,100 | $42,000-44,300 |
| Viper coupe | $58,500-61,500 | $55,600-58,400 | $43,900-46,100 |
| 2005 | |||
| Viper conv. | $50,500-53,500 | $47,500-50,300 | $37,900-40,100 |
| 2004 | |||
| Viper conv. | $46,000-49,000 | $43,200-46,100 | $34,000-36,300 |
| 2003 | |||
| Viper conv. | $42,000-44,500 | $39,500-41,800 | $30,700-32,500 |
|
|
|||
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 2-door coupe |
| Wheelbase, in. | 98.8 | 98.8 |
| Overall Length, in. | 175.6 | 175.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 75.2 | 75.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 47.6 | 47.6 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3410 | 3450 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 8.4 | 6.3 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | 18.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 | 2 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 36.5 | 36.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V10 | 8.3 / 505 | 500-510 | 525-535 | 6-speed manual: 12/21 | 6-speed manual: 10.6 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
NHTSA Recall History
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
