2003-2006 Dodge Viper: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2005 Dodge Viper
2006 Dodge Viper
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2003-2006 Dodge Viper 

  • Price Range:  $39,500 - $58,400
CG Rating

38

out of 100

About our Road Test

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2003-2006 Dodge Viper and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

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
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2003-2006 Dodge Viper. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2003-2006 Dodge Viper.

Year to Year Changes


2004 Dodge Viper: America's most powerful production car stood pat for 2004, except for new trunk carpeting and red-colored brake calipers.
2005 Dodge Viper: Two new colors became available on 2005 models: Yellow and Copperhead Orange. Little else changed.
2006 Dodge Viper: Dodge revived the coupe body that had been offered on pre-2003 Vipers, to join the soft-top roadster. The Viper's V10 engine now was rated 510 horsepower (an increase of 10). Later in the model year, Sirius satellite radio joined the options list.

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

Explosive is the word for Viper acceleration, even at part-throttle and from modest rpm. Dodge said the Viper's target was 0-60 mph acceleration in under 4 seconds, with a top speed above 190 mph. Few testers would doubt those figures. The Viper clutch and gearshift demand deliberate action, but are not taxing. Fuel economy has averaged 10.6 mpg in mixed city/highway driving, so Viper isn't the car for keeping gasoline costs down. Premium fuel is required. Never full-out brutal, the Viper's ride is always firm and frequently choppy. This car can jar if tar strips or pavement seams are wide enough to simultaneously hit both front tires or both rear tires, but there's an impressive absence of structural flex. Viper's extraordinary width, low center of gravity, and steamroller tires provide uncanny grip, plus race-car response in changes of direction. Unless speed is excessive, the suspension is pliant enough to keep Viper on course through bumpy corners. Faithful, nicely weighted steering adds to the Viper experience. Resolute stopping power can be expected, with fine brake modulation and little discernible nosedive. Because the big V10 engine turns only 1400 rpm at 70 mph, in sixth gear, it's quiet while cruising. Still, even mild throttle input triggers an intrusive ear-level roar from the side exhaust outlets. Wind and road noise are always present, but no more meddlesome than in other high-performance convertibles, top-up or top-down. Self-evident controls include generic Dodge audio and climate systems. Instruments have trendy black markings and white faces. The tachometer identifies rev limit by a mere change in hashmark color rather than a bold redline, which seems odd for a sports car in this league. Also, the speedometer and fuel gauge suffer sunlight reflections. Rich upholstery is pleasing, but the cabin's only relief from common matte plastic and textured vinyl are some metal trim pieces. Firm, form-hugging seats are supportive in turns, but a chore to climb into and out of. Lack of a tilt steering wheel may annoy some drivers, too. Seats have only manual fore/aft and backrake adjustments (no height adjustment). Close-set pedals are skewed far to the left, but power pedals are a plus. Engine heat turns footwells into virtual ovens--and doorsills are hot to the touch from the exhaust pipes within. Intrusive angles jut into the trunk walls and floor, but a few soft bags will fit. The heavy trunklid must be opened for clearance to raise or lower the convertible top. In-cabin storage is limited to a small center console and a dashboard glovebox.
Value for the Money
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

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Dodge Viper includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Dodge Viper .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Convertible top: The tonneau cover can be worn through at the ends by the tensioners, but protective caps are available to prevent rubbing. (2003-05)

Hood/trunk: The trunk may be hard to close (must be slammed) because the flange under the weatherstrip is too high and must be cut down near the center. (2003-05)

Poor transmission shift: Poor acceleration when shifting from first to second gear, after sitting (such as at a red light) in hot weather with a hot engine is corrected by flashing the engine control computer. (2003

Steering problems: Power steering additives containing Teflon can plug up the filter in the fluid reservoir. (2004-05)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
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
Our price chart for this generation Dodge Viper details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
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
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Dodge Viper include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

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

Only one powertrain is available in Vipers: a 500-horsepower 8.3-liter V10 engine, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. In 2006, the engine rating rose to 510 hp and 535 pounds-feet.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
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.

Built In:  USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Dodge Viper include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

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%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2003-2006 Dodge Viper directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

2003 Viper: Fuel pump wiring may become chafed by underbody heat shield, which could cause fuse to open, resulting in engine stalling.
2003 Viper: Multifunction switch contact may corrode, causing headlamps, parking lamps and/or instrument panel to flicker or become inoperative.

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