2008 Dodge Viper: Tester's Comments
2008 Dodge Viper ▼
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- MSRP: $84,880 - $85,630
- Invoice: $77,788 - $78,456
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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2008 Dodge Viper. See if the 2008 Dodge Viper is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2008 Dodge Viper |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | SRT10 |
| Arrival Date: | 11/01/2007 |
| Engine: | ohv V10 |
| Bodystyle | 2-door convertible |
| Transmission: | 6-speed manual |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 83,895 |
| Price as Tested: | 90,745 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 5463 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 6188 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 725 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 39.065 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 15.77 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
N/A
From the Back Seat
Ed Piotrowski
Viper is far more car than most mere mortals can handle, yours truly included. Even a reasonable facsimile of smooth driving requires the driver's total and absolute concentration. Paradoxically, maybe Viper makes you a better driver because you must be so focused on the task at hand. Either way, this brute is best left as a "Hey, look at me!" statement rather than anything that could be even remotely used as everyday transportation. If that's your thing, by all means, go for it.
Sikora Don
In the past week, I've driven a Corvette Z06 and a Viper SRT-10. Using them both as "regular" cars makes you better appreciate just how civilized a Corvette Z06 really is. The Viper is a brute and is all about the 8.4-liter 600 horsepower V10 engine. The car is way beyond my driving capabilities, especially on public roads, and requires a healthy dose of respect. If you like the car, have the coin, and have enough self control to avoid getting yourself into serious trouble on the way home from the dealer, knock yourself out and go for it. Just realize, the Viper is more novelty than daily transportation.
Tom Appel
I had an epiphany last night. Up until about 7:00 PM last night I was a Viper hater. The bulk, price, the massive, volumetrically inefficient engine, the crummy cabin, I hated it all. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. Viper isn't a car, nor is it much of a status symbol...It was cold last night, but I had the top down. My stiff fingers tugged the shifter through the John Deere-quality linkage while the exhaust belched lumpy, high-test flatulence. The radio was off, but the visceral reward of piloting this unruly asp was entertainment enough. I was thoroughly engaged in what I was doing, utterly distracted by the task of driving this uncivilized beast and trying not to die in the process. In doing so I forgot the office, forgot working late, and forgot that I needed to start on another diet. I was consumed by the madness of this ridiculous car. And as a diversion, Viper works spectacularly well. Viper is not a good car, it's not even a car good at going fast (though it will go very fast). Viper is a $90,000 stress ball. A portable executive retreat, that, in a pinch, passes for transportation.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | SRT10 |
| Arrival Date: | 10/16/2008 |
| Engine: | ohv V10 |
| Bodystyle | 2-door coupe |
| Transmission: | 6-speed manual |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 85,210 |
| Price as Tested: | 91,375 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 7631 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 8100 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 469 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 31.618 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 14.83 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Venom red metallic clear coat exterior paint, premium two-tone interior, navigation system w/AM/FM/CD and satellite radio, unique alloy wheels
From the Back Seat
Don Sikora
Viper is all about emotion and raw power. Used as a regular car it can be borderline unpleasant, but that's not what Viper is about. If Viper's unique qualities appeal to you, and you have enough self-control over your right foot, as well as a wallet fat enough to afford it, you'll probably be happy with your purchase.
Ed Piotrowski
Viper is best appreciated as a dry-weather, weekend-only sports car for the extroverted. That extremely limited scope makes its $90,000 sticker price awfully hard to swallow. At that price, you're 90% of the way to a Corvette ZR1, which is faster, better handling, and would actually be a decent daily driver.
Jack Stewart
The Viper is a no-nonsense performance car with brutal performance, however it is hard to live with and the power isn't always easy to use.
John Biel
A driver has to really want the visceral thrill that comes with pressing the red starter button and disturbing the slumber of the peace-shattering "thing" that is the 600-hp V10. Like a crusading newspaper, the Viper coupe afflicts the comfortable with its tight, hot cabin; stiff clutch; and omnipresent din. This is not an amiable companion for a long-distance road trip, but rather a short-term showpiece for periodic cruising--preferably only in dry weather.
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