2009 Dodge Viper: Road Test
2009 Dodge Viper ▼
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- MSRP: $88,590 - $89,340
- Invoice: $81,090 - $81,757
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Our road test for the 2009 Dodge Viper includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Dodge Viper from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Dodge Viper, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Dodge Viper help you decide if a 2009 Dodge Viper is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Coupe w/navigation | Convertible | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 7 |
Explosive, even at part-throttle, even from modest rpm. No opportunity yet to time, but Dodge targets under-4-second 0-60-mph times and a 200-mph top speed. The clutch and gearshift demand deliberate action and are only taxing in heavy traffic. No Vipers with the ACR Package have been made available for Consumer Guide evaluation.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Coupe w/navigation | Convertible | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.7 |
In Consumer Guide testing, we averaged 15.8 mpg in mostly highway driving and 12.0-13.2 with more city work. Viper requires premium-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| Coupe w/navigation | Convertible | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.7 |
Never full-out brutal, but always firm and frequently choppy. Viper can jar if tar strips or pavement seams simultaneously hit both front tires or both rear tires. Structural flex is impressively absent in convertibles.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Coupe w/navigation | Convertible | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 7.2 |
Steering is nicely weighted. Viper's extraordinary width, low center of gravity, and steamroller tires provide uncanny grip and race-car response in changes of direction. The suspension is pliant enough to keep Viper on course through bumpy corners taken at reasonable speed. Stopping control is resolute, with fine brake modulation and little discernible nosedive.
QUIETNESS
| Coupe w/navigation | Convertible | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 3.6 |
Viper's big V10 loafs at highway speeds, but it's not quiet at cruise. Even mild throttle application triggers an intrusive roar from the side exhaust outlets. Wind and road noise are always present.
CONTROLS
| Coupe w/navigation | Convertible | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 4.8 |
Audio and climate systems are generic Dodge items. The instruments have black markings and white faces. The speedometer and fuel gauge can suffer sunlight reflections, rendering them hard to read. The navigation system absorbs most audio functions, suffers from a small screen, and is hard to program.
DETAILS
| Coupe w/navigation | Convertible | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 6.1 |
Rich upholstery, but the cabin's only relief from hard matte plastic and textured vinyl are some metal trim pieces.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Coupe w/navigation | Convertible | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 5 |
The cabin is cramped for tall occupants. Firm, form-hugging seats are supportive in turns, but climbing in or out is a chore. Seats lack height adjustment, and close-set pedals are skewed far to the left. Their power adjustment is a plus. Engine heat turns the footwells into ovens, and the doorsills are hot to the touch from exhaust pipes within.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Coupe w/navigation | Convertible | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | .7 |
No rear seating.
CARGO ROOM
| Coupe w/navigation | Convertible | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2.2 |
A few soft bags fit in the trunk of either body style. The trunk's lid is very heavy, and must be opened for clearance to raise or lower convertible top. Cabin storage is limited to a small center console and dashboard glovebox.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Coupe w/navigation | Convertible | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 4.6 |
Explosive power and surprising handling prowess make Dodge's flagship vehicle a thrilling ride. Beyond that, though, Viper is an emotional statement that makes little sense as daily transportation. A Chevrolet Corvette or base Porsche 911 mimics its usable street performance at lower cost and with more refinement.
Total Score
| Coupe w/navigation | Convertible | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 37 | 39 | 48.6 |
Total Score: 38
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
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