Dodge Viper Summary
The Dodge Viper is not for the faint-hearted. This all-American sports car burst onto the scene back in the early '90s, delivering the largest production engine of any car alongside 400 hp. Focused purely on driving experience, the Dodge Viper also launched without any driver aid systems, airbags or even an automatic transmission. The Dodge Viper eventually evolved, gaining more comfort and safety features, power, and better handling—but it held onto a six-speed manual transmission until production ended in 2017.
Dodge Viper Safety
Depending on the model year, the Dodge Viper comes with a solid list of safety features. The final generation, which was produced from 2013 to 2017, features a full suite of traction and stability control systems, which help put power to the ground evenly and keep the car pointed in the right direction. It also came with:
- An anti-lock braking system (ABS), preventing wheels from locking during braking, which debuted on the 2001 model
- Airbags, unavailable from launch in 1991 until 1995 in the interest of weight reduction, which became standard in 1996 and were improved in 1998
Dodge Viper Interior
There are just two seats in the Dodge Viper for the driver and passenger. Seats come wrapped in cloth as standard across generations with leather upgrades available. Later, ACR models—the extreme, track-ready trim—swap out leather for part-leather, part-Alcantara seats.
Early models feature a straightforward interior largely consisting of plastic. The 2013–2017 models bump up the quality, with leather covering nearly every surface. While the standard colour of upholstery is black, special editions through the years offer other options, such as orange or silver interior stitching.
Dodge Viper Technology
Those looking for the latest in tech may find this vehicle sparsely equipped, at least with models before 2013. The Dodge Viper focuses on driving excitement, not necessarily infotainment or driver aids. An AM/FM cassette player is offered since the model's launch, with air conditioning coming to the GTS trim in 1996. Models from 2013 onward include more modern features, such as:
- Dodge's Uconnect touchscreen, with navigation, audio and more
- An 18-speaker Harman Kardon sound system on the GTS model
Dodge Viper Space
The Dodge Viper may seem like a surprisingly small car given the monstrous engine up front. Space for the driver and passenger is adequate thanks to low seats, and coupe models (two-door) feature an iconic "double-bubble" roof for extra head space. There's little storage space in the cabin, but the coupe's trunk is quite large, with 416 L of space. Convertible models offer less space due to the fold-away roof.
Dodge Viper Comfort
There are few cars that achieve the performance of the Dodge Viper. Not only is its engine powerful, its size delivers substantial torque, leading to quick acceleration. Thanks to wide tires and a race-tuned suspension, the Dodge Viper stays glued to the road, especially around corners. This may translate to a rougher ride in the city, however. Some drivers report the clutch pedal feels heavy, which could be an issue in long stints of stop-and-go traffic.
