2008 Dodge Viper
Based on analysis of 20 Viper reviews and test drives.
Dodge Viper - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Dodge Viper ranks 8 out of 9 Super Luxury Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 20 published reviews and test drives of the Dodge Viper, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Viper delivers a true racecar experience with plenty of power, but falls short of competitors in interior quality and comfort. Consequently, it ranks in the bottom half of its class.
The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 is a wildly fast performer for an affordable price (for its class). This year, the Viper gets several modifications including engine and performance upgrades. It comes with the moniker SRT-10, which is short for "Street and Racing Technology," while the "10" refers to the car's powerful ten-cylinder engine. According to AutoWeek: "The Viper is now easier to drive than ever, handles as well as it accelerates and still stands out as one of the most outrageous factory road cars on the market. Especially at this price."
Still, the Viper isn't perfect. While it stuns test drivers with its powerful performance, its interior is lacking in both quality and comfort. However, several reviewers point out that the interior isn't all that important in this high-performance machine.
The Viper SRT-10 comes in coupe and convertible body styles. Both styles get a 600-horsepower V10 engine.
- +"This car is the best piece of pure American muscle on the road today." -- Detroit News
- "With a top speed of over 200 mph, the new Viper is one serpent to be reckoned with." -- Road and Track
- "[E]ven at the as-tested price of $91,145, the Viper is the most affordable 600-hp car on the market." -- Car and Driver
Viper Performance - 8.4 (Very Good)
Virtually every review gives the 2008 Dodge Viper high praise for its muscle-car performance. The Detroit News says the performance is excellent with "precision handling and incredible power." The same review adds that "on a track or closed road, the car runs like 600 pent-up thoroughbreds." Another test driver even recorded a mind-blowing 0 to 60 mph time of just 3.7 seconds. Still, when compared to other super luxury sports cars, the Viper's performance ranks low within its class. Continue with our full Viper Performance Review to read why its Brembo anti-lock brakes receive unanimous praise. continue
Viper Exterior - NA
Critics are pleased with the Dodge Viper's exterior styling -- which doesn't look much different than the outgoing model. "To spot the Viper with the most venom, just look for the slightly larger hood vents and the optional Razor wheels, as shown on our test car," writes Road and Track. "But more important, pay attention to its colors and stripes." Continue with our full Viper Exterior Review to learn why its sidepipes don't pose as much of a danger as they did on prior models. continue
Viper Interior - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The Viper's dual-passenger cabin ranks in the bottom half of its class because it's difficult to enter and exit, features very few convenience features, and doesn't offer much cargo room. Still, critics believe that once inside, its seats are comfortable. "Dodge says the simplicity of the interior is by design, calling it 'racing inspired.' My quibble: When a car costs $85,000, its interior should reflect $85,000," comments the Detroit News. Continue with our full Viper Interior Review to read why reviewers appreciate its standard power-adjustable pedals. continue
Viper Safety - NA
Neither the federal government nor insurance industry has crash tested the Dodge Viper. However, it features a wide assortment of active and passive safety features -- including advanced multistage front air bags. Continue with our full Viper Safety Review to learn which safety features it lacks. continue
Viper Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Dodge Viper reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Dodge covers the Viper with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Continue with our full Viper Reliability Review. continue
