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2005
Dodge Viper

Starts at:
$81,795
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2005 Dodge Viper 2005 Dodge Viper 2005 Dodge Viper 2005 Dodge Viper 2005 Dodge Viper 2005 Dodge Viper 2005 Dodge Viper 2005 Dodge Viper 2005 Dodge Viper 2005 Dodge Viper 2005 Dodge Viper 2005 Dodge Viper 2005 Dodge Viper 2005 Dodge Viper

Notable features

500-hp V-10
Six-speed manual
Startling styling
True convertible body style
19-inch rear tires on 13-inch-wide wheels

The good & the bad

The good

Performance
Handling
Heritage
Assertive appearance

The bad

Fuel economy
Price
Ride comfort
Cargo space
Noisy cockpit

Expert 2005 Dodge Viper review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
A new, hotter-than-ever edition of Dodge’s longtime sports car went on sale as a 2003 model; it was lighter and faster than its predecessor and promised “raw performance.” The Viper SRT10 represents “obscene performance, outrageous design and ultimate driver enjoyment,” said Jim Julow, vice president of the Dodge Global Brand Center.

The Viper SRT10’s all-aluminum V-10 grew from 8.0 to 8.3 liters in displacement, yielding 500 horsepower and 525 pounds-feet of torque. These figures almost make the previous V-10’s 450 hp sound puny. A six-speed-manual transmission sends all that force to 19-inch rear tires. The racing-style chassis incorporates a fully independent suspension and massive brakes.

Race Yellow and Copperhead Orange are new body colors for 2005. Introduced later in the model year, Copperhead Orange is accompanied by a special interior package that includes black leather upholstery with contrasting orange stitching.

The current model is produced only as a two-passenger convertible, but a coupe will join the lineup for the 2006 model year. The new version is a true convertible, which should please buyers who had first-hand experience with the balky soft roof on earlier Vipers.

More than any other model on the market, the Viper SRT10 represents serious, traditional, American performance centered on a big engine and a lack of frills. Even so, today’s Detroit-built Vipers can be equipped with a number of comfort and convenience features. Loosely patterned after the Shelby Cobras of the 1960s and the Chrysler Hemi-powered Cunningham racers of the 1950s, the first Viper went on sale as a 1992 model.

Exterior
Vipers have flaunted their wild and untamed nature from the beginning, and the current version continues that theme. Styling cues for the 2003 – 2005 model were taken from the Viper GTS/R concept car unveiled at the 2000 North American International Auto Show. Swept-back fenders, deep-cut side scallops and lowered hood lines resemble the styling cues of the original Viper but give the low-slung roadster a more modern appearance. Dodge installed a belly pan as one of several steps to improve the Viper’s aerodynamics.

The Viper’s fabric roof uses a single center latch. Forged aluminum wheels hold 18-inch front tires, while P345/30ZR19 rear tires are mounted on wheels that are 13 inches wide. The Viper SRT10 stretches 175.6 inches long overall, rides a 98.8-inch wheelbase and stands 47.6 inches tall.

Interior
Inside the two-passenger racing-derived cockpit, the driver starts the V-10 engine via a button and sits before a 220-mph speedometer and a center-mounted tachometer. Dodge claims the Viper SRT10’s interior will fit drivers like a glove, calling it “the automotive equivalent of a jet fighter.”

Under the Hood
The Viper’s 8.3-liter V-10 generates 500 hp and 525 pounds-feet of torque. A six-speed-manual gearbox is the sole transmission.

Safety
Antilock brakes are standard, but side-impact airbags are not available.

2005 Dodge Viper review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
A new, hotter-than-ever edition of Dodge’s longtime sports car went on sale as a 2003 model; it was lighter and faster than its predecessor and promised “raw performance.” The Viper SRT10 represents “obscene performance, outrageous design and ultimate driver enjoyment,” said Jim Julow, vice president of the Dodge Global Brand Center.

The Viper SRT10’s all-aluminum V-10 grew from 8.0 to 8.3 liters in displacement, yielding 500 horsepower and 525 pounds-feet of torque. These figures almost make the previous V-10’s 450 hp sound puny. A six-speed-manual transmission sends all that force to 19-inch rear tires. The racing-style chassis incorporates a fully independent suspension and massive brakes.

Race Yellow and Copperhead Orange are new body colors for 2005. Introduced later in the model year, Copperhead Orange is accompanied by a special interior package that includes black leather upholstery with contrasting orange stitching.

The current model is produced only as a two-passenger convertible, but a coupe will join the lineup for the 2006 model year. The new version is a true convertible, which should please buyers who had first-hand experience with the balky soft roof on earlier Vipers.

More than any other model on the market, the Viper SRT10 represents serious, traditional, American performance centered on a big engine and a lack of frills. Even so, today’s Detroit-built Vipers can be equipped with a number of comfort and convenience features. Loosely patterned after the Shelby Cobras of the 1960s and the Chrysler Hemi-powered Cunningham racers of the 1950s, the first Viper went on sale as a 1992 model.

Exterior
Vipers have flaunted their wild and untamed nature from the beginning, and the current version continues that theme. Styling cues for the 2003 – 2005 model were taken from the Viper GTS/R concept car unveiled at the 2000 North American International Auto Show. Swept-back fenders, deep-cut side scallops and lowered hood lines resemble the styling cues of the original Viper but give the low-slung roadster a more modern appearance. Dodge installed a belly pan as one of several steps to improve the Viper’s aerodynamics.

The Viper’s fabric roof uses a single center latch. Forged aluminum wheels hold 18-inch front tires, while P345/30ZR19 rear tires are mounted on wheels that are 13 inches wide. The Viper SRT10 stretches 175.6 inches long overall, rides a 98.8-inch wheelbase and stands 47.6 inches tall.

Interior
Inside the two-passenger racing-derived cockpit, the driver starts the V-10 engine via a button and sits before a 220-mph speedometer and a center-mounted tachometer. Dodge claims the Viper SRT10’s interior will fit drivers like a glove, calling it “the automotive equivalent of a jet fighter.”

Under the Hood
The Viper’s 8.3-liter V-10 generates 500 hp and 525 pounds-feet of torque. A six-speed-manual gearbox is the sole transmission.

Safety
Antilock brakes are standard, but side-impact airbags are not available.

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
7 years / 70,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6-10 MY and / or 75,001-120,000 miles
Basic
3 Month 3,000 mile Max Care Warranty
Dealer certification
125 point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.6 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 3.8
Interior 3.8
Performance 5.0
Value 4.4
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 4.0

Most recent

  • A Constant Head Turner

    This is the forth Viper roadster I've owned ('1994, 2000, 2003, 2005) and no complaints about any of them. I love the "wow" comments I get when people see the Viper. Corvettes, although great cars also, are a common site everywhere you go. Not true with the Viper. I also love the rear wide track and bodacious rear tires. There may be more comfortable and higher H.P. sports cars, but none as good looking, worry free, cheaper to maintain/repair or fun to drive. I believe the Viper gives you the most bang for your buck.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 2005 Dodge Viper Copperhead Edition

    Although a bit tight to wiggle into, this car is a beast. Not for the meek at heart. How much more power do you need. Flawless finish, paint, interior...body lines..... Not for a snot nosed kid as it will easily kill you. Love the color and everything inside it!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Absolute fun

    I bought my viper a few weeks ago and drove it back from Florida to Texas and never had so much fun doing so. I had always heard about how rough the suspension was and they are not comfortable. What? Maybe if you are 6'3" and 300 lbs. you're not going to be comfortable. Do you really expect it to ride like a cadillac? Would you seriouslly want it to? The viper has an unbelievable amout of torque and if you drive that car and are not smiling the whole time you are either brain dead or you truly know nothing about performance cars and don't appreciate them. I would recommend this car over any other performance car out there for the money it can't be beat......Period
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Good car

    Well I had 2 vipers and have driven over 55k miles on both a 2000 and 2006 with no issues whatsoever. I like the power and unlike mustang69!i do know how to drive a super powerful car with no traction control. This car are for people who like the attention and the rush a dime a dozen vette could only wish for.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • totally over rated

    i bought my viper brand new, for the first 10,000 miles in the first two years it was great, the fuel economay stunk, but the performance of the 8.3L v-10 made up for it. the ride was like rolling down the driveway on a mechanics creeper, so it was really uncomfortable. and taking a turn was like a bat out of you know where, everytime i let out the clutch to do some normal driving it chirped the tires and brought un wanted attention from the cops. o and after two years the rear end decided to break out on me rite in the middle of a busy highway in my town. so to be honest id rather have its competiors, the v e t t e, which is what i traded my viper in for, and im much happier with the v e t t e.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2005 Dodge Viper?

The 2005 Dodge Viper is available in 1 trim level:

  • SRT10 (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2005 Dodge Viper?

The 2005 Dodge Viper offers up to 12 MPG in city driving and 20 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2005 Dodge Viper?

The 2005 Dodge Viper compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2005 Dodge Viper reliable?

The 2005 Dodge Viper has an average reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2005 Dodge Viper owners.

Is the 2005 Dodge Viper a good Coupe?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2005 Dodge Viper. 80.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.6 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.8
  • Interior: 3.8
  • Performance: 5.0
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 5.0
  • Reliability: 4.0

Dodge Viper history

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