Dodge Viper

Name: 2003 Dodge Viper
Brand: Dodge

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

After a decade, the Viper got its first redesign for 2003. The original Viper was a brute-force machine designed for point and shoot driving style on a track. It was quick, loud and brash, lacking in some basic creature comforts such as roll-up windows and exterior door handles. The tight, confining cockpit was furnished with cheap interior materials. Later models received some incremental refinements. The noise from the V10 engine was loud and not quite invigorating. The clutch was extremely heavy. Handling was capable but lacked finesse.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2003 Sports Cars & Convertibles Reliability

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Dodge Viper

vs. Similar Cars

BMW 3 Series

Lexus SC

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2003

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2015

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Dodge vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Dodge vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Dodge vs. Other New Car Brands

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2003 Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

2003 Dodge Viper

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Audi TT

$4,475 - $6,725

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 BMW 3 Series

$3,775 - $4,975

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Cadillac CTS

$3,050

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Ford Mustang

$3,600 - $13,450

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Hyundai Tiburon

$2,925 - $3,000

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Jaguar XK

$4,700 - $8,150

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Lexus SC

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mercedes-Benz CL

$5,300 - $7,225

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK

$4,125 - $6,025

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse

$3,050 - $3,525

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Nissan Z

$ NA

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Porsche 911

$11,850 - $24,725

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Subaru Impreza WRX/STi

$ NA

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Toyota Camry Solara

$3,175 - $4,550

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Volkswagen GTI

$3,575 - $5,175

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Volkswagen Golf R

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Volvo C70

$3,250 - $3,400

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

convertible

2 front

Rear

8.3-liter V10 (500 hp)

6-speed manual

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2015-2017

2015 Redesign Year

The redesigned Viper is powered by an all-aluminum, 640-hp, 8.4-liter V10 and has a standard six-speed manual. This SRT Viper is about 100 pounds lighter than the last model, and is designed to appeal to buyers of $100,000 vehicles who want super high performance along with an upscale interior and more civilized manners. Two versions are offered: the base and the more upscale GTS. The new chassis is said to markedly improve handling. The interior is also more upscale, something the last generation sorely lacked.

2013-2014

2013 Redesign Year

The redesigned Viper returns as SRT Viper. It is powered by an all-aluminum, 640-hp, 8.4-liter V10 and has a standard six-speed manual. This SRT Viper is about 100 pounds lighter than the last model, and is designed to appeal to buyers of $100,000 vehicles who want super high performance along with an upscale interior and more civilized manners. Two versions are offered: the base and the more upscale GTS. The new chassis is said to markedly improve handling. The interior is also more upscale, something the last generation sorely lacked.

2003-2012

2003 Redesign Year

For 2003 the Viper got its first redesign in a decade and became a more civilized and refined car in the process. The original Viper was a brute-force machine designed for the racetrack, available as a roadster or, starting in 1998, as a coupe. It was quick, loud, and brash, lacking even such basics as roll-up windows and exterior door handles. The tight, confining cockpit was furnished with cheap-feeling materials. Later models received some incremental refinements. The noise from the V10 engine was loud and not especially invigorating, and the clutch was extremely heavy. Handling was capable but lacked finesse. The Viper was dropped from 2011-2012 but came back as a 2013 as SRT Viper.