2006 Dodge Viper Review
The Viper is a super-powered sports car that first hit the scene in 1992. Designed around its powerful V10 engine, the Viper stressed speed over comfort. The second generation debuted for 1996, along with a coupe version. Featuring improved braking, suspension, and power, the Viper became the premium choice for racers. 1999 marked the last model year that featured forged pistons. Later models feature hypereutectic pistons paired with an improved exhaust. The current Viper debuted in 2003, featuring a whopping 8.3-L, 510-hp V10 engine, along with vastly improved handling (and an even more powerful price tag). A limited edition Mamba model with a special black interior was released in 2004. A new coupe, the SRT-10 debuted for 2006. A brand new Viper is expected for 2008.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Dodge Viper is the ultimate vehicle for the man who puts performance before anything else. When it comes to speed, nothing beats it, and very few come close. If you need power, and have the guts to handle it, you can’t go wrong with the Viper. Sure, it doesn’t have luxuries like safety features, comfort, or fuel efficiency, but all that stuff is for babies. Besides, if you really wanted all of that, you’d go buy a Volvo or something.
What’s New For 2006:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power ratings are not available. Problems that affected the first two generations include oil leaks, failing speedometers, and water leaks. It was recalled four times between 1996 and 2001. Problems affecting the new Viper include worn convertible tops, hard to close trunks, and poor shifting. It was recalled twice in 2003 for chafed fuel pump wiring and corroding light switches. Expect above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
Crash test ratings are not available. Safety features are at a bare minimum, though the Viper sports some of the biggest brakes you can buy. We advise against carrying small children, people with heart conditions, or those afflicted with irritable bowel syndrome in the Viper.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Insanely fast
+ Stops on a dime
+ Attention grabbing
Cons
– Consumes more fuel than some military vehicles
– Takes some serious skills to handle
– About as safe as its namesake
Head-To-Head Competition:
You can buy a 2007 Porsche 911 Carrera for a few hundred less, but you only get a measly 3.6-L, 325-hp six-cylinder engine. In fact, the only real competition for the Viper is the Chevrolet Corvette Z06. For about $14,000 less, the Corvette delivers equivalent horsepower, along with stability control, though it has less torque and only a puny eight-cylinder. If you want something a bit saner, try the Infiniti G35 for about $50,000 less. It has a 3.5-L, 295-hp six-cylinder, along with safety features. It goes without saying that all three of these blow the Viper out of the water in terms of fuel efficiency.
What Others Are Saying:
“Potential buyers should be aware that the Viper is still a lot to handle, especially at high speeds. In a car of such power and speed, the limits of adhesion – that is, when the tires lose their grip – can come on quickly in turns and overwhelm inexperienced drivers who might not be familiar with the idiosyncrasies of 510 horses being channeled through the 19-inch rear wheels’ comparably small contact patches (where the rubber meets the road). Fortunately, the car’s massive brake rotors (14 inches in diameter) with antilock capability do their part to scrub speed and add a measure of safety to hair-raising rides in this venomous Viper.” – Forbes
“Bottom line: The new-generation Viper SRT10 coupe is the best street-legal Viper ever. It brandishes its bravado with pride, makes no apologies for its rough edges, and still turns heads on any street. As always, the Viper knows what it’s about and doesn’t give a manhole cover if you like it or not. It’s an American icon for the driver who’s blood pumps quickly in its presence–someone who values performance and personality above everything else.” – Motor Trend
“The Dodge Viper is really, really quick, able to cover 0-60 mph in well less than 4 seconds flat, with 60-0 braking distance of less than 100 feet, better than a Porsche 911, and a 0-100-0 time of 12.5 seconds, which is 0.7 seconds quicker than the previous Viper and leads the league in under-$100,000 sports cars.” – Automotive.com
Read more about the 2006 Dodge Viper at the Dodge manufacturer web site.
