2002 Dodge Viper Review
2002 Dodge Viper Review
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Used Viper for sale
Appraise This CarDodge Viper model years
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Exotic car performance, head-turning looks, value priced.
Cons
- Lack of refinement, old-tech design, easy to spin.
What’s new
Nothing's new except for an available color scheme on the GTS: Graphite metallic with silver stripes.
Edmunds says
With a new Viper set to debut for 2003, fans of the current version should visit their Dodge dealer soon, as the '02s are expected to sell out fast.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Dodge Viper RT/10 2dr Roadster (8.0L 10cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$383/mo for Viper RT/10
Viper RT/10
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Designed to be the modern incarnation of the Cobra, the Viper debuted at the 1989 North American International Auto Show in Detroit as a show car. Enough people wrote to Chrysler requesting street versions that plans for production of the rakish roadster were set into motion soon thereafter. Viper was introduced for public sale in 1992, and became the darling of the automotive press, not to mention high-profile stars like Jay Leno and Kelsey Grammer (who flipped his).
A preview of things to come from Chrysler, the success of the Viper revitalized a company that many thought wouldn't last through the middle of this decade. It also paved the way for future concept-car-turned-production-car models, including the Plymouth Prowler and Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Dodge introduced the GTS Coupe midway through 1996. The 8.0-liter V10 was substantially reworked, featuring a new block, new heads, shorter cooling jackets and a revised sump. These changes resulted in a 35-horsepower jump, bringing peak numbers to 450 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque. Not only more powerful, the revised motor, found in both the coupe and roadster versions, is 85 pounds lighter than the one in the original RT/10.
Inside the Viper, analog gauges and dual airbags greet serious drivers, who have the much-appreciated option of adjustable pedals. Power windows and door locks are standard, as is ABS for the first time in Viper's history; but traction control and dynamic stability control are still not available. The interior is dominated by cheap-feeling plastic, and the seats are virtually nonadjustable. Getting into the car requires a waiver from a chiropractor, and getting out could result in singed legs due to the exhaust pipes being routed within the car's lower rocker panels.
For those individuals who need more than the standard Viper's 450 horsepower, a race-oriented ACR coupe edition is available in limited numbers. These fire-breathers gain an extra 10 horsepower and lb-ft of torque through the use of minor engine modifications while weighing slightly less than their GTS brethren. The ACR also comes with upgraded suspension components, 18-inch BBS wheels and massive Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Zero-to-60 times of 4 seconds and a top speed near 190 mph bear witness to the fact that this is a very special Viper. Despite the fact that Chrysler added air conditioning and a CD player to the ACR's option list back in 2001, we feel this car is best suited for weekend track duty rather than public highway hijinks.
Certainly it's got obvious ergonomic shortcomings and a lack of overall refinement, but the Viper is chock-full of character. The look and sound offer a classic take on modern sports car philosophy. Those "enthusiasts" who like their performance doled out in user-friendly fashion should look elsewhere (can you say Z06?). Those seeking the ultimate in exotic-car performance at less than an exotic-car price will find the Viper a bargain. Truly, Chrysler Corporation has created an American icon that rivals the Corvette's claim as "America's Sports Car."
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Dodge Viper.
5 star(70%)
4 star(18%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(3%)
33 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
LOVE MY VIPER
Rich Bridenstine, 02/01/2016
2001 Dodge Viper RT/10 2dr Roadster (8.0L 10cyl 6M)
I bought mine new over 23 years ago. I love it every time I drive it. These cars are not a finesse car, not an orchestra on wheels, they are a brute brass ,straight line band from middle America. Fun classic style. I have had more than one other popular American sports car owner pull up and say "that's what I really wanted". I haven't done that one yet. That isn't why I bought it. Just … glad to have mine. It's not a creature comfort car, yet is very comfortable. When ya hammer it, they "scream out loud". Between 2500-3500r's in second gear it is a pin job, now that is fun because if you are nice you can keep the tires from launching. I think that may have been where the saying comes from? They are a no BS car that does exactly what you think they should and want to do. Can't hurt them, unless ya curb or stack 'em. Iacocca, possibly, did his best work when he unleashed Tom Gale and his team on this project. Time and HP has caught up almost 20 years later. For a great "experienced" gal now, no one laughs at her, she is still my prom queen...anytime. All quality and style. I just had it gone through completely at 42,000 miles after 22years. She runs like new. GREAT CAR!!
4.88 out of 5 stars
My GTS
Steve, 11/11/2005
2001 Dodge Viper GTS 2dr Coupe (8.0L 10cyl 6M)
I find my Viper to be the perfect cure for today's cookie cutter vehicles. The exterior design is as elegant as it is outrageous. More car companies should be so bold as to take such a chance on applying creative design elements. That said, the interior pays a slight price for maintaining the aggressive outer appearance. The drivers footwell is perticularly tight. A small price to pay … considering a quick stab at the throttle forgives all.
4.88 out of 5 stars
I knew it!
viper crazy, 08/04/2009
2001 Dodge Viper GTS 2dr Coupe (8.0L 10cyl 6M)
I knew what I was getting when I bought it. For those of you who want a Vette don't buy a Viper. This car is fast, rude and no it doesn't get good gas mileage. I thank god for all of it. It's worth putting gas in every few miles. The looks on peoples faces are worth an academy award. The Corvettes I've owned would hide in the corner when this car goes by. I am highly pleased with this … beast. The gts-r wing and ground effects makes this ACR look like a hot wheels car. So if you are man or woman enough, buy one, and don't whine about the gas mileage or ride. My wife loves it.
5 out of 5 stars
sweet
sweet, 05/13/2002
2001 Dodge Viper GTS 2dr Coupe (8.0L 10cyl 6M)
I have one and it is very fun to have
one
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2002 Dodge Viper, so we've included reviews for other years of the Viper since its last redesign.
2002 Viper Highlights
Convertible
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $71,725 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 13 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $383/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 6.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Viper include:
- Alarm
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