1996 Dodge Viper Review
1996 Dodge Viper Review
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Used Viper for sale
Appraise This CarDodge Viper model years
Dodge Viper types
- Convertible
- Coupe
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
Final year for Viper in current form. More power is offered from the V10 engine via a low-restriction rear outlet exhaust system, and an optional hardtop with sliding side curtains is available. Five-spoke aluminum wheels and three exterior styling themes replace the trim on the 1995 Viper. GTS coupe begins production when convertibles have completed their run. The GTS arrives with dual airbags and air conditioning.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Dodge Viper GTS 2dr Coupe 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$291/mo for Viper GTS
Viper GTS
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
The Viper has been the biggest automotive performance news since the original Mustang, and while its sales totals have been nowhere near those of the legendary ponycar, it has just as many devotees drooling over full-color pictures of its cartoonish structure like winos at a peepshow.
Designed to be the modern incarnation of the Cobra 427, 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 after. 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. It even got a TV show; a dismal one that lasted one season.
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. Originally, the car was available only in red, but black, green and yellow were added as color choices. This year, the RT/10 is painted one of three shades with colorful Hot Wheels graphics slapped on.
Once roadster production ends, Dodge will bring out the GTS coupe, which belts out 450 horsepower. The 8.0-liter V10 has been substantially reworked, featuring a new block, new heads, shorter cooling jackets, and revised sump. Overall, the new motor is 85 pounds lighter than the one in the RT/10. Inside, revised gauges and dual airbags greet serious drivers, who have to option of adjusting pedal height. Production starts in April.
Next year's RT/10 will benefit from many of the changes incorporated into the GTS. Truly, Chrysler Corporation has created an American icon that rivals Corvette's lock on the "America's Sports Car" title.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Dodge Viper.
5 star(100%)
4 star(0%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
6 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
Great Super Car
Domenic, 05/27/2005
1996 Dodge Viper RT/10 2dr Convertible
Car could not be better just got my 96 Viper white w/ Blue stripes a month ago and already put over 3000 miles on it I drove it home from Missourri 900 miles w/ the top off it was great. I can not drive this car enough.
5 out of 5 stars
Rumbles like a Hot Volcano
Bruce Caruth, 05/06/2019
1996 Dodge Viper RT/10 2dr Convertible
The design was ahead of its time. I never get tired looking at it. Every time I start it up it rumbles big time. The sound of the exhaust is one of the best on the street. I love the color combo. Red with a black interior, a red shifter and steering wheel combined with the yellow wheels just pops. Every time I have had it as a car show it gets more attention than any other super … car.
5 out of 5 stars
nice
evilfrenchcook, 10/15/2004
1996 Dodge Viper RT/10 2dr Convertible
very nice ride i like that the viper
now has 505 hp. the torque is awesome to
5 out of 5 stars
driving experience - none better
ratical, 01/25/2003
1996 Dodge Viper RT/10 2dr Convertible
My '96 Viper RT/10 (white with blue
stripes) has been wonderful. The only
problem is I spend WAY too much time
cleaning it with Zaino! The finish on
the body is unreal. It seems like the
clear coat is about 1/4" thick and is
very glossy. I've owned corvettes and
other sports cars and I currently also
own a new body miata sport. This car
by far is the most enjoyable …
experience you can have. There is
nothing like it. Dodge only built
about 700 vipers in 1996, so they took
their sweet time on each one! There
are more 2002 Corvette z06's than
there are dodge vipers in the world.
They just don't get old like other
mass produced cars.
1996 Viper Highlights
Convertible
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $291/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 11.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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