2008 Dodge Viper Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Write a review

$84,460 to $85,210

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.9

avg user rating

(42 reviews)
2008 Dodge Viper Preview summaryImage

Dodge skipped the 2007 model year to do a lot of under-the-snakeskin work on its bad-boy super sports car. For 2008, Dodge bored out the Viper's V10 to 8.4 liters and finessed 600 hp from what originally was just a truck engine. The engine block and new cylinder heads are now all-aluminum. The new block features cross-bolted main-bearing caps for added strength. A new cam system provides for variable exhaust timing, with all the valves enlarged and those on the intake side hollowed out for lighter weight. Intake and exhaust gases move more efficiently with a new two-piece intake manifold and tubular-header exhaust system that provides 20 percent better flow.

To handle the engine's increased torque, a new twin-plate clutch replaces the standard single-plate arrangement, sending power to a beefed-up six-speed Tremec manual transmission. Shift throws are 30 percent shorter, and a new speed-sensing GKN ViscoLok hydraulic clutch-pack-style differential gets the power out through the newly designed rear wheels.

The carefully reworked suspension has increased spring rates and front and rear shock compression, decreased rear low-speed rebound, added a new solid rear anti-roll bar, and tweaked camber and castor rates. A modified hood features extra cooling slots that extract more engine heat and also act to increase downforce.

All this adds up to a 202-mph coupe and a 197-mph roadster - with the top down! The 0-60 blast is over in 3.5 seconds. Driving the Viper requires 100 percent attention - one reviewer figured that's why there are no cupholders - but all those suspension tweaks have made it easier to drive than previous models. It has a tendency to understeer, which is now more easily controllable with throttle lift off. Some reviewers, however, found the steering to be "too nervous" at normal speed. Others complained about the new pair of electronic "by wire" throttles (one for each bank of cylinders) creating a throttle lag that could result in "ungluing" the rear end when least expected. The interior remains unchanged.

The consensus is that this is the best Viper so far, though still not an everyday driver like the Corvette.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2008 Dodge Viper

Write a review
User rating:
by Jeff H
Jan 19, 2021
Vehicle holds its value. I believe it is underestimated in the world of sport cars. Jan 19, 2021
by David F
Jul 05, 2020
I love the Dodge Viper forever and ever yes Jul 05, 2020
by Ryan P
May 14, 2015
You know exactly what you're getting with a viper. Looks that attract a ton of attention, an abundance of power, capable but scary handling and an experience every time you drive the car. For this price point I would expect better quality interiors, both in design and material.May 14, 2015

2008 Dodge Viper Pricing

Original MSRP
$84,460 to $85,210
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 310 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.0 · Rear brake width: 1.26 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.07 · Limited slip differential: rear

Exterior Features

Paint: pearl

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: HID

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: manual

Seatbelts

Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: two-tone · Upholstery accents: faux suede

Suspension

Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: short and long arm · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Speed Rating: Z · Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheels: aluminum

Wheels - Front Size if Different

Diameter: 18 inch · Width: 10 inch

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 310 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.0 · Rear brake width: 1.26 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.07 · Limited slip differential: rear

Exterior Features

Paint: pearl · Stripes: over-the-top

Header

Option Delete: Generic

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: HID

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Seatbelts

Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: faux suede

Suspension

Front Arm Type: short and long arm (SLA) · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: short and long arm · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Speed Rating: Z · Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheels: polished aluminum

Wheels - Front Size if Different

Diameter: 18 inch · Width: 10 inch

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

See all trims (2)