2008 Dodge Viper Quality Review

Passenger comfort and frivolous things like materials quality have always come far down on the Dodge Viper's priority list, as performance takes up all of the top spots. However, for the Dodge Viper, 2008 brings a concerted effort to improve the overall quality of its supercar.

The 2008 Dodge Viper offers space for two occupants inside what Edmunds calls "a small cockpit." ConsumerGuide says that the "cabin is cramped for tall occupants," but Kelley Blue Book appreciates that the Dodge Viper's bubble roof means "even when the driver is wearing a helmet the Coupe still offers plenty of headroom." Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com offer mixed opinions of the bucket seats in the Dodge Viper 2008. Car and Driver describes them as "plain annoying, being too heavily bolstered and too long under your thighs," while other reviewers, such as those at The Detroit News, disagree, saying "you'll feel your body conform to the racing seat" and claiming "its bolsters hold you snugly in a friendly embrace." With such highly supportive and engineered seats, comfort varies significantly from person to person depending on body size. One noteworthy change for those familiar with previous Dodge Vipers is mentioned by The Detroit News, which says that the exhaust pipes have been improved, and whereas on the previous version, the doorsill got so hot that "you wondered whether you were going to burn yourself," the 2008 Dodge Viper is only "toasty warm," as opposed to "grilling temperature."

Interior space and overall storage on the 2008 Dodge Viper is decent, and ConsumerGuide rates the cargo room as slightly below the class average. They write "a few soft bags fit in the convertible's trunk," but "cabin storage is limited to a small center console and dashboard glovebox." Cars.com reviewers find that after a week with the Dodge Viper convertible, they longed for a cup holder, but they also write that the "trunk isn't bad at all; it's large enough for golf clubs."

Materials and assembly quality on the Dodge Viper 2008 are below average, but improved over previous versions. Edmunds says that the "cockpit is still rather blasé for a car whose price comes very close to $90K." ConsumerGuide adds that the Dodge Viper features "rich upholstery," but the "cabin's only relief from hard matte plastic and textured vinyl are some metal trim pieces." Reviewers at The Detroit News agree, claiming that although the interior is "more refined," there's "still room for improvement," and "when a car costs $85,000, its interior should reflect $85,000."

Another major drawback to the 2008 Dodge Viper is that it makes for an incredibly noisy ride. ConsumerGuide writes that "wind and road noise are always present," and "even mild throttle application triggers an intrusive roar from the side exhaust outlets." While many enthusiasts appreciate a loud, powerful exhaust note, Car and Driver says that the Dodge Viper's "trails those of Ferraris, Porsches, Lamborghinis, and Z06s in aural excitement."