2009 Dodge Viper Quality Review

Editors at TheCarConnection.com find that the 2009 Dodge Viper offers only the basics of comfort and quality—which isn't surprising given the vehicle's focus on performance.

Seating in the 2009 Dodge Viper is relatively comfortable for what Edmunds calls "a small cockpit." Car and Driver describes the bucket seats 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." ConsumerGuide warns 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." Comfort apparently varies significantly from person to person depending on body size.

One interesting fact: The Detroit News observes that the doorsill got so hot that "you wondered whether you were going to burn yourself," though the 2009 Dodge Viper is only "toasty warm," as opposed to "grilling temperature." Cars.com points out, "another of the Viper's charms is side sills that get hot enough to burn you, due to the exhaust pipes that run through them." The reviewer cautions, "I'd be careful if wearing shorts" but notes that in a performance-minded car like the 2009 Dodge Viper, "I even respect this aspect."

Cars.com finds that after a week with the Dodge Viper convertible, the reviewer longed for a cup holder, but also notes that the "trunk isn't bad at all; it's large enough for golf clubs." Interior space and overall storage on the 2009 Dodge Viper are decent, and ConsumerGuide rates the cargo room as slightly below the class average. They remark that "a few soft bags fit in the convertible's trunk," but "cabin storage is limited to a small center console and dashboard glovebox."

Of materials and general quality, Cars.com comments, "This is no luxury cruiser, but I was surprised by how livable the Viper's ride quality was." Materials and assembly quality on the Dodge Viper 2009 remain below average, but improved over previous versions. Reviewers at The Detroit News claim that although the interior is "more refined," there's "still room for improvement." 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."

Another major drawback (or positive feature, depending on your point of view) to the 2009 Dodge Viper is that it makes for an incredibly noisy ride. Car and Driver says that the Dodge Viper's "trails those of Ferraris, Porsches, Lamborghinis, and Z06s in aural excitement." ConsumerGuide observes that "wind and road noise are always present," and "even mild throttle application triggers an intrusive roar from the side exhaust outlets."

Kelley Blue Book reports—contrary to other several other reviewers—that the Dodge Viper now has acceptable ride quality. "Engineers have notably improved ride comfort," the reviewer says, and while "still harsher than an average sedan, the Viper's ride is now comparable with the Corvette Z06."