DecodedCars2005 Dodge Viper
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- Srt/10 2dr Conv RWD
- Engines
- 8.3L 10-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 13 combined · 11 city / 19 hwy
- Length
- 174.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,408 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 13 MPG combined, 29% below the 2005 two seaters average of 18.3 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Dodge Viper is a two seaters offered with a 8.3L 10-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 98-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,408 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 13 MPG combined (11 city / 19 highway), 29% worse than the 2005 two seaters average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $6,300 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Srt/10 2dr Conv RWD | 174.4 in | 75.2 in | 47.6 in | 98 in | 61.8 / 61 in | 3,408 lb | 48/52 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viper Convertible | 8.3L 10-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 19 / 13 | -29% | $6,300 | 684 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Dodge Viper under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Dodge Viper (this car) | 13 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Corvette | 19 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Ford GT | 14 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (1)
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Dec 12, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V885000 · 3,329 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Dodge Viper vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module may inadvertently deploy the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
- Risk
- The unexpected deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners increase the risk of injury and a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ORC module, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VE4.
Not every 2005 Dodge Viper is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Dodge Viper buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 4 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Steering — 1 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Suspension — 1 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 23,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Dodge Viper. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Viper years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Viper | 14 | 175.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 Viper | 15 | 175.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2015 Viper | 15 | 175.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2010 Viper | 16 | 175.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 Viper | 16 | 175.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 Viper | 16 | 175.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2006 Viper | 13 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 5 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →