2017 Dodge Viper
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 8.4L 10-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Manual 6-spd |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 12 / 19 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $5,850 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 623 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 2 passengers |
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $65,566–$84,705 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2017 Dodge Viper at 7.0/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sports. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 9.3/10, while Value at 6.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sports — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.3/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.0/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 9.3/10. The Dodge Viper delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. Technology scores 6.6/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $65,566–$84,705, 11 MPG, seating 2, the Dodge Viper sits in the luxury tier of the sports market. The value score of 6.0/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2017 Dodge Viper is a passable sports but not a standout one. Weaknesses in technology and reliability and value hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2017 Dodge Viper ranks #291 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 8% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.7 points below the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $65,566 starting price is about 42% above the segment's median of $46,090.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
Across the Viper model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 (this review) | 7.0/10 | $65,566 | |
| 2016 | 7.0/10 | $63,076 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 6.9/10 | $60,586 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Dodge models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.