DRIVEN: What Is The 2010 Dodge Viper REALLY Like?

Although I understand many people enjoy reading reviews of practical cars that are going to be used everyday, once and a while you have to spice things up a bit. And when I say spice, I mean throw in something that is yellow with two black stripes running down the center.

Oh yeah, it also has 600 horsepower and a V10.

If you haven't guessed it by now, it is a Dodge Viper. Considering this marks the end of this generation, we figured we'd give it a good ol' fashion farewell.

**For the full story, click "Read Article"

So, take a look at what editors had to say about it...


EXECUTIVE EDITOR--AUTOWEEK.COM BOB GRITZINGER: Compared with past Viper experiences, including red-hot runs in the first-gen model, this Viper seemed almost civilized in interior comfort, amenities and ride. The materials in the cockpit are soft to the touch, and everything falls right where it should, with minimal adjustment. The driving position for my 5-foot-10 inch frame is perfect, with the monster shift knob settling right into my relaxed grip, the steering wheel exactly at the right distance and pitch, and the pedals all within the right reach. Compared with earlier Vipers, with their tight, overheated, race-bred toe boxes, this one is completely comfortable...

ASSOCIATE EDITOR JONATHAN WONG: What a brute with ridiculous wheel hop, but when the rear tires hook up, it's insane. The roar of the big engine in front and the thrust pushing your body into the seat back just makes you smile. All this from a pretty simple formula of one part big engine with an old-fashion manual gearbox, one part fairly tight chassis and one part imposing looks equals something special...

EDITOR WES RAYNAL: I can't remember having a less pleasant experience driving a car home and back to work. Comfortable? Civilized? Exhilarating? No, no, and, well, no...

[Source: AutoWeek]








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Joe_Limon - 10/19/2010 9:28:56 PM

-1 Boost

I think mr Raynal is correct

"or I'm too fat"

Steve - 10/20/2010 12:59:34 AM

+3 Boost

I've always thought of the Viper as a parody of a car, or as a cartoon representation of an automobile. To *my* mind, it's an unrefined, amateurish, brute-force approach to connecting horsepower with rubber, and little else. It's the opposite of a Ferrari or Porsche. Maybe that's why it appeals to some. Just not me.

LACMAN - 10/20/2010 7:51:46 PM

+1 Boost

*high fives Steve* Im all for American cars and big horses but the Viper is too much like a cliche "dream car". Nice but thats all. I dont want one either...

MorePower - 10/20/2010 8:44:26 PM

+1 Boost

You're right Steve, but it still takes skill and experience to wield either effectively! It's this quality that also makes the Viper an amazing car. You have to technically proficient and a talented driver in order to get the most out of it, unlike a: M3, Porsche, Z, etc. that are forgiving to novice drivers.

Just ask Kelsey Grammar.

MorePower - 10/20/2010 1:37:38 AM

+2 Boost

The Viper was merely a modern American exercise in brute force. Think of Chris Farley's fat man in a little coat. In the Viper's case, huge simple engine in a relatively small car.

As for Mr. Raynal, I think he needs to add "too old in place of, or in addition to, too fat! I agree that the ergonomics are not stellar, but it's not like you would be driving this car across country. I doubt few have made the trip from Los Angeles to Vegas.

iamdabest1 - 10/20/2010 7:54:05 AM

+1 Boost

i think the car looks great from outside, it always captures attention, but the interior leaves much to be desired. i understand that not all cars were made for " cup- holder" convenience, but it wouldnt hurt if the car was a little more practical.
for that reason ....corvette > viper

internationalmanofmystery - 10/20/2010 8:20:45 AM

+1 Boost

ditto, Steve! ....well said!