Do Dodge Vipers have cruise control?

Cruise control is available on most Dodge Vipers, though it wasn’t universal in the earliest years: it was often an optional feature and became more common as the generations progressed.

The Viper lineup evolved from a raw, track-focused roadster to a more refined high-performance car over its 25-year run from 1992 to 2017. Because equipment varied by year and trim, some models shipped with cruise control as standard, while others offered it only as an option or not at all. The following overview outlines how cruise control appeared across the five generations.

Generational snapshot

Below is a generation-by-generation look at how cruise control was offered, with notes on typical availability and common configurations.

Gen I: 1992–1995

In the earliest Vipers, cruise control was not a guaranteed feature. It was generally not standard and could be included only as an optional package or on specific builds.

• Cruise control status: Not standard; optional on some units or unavailable depending on the package.

Conclusion: If cruise control matters, verify the exact window sticker or build sheet for the specific Gen I car you’re considering.

Gen II: 1996–1999

With the Gen II refresh, Dodge expanded equipment options, and cruise control could appear on certain configurations, but it remained far from universal across the line.

• Cruise control status: Available as an option on some Gen II models; not guaranteed on all.

Conclusion: Gen II Vipers could have cruise control, but buyers should check the exact trim and option list for each car.

Gen III: 2003–2004

The Gen III era saw more modern conveniences, and cruise control became more commonly offered, though still not guaranteed on every car.

• Cruise control status: Often available as an option; more widely offered on higher trims and packages.

Conclusion: If cruise control is important, confirm whether a particular Gen III Viper includes the feature through its listed options.

Gen IV: 2005–2010

During the Gen IV generation, cruise control became more prevalent and was present on a larger share of Vipers, sometimes as standard equipment depending on the exact model and options.

• Cruise control status: Widely available; sometimes standard on certain trims or as part of option packages.

Conclusion: Gen IV Vipers more reliably included cruise control than earlier generations, but verification of the specific model’s equipment is advised.

Gen V: 2013–2017

The final generation continued the trend toward convenience features, with cruise control commonly included and often standard across many builds.

• Cruise control status: Commonly standard or widely included as an option; generally expected on most Viper configurations.

Conclusion: For collectors or buyers today, Gen V Vipers almost always come with cruise control.

Summary: Across its five generations, the Dodge Viper’s cruise control availability progressed from being rare and optional in the early years to commonly standard in later models. If cruising with a Viper is important to you, always check the specific model’s option list, window sticker, or build sheet to confirm whether cruise control was included.

Why are Dodge Vipers so rare?

Dodge Vipers are rare because production ended in 2017, partly due to the cost of adding required safety features like side-curtain airbags, and because the manufacturer never produced them in very high numbers. The car's unique, hardcore nature made it a niche product, and many of the V10-powered vehicles are now becoming more collectible, with collectors actively buying and preserving them.
 

• End of production: The Viper was discontinued in 2017, with the final generation ending production in 2017. 
• Safety regulations: A key reason for its discontinuation was the inability to meet the safety regulation for side-curtain airbags, which would have required a costly redesign of the chassis and interior. 
• Limited production: Dodge never mass-produced the Viper, with only around 30,000 Vipers made across all generations. 
• Niche market appeal: The car was a hardcore, analog sports car that was not luxurious or comfortable for many drivers, limiting its market appeal. 
• Collectible status: The combination of limited numbers, a powerful V10 engine, and its discontinuation has led to it becoming a desirable collector's item, driving up prices and encouraging preservation over use. 
• Ongoing preservation: As the cars age, more will likely be scrapped, further reducing the number of examples remaining on the road. 

Does the Dodge Viper have cruise control?

Button take your foot off the accelerator. And the vehicle will cruise at the speed you've selected to disable speed. Control softly tap the brake pedal depress the clutch.

What years of Dodge Viper to avoid?

Years to be cautious with a Dodge Viper include 1992-1993 for potential piston ring issues, 1993-1995 for head gasket problems, and 2013-2017 for hard-to-find parts and potential door regulator issues. Models like 2005-2006 also had a recall for airbag system issues, and the 2016 model had a specific recall regarding the passenger airbag. 
Early models

• 1992-1993: Prone to failing piston rings, which can lead to high oil consumption. This is a common issue that may have already been addressed on many cars. 
• 1993-1995: Some models from these years can have head gasket issues. Parts may be aged and require replacement. 

Later models

• 2005-2006: Were subject to a recall for an Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module that could cause inadvertent airbag and seatbelt pretensioner deployment. 
• 2013-2017: These years can have issues with door regulators, and finding replacement parts can be difficult and expensive. 
• 2016: Had a specific recall for a defective vibration weld on the passenger airbag chute, which could cause the door to detach. 

Other considerations

• General reliability: Aggressive driving can lead to premature clutch failure due to the high torque output. Oil leaks are also a common problem that can develop in various locations. 
• Part availability: For older models, some parts may be hard to find due to age. 
• Recalls: Always check for any outstanding recalls for the specific model year you are considering. Cars.com is a good resource for this information. 

Why are vipers hard to control?

Vipers are hard to drive due to their combination of immense power, minimal driver aids, and a raw, uncompromising nature. The car requires a skilled driver to manage its massive torque and rear-wheel-drive power, especially since early models lacked safety features like ABS and traction control. Daily driving is challenging because of the stiff suspension, heavy clutch, poor visibility, and uncomfortable, unrefined interior.
 
Performance-related challenges

• Raw power: The Viper's V10 engine produces tremendous power and torque, which can easily overwhelm the rear tires, leading to spin-outs if the driver isn't experienced and careful. 
• Lack of driver aids: Early models were especially unforgiving, lacking modern safety systems like ABS, traction control, and stability control. 
• Demanding clutch: The clutch is heavy with a long travel, making stop-and-go traffic physically tiring. 
• "Skip shift" feature: Some models have a "skip shift" that forces a shift from first to fourth gear below a certain RPM, which can be annoying in city driving. 
• Tires: While modern tires offer a lot of grip, the car's extreme power still makes it easy to break traction, especially in wet or cold conditions. 

Practical and comfort-related challenges

• Stiff suspension: The track-focused suspension is brutally stiff on normal roads, resulting in a harsh and uncomfortable ride. 
• Poor visibility: The long hood and small windows create significant blind spots, making it difficult to see and a challenge to change lanes safely. 
• Difficult ingress and egress: The large, high door sills require awkward maneuvers to get in and out of, and the long doors make parking in tight spots difficult. 
• Unrefined interior: The interior often features cheap plastics and uncomfortable seats, and the car has very little storage space.