What generation is a 2004 Viper?
The 2004 Viper is the third generation of the Dodge Viper.
Gen III: The Third Generation (2003–2006)
The 2003–2006 Gen III Viper, marketed under the SRT-10 banner, marked a significant modernization of the lineup. The 2004 model sits squarely in this generation, featuring Dodge’s new SRT branding and the distinctive 8.3-liter V10 engine. In 2004, the Viper was offered primarily in two trims: the base SRT-10 and the higher-performance SRT-10 GTS.
Key characteristics of Gen III Vipers include the following highlights:
- Production years: 2003 to 2006
- Engine: 8.3-liter V10
- Power: around 500 horsepower (varies by year/trim)
- Primary trims: SRT-10 (base) and SRT-10 GTS
- Chassis and handling: upgraded suspension, brakes, and aerodynamics aimed at performance
These points explain why the 2004 model is classified as Gen III SRT-10.
Gen timeline context
To place the 2004 Viper in context, Dodge advanced the Viper through five generations to date. The Gen III era is followed by Gen IV (2008–2010) and Gen V (2013–2017), with Gen I (1992–1995) and Gen II (1996–2002) preceding it. The Gen III period brought the car into a modern era with SRT branding and a refined, high-performance package while preserving the Viper's identity.
- Gen I: 1992–1995
- Gen II: 1996–2002
- Gen III: 2003–2006
- Gen IV: 2008–2010
- Gen V: 2013–2017
The 2004 Viper is firmly within the Gen III window, which is why enthusiasts and sellers often refer to it as a Gen III Viper SRT-10.
How to identify a 2004 Viper’s generation
For used examples, you can verify generation by looking for Gen III badges, the 8.3-liter V10 engine, and production-year indicators on the VIN/window sticker. The model year is typically deduced from the VIN's year code (and confirmed by the build date and production records).
- VIN check: verify the model year code and production date
- Engine: 8.3L V10 identifies Gen III-era Vipers
- Badging: SRT-10 and GTS labels indicate Gen III lineage
With these checks, a 2004 car can be confidently identified as a Gen III SRT-10.
Summary
The 2004 Viper is a Gen III model (2003–2006), part of the Viper SRT-10 era that brought Dodge into the modern performance spotlight. It combined the distinctive Viper V10 with updated styling, electronics, and chassis dynamics, setting the stage for subsequent generations while remaining true to the model’s raw, road-going performance ethos.
