Overview & Reviews

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo traces its roots back several decades to the height of the muscle car era, when Chevy sought to entice customers with a sporty, upscale rear-drive V8 coupe that provided a balance of performance and comfort in a stylish package. From those early years -- which included big-block SS (Super Sport) editions -- the Monte Carlo evolved toward a more luxury-oriented persona, saw significant downsizing (to optimize fuel efficiency) and soldiered on as a popular rear-drive sport coupe until 1988, when it was replaced by the Lumina coupe.

Following a lengthy hiatus, the Chevy Monte Carlo emerged once again in 1995. However, by then it had been softened and saddled with a carryover front-wheel-drive platform and V6 engines that barely hinted at the performance of years gone by. It was, in essence, a Lumina coupe.

The current-generation Chevrolet Monte Carlo coupe debuted in 2000 with more distinctive styling and updated underpinnings from the Impala sedan to better meet the needs of today's buyers. Significant changes in 2006 helped the Monte Carlo come nearly full circle back to its original mission with sportier chassis tuning, improved driving dynamics and more power in SS models, while freshened interior and exterior styling offer a sculpted and pleasing contemporary appearance. In spite of those updates, sales remained sluggish and the Monte Carlo was gone after the 2007 model year.

Although much improved in its latter years -- including a return to available V8 power in SS trim -- we feel that other performance sport coupe competitors like the Mustang offer a more satisfying choice as long as you don't mind giving up some interior room. In reviews, our editors felt that the Monte Carlo was primarily a comfortable cruiser more at home in the fast lane than on twisty mountain roads. If the latter is your preferred driving environment, you may want to consider other brighter, more focused alternatives.

Most Recent Chevrolet Monte Carlo

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo received a major update for the 2006 model year and it remained a midsize two-door coupe that came in three trim levels: the base but reasonably well-equipped LS, the more upscale LT and the performance-oriented SS. Under the hood of LS and LT models is a 3.5-liter V6 with 211 horsepower, while the SS boasts a responsive 5.3-liter V8 with 303 hp. Impressive numbers, yes. But they would've been even better if they powered the rear wheels like Monte Carlos of years ago, especially in the case of the SS. A front-engine/rear-drive layout is typically preferable for optimum weight distribution and balanced handling, especially when the engine is a heavy V8.

Overall, this version of the Chevy Monte Carlo, which only lasted through '07, was a spacious sport coupe that offered buyers a reasonably good comfort/performance trade-off for a relatively low sticker price. Although quick in a straight line, the V8-equipped Monte Carlo SS suffers from a nose-heavy feel. If quick reflexes are on your wish list instead and you don't mind tighter passenger quarters, we suggest you consider a smaller but more nimble sport coupe, such as an Acura RSX or Mitsubishi Eclipse.

Past Chevrolet Monte Carlo Models

Used-car shoppers interested in a late-model Monte Carlo will likely encounter the previous-generation model, which was available from the 2000-'05 model years. Based on the then-new Impala platform and wearing fresh, distinctive (some said ugly) sheet metal with heritage styling cues, the Monte Carlo was originally offered as an LS with a 3.4-liter V6 engine making 180 hp, or an SS with a 200-hp 3.8-liter V6. A driver side airbag -- as well as traction control and OnStar on SS models -- was added as standard safety equipment in 2001, and all models received four-wheel disc brakes, traction control and remote keyless entry in 2003. In a bid to boost its performance image, Chevrolet added a 240-hp supercharged engine option for the SS in 2004.

Previous to this model, there was the Lumina-based Monte Carlo, which became available for the 1995 model year in LS or Z34 sport trim levels. Those wishing to hit the fast lane are advised to stick with the 210-hp 3.4-liter twincam V6 in the Z34. Detail improvements carried the Monte Carlo through the next several years, though only the most eagle-eyed used-car shoppers are likely to appreciate the differences.

User Reviews:

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  Fast n Fun - 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Old Chevy Man - March 5 - 9:20 am

  Since the 60s, I have had muscle cars, none of which were very adequate for daily driving. So, I always had a 2nd car. Well those days are over. This Monte SS drives like a sports car, is a muscle car when you want it to be, and calm as a pussycat when unprovoked. Why would they discontinue such a great car?

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  Comfort and Reliable - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Lynne - March 5 - 2:00 am

  So far so good with the choice of this Monte Carlo! Love the look and style! I personally had alittle trouble Estimating my front end room for a few weeks parking...but that came the more I drove it. Handled very well in our First Snow of the year...and is very floaty when your driving on long trips. Plenty of front seat room also.

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  Fine with me - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By GLDruss - March 5 - 2:00 am

  My 2003 Monte Carlo LS in Superior Blue Metallic is a people-stopper with its beautiful exterior lines. The interior could have used more style, but its comfortable enough. So far, I love the car. Some review called it a "flashback," but not in a positive way. I like it because it is a flash back to when cars had style and personality instead of all looking alike.

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  2001 Monte Carlo SS - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By mrjohn - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Coming from a sunfire GT, the Monte Carlo is a bit huge and takes quite and adjustment in driving attitude. The size and weight requires some adaptation for parking and braking with the extra momentum. I feel the SS gives adequate acceleration, but I would much adore a V8 and perhaps even RWD.

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  Monte needs an 8 - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Gary7568 - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Love this car but it needs a V-8 with rear wheel drive!

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  Practical Coupe - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By jctuning - February 22 - 6:11 pm

  Very practical. Large trunk, has great fuel economy. Sat in the back for 200 miles down to South Dakota and it was very comfortable. Wish I had the leather seat option though. Front wheel drive is great in the winter. Throw on some Conti Pro Contacts and I can go through 9 inches of snow with no problems on the unplowed roads. I do all my own matinence since I work at a shop which helps keep my costs down.

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  Great Car - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By 04montess - February 17 - 11:03 am

  Great gas mileage. Roomy interior with lots of storage. Large aftermarket for parts.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By karch - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had more good comments about this car than any I have owned. Its fun to drive, has loads of features, and looks great. The paint is fabulouse easy to keep shiney. Average about 23 mpg around town 27 on the highway at 75 MPH. Had a few early problems nothing major. One of the best dashboards with all but one button easy to see. Fog light button hidden by the steering wheel.

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  Love my bright yellow Monte Carlo SS - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Phil - February 5 - 3:50 pm

  I saw this car in bright yellow on a dealers lot over an 1/8th of a mile from the street. It was so hot looking, I had to check it out. Before I knew it, I bought it. It rode way better than the Mustangs, was as quiet and road as well as a Cadillac, mine has every option except a power passenger seat or heated seats (which I dont really need where I live, and I usually drive alone anyway). This car has given me no problems since 2002, in fact, other than tires, I havent spent a dime on it, and here it is 2008, the way car dealers count age, the car is 7 years old and has NO problems. I cant say enough about how good a buy this car was, best car Ive had since 1969 Cougar Eliminator

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  My Red Sexxy SS - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By LadySmack - January 27 - 10:00 am

  It turns on a dime, and is very sporty...I have loved driving it for a while now, and the new still hasnt wore off in 1 year...my father has a 2000, and he told me he still loves to drive his....