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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  love my monte - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By brenda 2 - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This is the most comfortable, luxury,sport vehicle around. I love driving it and I also look great in it.. This vehicle will turn alot of heads when its shiny finish has just been washed.

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  The two door sports car - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By TxSkier - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my 6th Monte Carlo since 1982. The second FWD after our 98. I like the big two door sports coupe with the styling back from the 70s and 80s. The car gets great gas mileage (26MPG avg)...has lots of room. Dash layout is good. The aluminum wheels in the first option package really sport out the car. The car rides great, some road noise on certain pavement types, most likely due to the Goodyears, will try Michelins when replacement time comes like I had on the 98 Monte. Some people either like the styling or dont. I looked at and compared to the Imapala, too much of a grand-pa car.

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  Used - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By allisonmarie13 - November 30 - 12:23 pm

  I bought my car at a dealership for $1,200 off the sticker price; I walked out paying $6,000 even for everything, including the plate. The car had over 100,000 miles on it, but they were high way miles, so the car is still in EXCELLENT condition. Although it has a high amount of high way miles, it still runs like its brand new. The car is in perfect condition, exterior and interior. I have been driving it for almost a year and the only problem Ive had is an obnoxious clicking that seems to be related to the air vents. Other than that, it is a WONDERFUL car.

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  oh yes its love - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By bigbadme - November 28 - 10:00 am

  this one of the most ass kicking car I have owned power to burn but you can take a hit in money for gas so if want a car that gets 30 city this is not for you.

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  My SS is awesome! - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Mikeyfett - November 14 - 10:00 am

  If you buy this car, you get a lot for the money. Leather, sunroof, super sound-system,OnStar, heated seats, information center etc... You get a lot for your money compared to smaller 2dr cars like the Mustang or Sebring. I traded in a 96 T-Bird w/V8-rwd and I feel the Monte has more power. My favorite is that its big and comfortable. Im a big and tall guy and I feel very comfotable in it. Very safe too, rated highest in front collision safety.

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  2003 Monte Carlo LS - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By ep1 - November 13 - 7:29 pm

  Really like the style of the car, though not very happy in the way it handles, sloppy but sort of controlled has the feeling of being very nose heavy up front in cornering manovers presently having steering shaft issues the dealer lubed and greased the steering shaft seems to be much better - great gas mileage and a real head tuner on the road.

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  Best Car Ive ever owned. I love it - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By hd - November 12 - 9:23 am

  Its a great car. I bought it for college and Im now out of college and Im still driving this car. It is an absolute blast to drive. Its wonderful for someone who is going to be going to school and doesnt need a full size four door car but Im the the point where I am going to be having a baby so Im going to be needing a four door car or SUV.

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  Monte SS - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By mattyv - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Great cruising vehicle with plenty of pep in the bottom end when its new. Over time the mid end of the end isnt as responsive. Overall I am still very pleased with the vehicle based on its looks and comfort. All this vehicle needs is a supercharger or even a V8 with rear wheel drive.

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  Good car - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By joker42369 - November 7 - 1:56 am

  This is a very good car for any time of the year. The 3.1 liter model still came with leather seats for me, and gets good gas mileage while still putting in some good power. Its pretty heavy, but thats OK for the winter. It has always started up for me and never given me any problems. Its in my family to stay.

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  2003 Jeff Gordon Signature Monte Carlo - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Ron Ignelzi - November 5 - 10:00 am

  A Must for all die-hard Jeff Gordon fans! This car is the BEST looking of all the Signature Series cars built by GM. Fun to drive and gets lots of positive comments from people that see it. Plenty of power and good gas mileage to boot.