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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  The Worst Monte Carlo Poorly Built - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By lbuckland - November 17 - 8:13 am

  This was the 2nd monte carlo I purchase and believe me the worst. Problems first started 100 miles over warranty. Car would not shift into gear. Took to Chev was charged for a new ignition. Few months later same problem took to another shop told it was shifter cable. Pd again. About a yr later same problem. Next was the dash it started coming apart. Next, ac went out which happened with both monte carlos at 6 yrs. Well, now it is the transmission. As for the car not shifting if was the shifter when you would try and push button down to put in gear it would not go but would do it randomly. Finally, I figured out after so many times of paying it was mainly in the winter. Well, needless to say.

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  Does this car fall under the lemon laws? - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Linda - November 6 - 5:33 pm

  Over the last few years I have always driven Chrysler products and loved them, but when I test drove the Monte Carlo I fell in love with it. Little did I know that every few weeks I would be returning my car to the dealership for some type of repair. The repairs have ranged from the tire monitor sensors to the heated seats and the brakes and also dont let me forget the heating system. I buy brand new cars so I dont have this problem. If this car holds up for the next 2 years I will be getting rid of it and going back to Chrysler products and if someone would offer to buy it right now I would sell it and take my loss if you would even call it a loss. I wouldnt recommend buying this car.

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  Disappointment - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By benz2btm - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Starts rough, engine dies when warm and must be re-started, moonroof stuck open with no manual close and/or listing as to motor location.

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  Dont be fooled by its looks - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By tankerman1919 - October 4 - 9:00 pm

  I was in the army and this was my first car coming out. I now sell cars. Dont get the 3.4 Monte. Its no good. At 45K new tranny. At 60K intake leak. Now Ive got lifter noise. But cant afford to have it fixed. I mean this car looked OK. But far from the best. I would rather have my old 89 Honda Civic again. At least I knew it would run everyday.

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  Very Disapointed - 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Charley - December 24 - 8:06 am

  I bought my Monte Carlo expecting a great car like the Firebirds of old. I felt the engine and transmission were very good. The fit and finish inside the car was very bad. The dash had a big gap in it and the dealer said they would do nothing about it. The care had three steering shafts put into it. The steering had a problem that Chevrolet knew was there but the fix they had for the collapsible steering shaft was only a temporary fix and the noise and feel of a click would come back after a few thousand miles. The diver seat was loose and the dealer said this was normal. I traded it for a Toyota corolla and am very happy with that car. I had five Trans Ams of old but never a GM product again.

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  SS= Severely Sucks - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Loring Russell - September 30 - 2:00 am

  very unimpressive, nothing great about this vehicle.....gone are the days of the awesome Chevrolet Monte SS that were fun to own and drive. This vehicle is nothing more than a larger Cavilier. The Yugo has been reborn, it is now called a Monte Carlo. Purchase price 10 months ago 29K, current trade in value 15K. I guess their reputation has spread.

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  Nothing but bad news - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Nannygoat - August 26 - 10:00 am

  It has been nothing but problems: alternator, spark plug wires (twice), spark plugs, power windows (twice), power door locks, drivers reclining mechanism, door padding, center console, power steering, transmission. I have sunk about $5-6K into this car in the 4.5 years of ownership. Only 67K miles. Dont bother seeking a refuge with GM "customer service" either. They just tell you to get lost.

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  Dissapointment - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By stup62 - August 17 - 7:23 am

  Have owned this car since July, 2005. Am very disappointed with Chevy. So much so, I am switching brands. I have had Chevys all my life, but never owned a piece of junk like this car. Have had the battery replaced, the power steering pump and belt replaced the steering shaft replaced, (now needs it again), the drivers side seatbelt replaced. Replaced the junk goodyear tires at 24,000 miles, were wore down to the tread bars. Not happy with this car. Wouldnt recommend Chevy to anybody.

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  Not worth it - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Go Navy - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I honestly dont know who Chevy was trying to fool. They bring back the Monte Carlo with only a 6 cylinder and FWD. This is not the Carlo of old. The V-6 is lacking in the acceleration department due to the excessive curbweight. For an upgraded performance package the Z34 offers little more than four-wheel disc brakes. The interior falls apart easily, while the engine is a pain to work on. Hiding the battery under the washer fluid makes it a joke. The steering is alright although the turning radius is terrible and handling is typical American making hard cornering a pain.

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  The Sled - 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By The Sled - April 27 - 11:03 am

  Purchased new, my second Monte Carlo. The first one is a 2000LS. This 07 LT is garbage. Problems from bad (DIC) few of them, display burns out, replaced all four rims from corrosion already, car creaks like a 10yr old car, cheaper plastics, and low grade leather seating. Maybe they skimped on quality for the last year. Really thought Id love this one the way I love my old Monte, which I still have.