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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(Not So) Proud Owner - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Will - May 4 - 12:16 amI am the (not so) proud owner of what I thought was a nice used car. Bought this with 47,000k fully loaded, which isnt bad for a 2006, only to discover transmission problems two weeks and 300 miles after purchasing. I like the car, but am disgusted with its performance. It slams into gear from park and hesitates to get into first, often jerking into first gear. Was told the car had a warranty when purchasing only for the dealer to have no record of the warranty. Lucky me for purchasing a car out of warranty. After dealing with the Chevy dealer (seller) and GM, I can say the two have lost a longtime and formerly loyal GM customer. NEVER AGAIN!
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Differences between 1999 and 2002 - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Longtime ChevyBuyer - December 8 - 2:00 amCompared to the 1999 Monte Carlo the new design 2002 drives like a barge. This design is harder to steer and the cruise control looses up to 5 miles per hours attempting to maintian the current speed. The whole car seems to be under powered.
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80,000 mile lemon - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Chad Hyder - October 3 - 4:33 amI purchased this car new and have had decent service up to this point. Im have just started hearing a slight noise in the engine this week and its getting worse, I took it into the shop and was informed that the lifters and camshaft would need to be replaced. This would cost me $2,500,00. Im checking around for better pricing but it seems this car is no longer drivable until this major repair is made. I just fill I should have been able to get more than 80,000 miles from this 2003 Monte Carlo. Needless to say I will not be walking onto a Chevrolet lot anymore. Its looking like I have been pushed to the superior foreign market. It just makes sense. C-Ya Chevys!!!!
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OK car - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Shawn - August 19 - 11:23 pmI have had my Monte Carlo for almost two years. Pretty good overall car. Its very reliable and I havent had too many problems with it. However, the gas mileage is terrible in the city, I average about 18 mpg, much better on the road though. The hinge on the glove compartment broke, and braking in the rain was bad until I had the front fender liners trimmed. Overall I have been happy with the performance, never lost a race with any high-schoolers at stop lights with their Civics and Eclipses!
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Short Circuit - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Icarus - August 8 - 10:00 amI loved the way the car drove, but all other experiences with my Monte Carlo were terrible. Im 6 2" and the car did not fit me; my fault, I test drove the vehicle. Yet, I have had electrical problems of every sort. After six months, my airbag indicator light would come on as I was driving down the road. No problems for another six months and then turn signals began to short out. I thought it was a fuse but they went on and off. I am now experiencing the same problem with the drivers side window. The Chevy dealers I went to were rude and unwilling to help. I think my experiences with Chevy are over.
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this car is a piece... - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By ihatemyZ34 - March 29 - 10:00 amthis car is an unbelieveable piece of crap, which is unlikey for GM... i take care of the car as if it were my child and it still betrays me... alternator shot three times, air pump twice, location on both is moronic (under engine and behind front right wheel well)... get about 20 MPG...
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Very cheap interior - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By nick - March 28 - 2:06 amI looked at a Monte Carlo because it seemed a lot like a Thunderbird which they dont make anymore. But it is anything but. The main problem I have with this car is the cheap interior. The door panels and dash make a lot of noise when going over bumps. Also the car has a lot of road noise. This car is junk. Stay away!
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No wonder GM went bankrupt! - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By 1dtidwell - January 11 - 5:05 pmTraction Control/ABS issues, crank position sensor, starts when it wants to (passlock issues)... Its never ending problems with this car with just over 100,000 miles. Last GM product Ill ever buy.
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Questionable at Best - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Lars_220 - April 21 - 2:00 amAny consumers that are considering buying a Monte Carlo between 1995 - 1999 should strongly reconsider. I didnt know until after I bought it that they got such poor reviews. Mechanically, the car is horrible. In the almost 4 years that I have had it, I have put in over 5000 dollars into the car. Major engine and transmission problems were a large portion of that money.
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Lemone - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Tyler - February 24 - 2:30 amI have owned the car less than 6 months and had a tie rod end go out, the shifter break, the lights will occasionally turn off and then back on - on a dark night, the tranny will go to a super stall mode on occasion, CV axle go bad. There is a lot of road and door-side noise (from poor manufacturing - sealing). Other than that... it gets approximately 28 MPG AVG. The motor has a little bit of spunk to it, and a high end speed is very comfortable, and you dont feel like your losing control of the vehicle. 60-85 feels relatively the same, 85 - top some extra noise, but very controllable. Brakes are very responsive. Any speed over 60 MPH, and gas mileage drops dramatically though.
