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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Its just okay. - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By KevinJ - January 16 - 5:46 pmWhen I purchased the vehicle, I was relatively impressed. As much as i would love to say that I am still impressed to this day, I simply cannot. I have had to drop the car off to my local Chevy dealer multiple times for reasons like the car stalling randomly, running on 4cyl, broken rear defroster, a shot transmission, speakers not working, seat heater not working, sunroof broken, condensation in the tail lights, etc. To put it quite frankly, it has been a lemon. I do thoroughly enjoy driving it when it works (a rarity), but it needs more power for such a large displacing V6. I also enjoy the strength of the seat heaters(when they work.) I only have one more gripe. THE UGLIEST WHEELS EVER.
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Poorly Built Car - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Jarod Hart - November 26 - 2:00 pmWhen I first bought the car I loved it. Drove/handled well, smooth ride, etc. Even liked the power (although I now feel like it is a little on the weak side). That has quickly gone downhill since. This past year alone I have invested $2500-$3000 in repairs. Since purchase with 29,000 miles I have had to rebuild the trans (at 54K), replace a high pressure line for the a/c, replace struts and bearing plates, replace temp. sending unit, resolder rear defrost, rebuild brakes all around (including calipers), replace tie rod ends, thermostat, theres a short in the headlights causing my daytime lihts not to function properly and my highbeam indicator to continuously flicker.
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Never Again. - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By am12 - September 10 - 4:34 amI would never buy a Monte Carlo again. I love my car but I have had it for almost 3 years and have had nothing but problems. I am having to get my roters changed CONSTANTLY. If not, and I am on interstate and slowing down to get on the off ramp, it shakes horribly. Anyone else? Then sometimes when I turn real sharp, it makes a screeching noise and sounds like my power steering is going to go out. Now recently, it has been leaking antifreeze and overheating. I talked to a dealer and he, himself even said they are nice cars, but have many mechanical problems.
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DONT invest your money in these cars - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By cemjr149 - July 31 - 10:00 amIve had more trouble with this car than I can describe in this box. 2 alternators, numerous sensors, electric door locks dont work($150 each to fix), electric windows work half of the time, volume for radio turns off whenever I turn the steering wheel, spark plug wires had to be replaced twice. Vacuum pump needs to be replaced now($350.00). Dealer has replaced many other parts to make it idle correctly before determining the vacuum pump was bad and charged me for all of the parts and labor while he was guessing. I wouldnt recommend this car for anyone and my car is not an isolated case. Do your research before buying a Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
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Monte Carlo Sadly No Good - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By dan ryan - April 5 - 2:26 amALthough very room(front seats only)and smooth styling the craftsmenship(things snapoff it)and the engine actually started on fire!!!!!!!! At best it is only a poorly crafter fancy Lumina!
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chock full o trouble - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By djlotek - March 25 - 10:00 amin less than 15,000 miles we have had to rebuild the engine due to a seal blowing and the oil level warning lights never coming on. The transmission failed and had to be rebuilt. the Theftlock system on the ignition failed and cost us 400 bucks to replace and we jsut got nailed for 500 bucks to replace and ALTERNATOR. this car has been full of problems and very expensive to work on
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WET ROADS - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By wv nurse - February 24 - 10:00 amThe performance of this vechicle is terrible on wet roads I wrecked mine while doing 45mph. Seats need more padding. Back seats need more leg room.I hate the milage I get 21mpg. This car use to be fun driving, but now I am afraid of it since hydroplaning across 4 lanes of traffic. The exterior is good looking but could use a few improvements. The build of the car is very sturdy after wrecking the only injuries I had was a cut on my finger. As far as reliability, this car has been hard to handle on wet roads since I purchased it. I owned a 2001 SS before the 2002 and never had this problem.
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Disappointed for many reasons - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By mw - November 30 - 11:30 amThis was my first brand new car ever! and I have some doubts if I will ever buy a Chevy product again. At 6000 miles the belts had to be replaced. At 12000 miles the steering shaft cracked and had to be replaced. by 16000 miles the water pump along with rotors/calipers had to be replaced. Around 22,000 miles it was the rotors again. 28,000 miles it was rotors/calipers and the A.B.S modules again. The car has 40,000 miles on it and rotors again. i live in chicago and im sure some it has to be city driving, but i really dont abuse this car at all. The interior design has improved over the previous model but mechanical it much worse.
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My new old car - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Shay - November 14 - 10:00 amI just purchased my Z34 in Feb and have nothing but problems since then. Oil leaks, window motor, thermostat, vaccum hoses, edmissions problems, timing belt. You name it. Now Ive got tranny problems. Im at my wits ends with this car. It only has 71,000 miles on it. I dont want to see it 100,000.
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Problematic Car - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Dissapointed - July 29 - 3:50 amBattery was bad at 10,000 miles. Head gasket blown at 45,000 miles (constant low coolant light on = expensive repair). Fuel injectors bad at 25,000 miles (cleaned). Engine mounts replaced at 60,000 miles (very expensive). AC controls bad at 40,000 miles. Electronic module computer bad at 60,000 miles (replaced = very expensive) Mechanic at the dealers said he has seen these problems repeated over and over with this model. Who pays for it? Who did you think? GM? Naahh... I had mechanical breakdown insurance, but had to pay $250.00 for each incident. What I saved with 0% finance, I have spent in repairs that one would never believe to occur in such a new car. No more GM! Enough!
