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:
Showing 31 through 40 of 751.00-
Problems, problems, problems - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By susie1975_19999 - July 10 - 10:00 amThe electronics on this car has been a nightmare!Air conditioner, several sensors, dash board assembly, multi function switch, catalytic converter, gas cap have all been replaced! Most all of these items have cost me over 500 every time! Multi function switch, when it goes bad headlights will go out on you going down the road! Of course there are never any re-calls for these problems and every time something else goes wrong dealer ship says those cars are known for this! Ive called GM several times about the car and told them they sold me a piece of junk but they never offer to replace anything! Wish I had never laid eyes on this car. It will be traded off! GM never again !
-
monte carlo - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By valerie216 - June 7 - 10:00 amConsidering the cost of this car, it has broke 3 times and qualified for the Ohio Lemon Law. This car was reliable until about 9k miles and that is where the problems began for 3 weeks in a row. i am in the process of a buyback, so think twice before spending a lot of money on a brand new car and thinking it will be reliable.
-
Car Awful - 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By PStark - June 5 - 10:00 amWe loved the car when we bought it. It had just 11,000 miles. We have had nothing but problems with it. Fist the check engine light comes on and nothing works. Turned it off and back on and everything was ok. Next the heater and air would work sometimes and the not. Thant quit. We sprung 2 leaks in the Power Steering line, and the transmission will stall and then lunge forward. Contacted Chevrolet and that was the biggest joke. Recall on 2006 and 2007 Monte Carlos for the Power Steering leakage, but not 2007. Technical Service Bulletin on the Transmission, which could cause a serious accident, but nothing on the 2007. Dealer said it was a crimped line. Get real.
-
2003 Monte Carlo, bad power steering - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Rozie - January 22 - 3:06 pmI have had this car serviced 8 times in 17 months for problems with the power steering pump. Eventually, the entire power steering rack was replaced, but the problem is still not resolved. I love the look and feel of the car, but the mechanics on it are horrible. I am a loyal GM customer, but the difficulties that I have had with the servicing of this vehicle are pushing me towards foreign cars with much better manufacturers warranties.
-
Tired of Rental Cars - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By fjm11516 - May 4 - 2:00 amI loved this car more than any I had ever owned. Then the second year came around. This car spends more time in the shop than it does at my home. Ive had 3 major problem that were covered under warrenty. My warrenty ends in 700 miles and I am scared to death of what is going to happen next. Great comfort which is why I bought it. The most unreliable car ever. Run away.
-
Its an ok car - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By mellowc - January 13 - 11:06 amLooks unique, but has no guts in it. The 3.4 L model will get you from a to b, but this engine will certainly not win you any races. Nice front seat, but cheap parts have cost me some money. Engine also blew a head gasket, which this engine is known to do; $700. I was looking for a car with some get up and go, this is not it. Its an ok car, but leaves you wanting more.
-
Made on a Monday?? - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Not so pleased - November 29 - 10:00 amThe engine light came on one day after I had it. It took 4 tries for the dealership to finally fix it. Since then, the engine light has come on numerous times. Ive had 3 parts replaced in less than 2 years. Thank goodness for OnStar. Im looking for another type of car after only 2 years of having the car to avoid buying the extended warranty. The car looks great, but if Im worried about it getting me where I need to go thats pretty pointless.
-
Nightmare on wheels - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By burkholz71 - October 17 - 2:00 amI purchased my vehicle out of need in 2000. Great deal for a car with 52000 miles, since then 3 alternators (600$) at dealership. oxygen senceors (650$), anti-lock brake light comes on when its wet outside giving false reading to alternator, dealership cant seem to locate problem? Paint is Dk green flaking around doors. Also experiencing problems with windows not wanting to roll up all the way. It always seems to amaze me that even the trained monkeys at the dealerships cant seem to find out what the problem is, but are sure they fixed it ......
-
no more g.m for me! - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By nomoregm - September 17 - 10:00 ami only have had this pice of cr~p 5 weeks. first -jerky trans [computer problem]. second- trunk wont close. third-just quit running at 40 m.p.h. forth- all kinds of interior rattels.this car is built very cheap and flimzy. sound system stinks.i,m going back to ford fit and finish way above g.m with better quality materials ouality is job 1.
-
SS Mama - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Nisey - April 4 - 10:00 amI have to agree with you the enterior could use some work... like the dual air conditioning option low budget. Love the plain sleek look inside though! Over all I enjoy driving my Monte Carlo...only slightly miss me GT Pontiac.
