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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  Pretty car..too many transmission problems - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Charlene - March 20 - 3:56 am

  The car actually belongs to my mother, but due to eye problems, I am the driver. My mother purchased the car in Nov. of 2007. Since the purchase, weve had a new transmission installed and had to have it checked twice after that. Now there is a problem with the shifting the car from Park to Drive,etc. The shift has become stiff and it takes two hands to get it to move. Love the car, hate the problems weve had.

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  Average...to the EXTREME - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By samdc - March 19 - 9:53 pm

  Front wheel drive. It isnt too fast, but not underpowered. It has a few decent interior features, but feels cheap. There is no road-feel, which may or may not be a good thing depending on your taste. It has unique styling (again: which may or may not be good.) For a 6cyl it should get better mileage. Lots of road noise. Smallish backseat. Odd headlight controls. Front wheel drive.

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  bad experiance - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By richard - November 4 - 2:00 am

  the monte carlo is a nice looking car, but I have encountered a great deal of trouble. The paint is defective, My hood had to be repainted three times for them to finaly replace it. my abs modulator has gone out. the car has been worked on three times for having a hard start, and the problem still exists. the dash has been repaired and/or replaced at least three times.

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  For Mechanics Only - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Slim - July 24 - 8:33 am

  This car requires constant maintenance. If youre not a mechanic, Id get something else. The head gasket went at 85000 miles and cost just under a grand to fix. Tie rods, hazard switch, locks, etc, etc, etc. It cant go but three weeks before something else falls apart.

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  Quality product? - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By second monte family - June 28 - 2:03 pm

  My 2006 Monte has had nothing but problems from day one. Had to replace steering twice and then last month got a recall notice for the same. The dealer has been looking for the problem with the computer since I bought it. What is with that? I love Chevy vehicles but this one is disappointing to say the least.

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  Ok car for the money - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Jessz71 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the car in 1/2003 and have had it for a year. It is a decent looking car, but not that I am nearing 100,000 miles seems like everything is going at once. When you accelerate to 3500 the transmission shifts very hard when it is warm, but when it is cold smooth as a daisy. It is leaking oil from the pan and when you roll the windows up when it is cold the dont roll all the way up. The anti lock light also is on and it seems that the shocks are going. I change oil and do regualar maintenance, but i just dont understand.

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  poor quality - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Steve - June 5 - 9:56 am

  This is my 2nd car has been a nightmare since the 2nd month. (First car was an 88 chevy pick up still have it) Took delivery, about 2 months later the computer fried, fixed under warranty. I drive it like a grandma for another couple of months, then the brakes go at 9K miles. Bring it to get a punctured tire fixed, they tell me the that the rear tires are bald on the inside; this at under 20K miles. They tell me that the car must have been off alignment from the factory. When you are in a turn and hit a bump, the steering mechanism or a wheel feels like it is going to fall off. Will never buy Chevy or American EVER again. Traded the car in for a Subaru and have not looked back since.

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  hindsight is 20/20 - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By chicagoan - May 6 - 10:00 am

  What a mistake buying this car was. Complete trans failure at 24k miles. Required a complete trans rebuild. Also had to have the entire steering column and both wheel hub assemblies replaced, drivers side window motor replaced twice as well. The airbag trim on the drivers seat does not fit and so badly that you can put four adult fingers between the trim and the leather. Even new, this car feels like it has 100,000 miles on it. It is big and safe but its also noisy, sluggish and every piece of plastic rattles. GM is five years behind in engineering and design. Look elsewhere folks, don’t repeat my mistake.

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  nothin but trouble - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By ashamed - April 27 - 2:00 am

  first set of wires went at about 30k, replaced under warrenty. second set at about 80k. Alternator died at 84,000 miles, water pump and thermostat replaced at 105,000. after tranny went at 110,000 miles I figured I just about rebuild the darn thing and should get a few years of trouble free use, WRONG. Im on my third thermostat, set of wires, battery, water pump, tires, and the head gasket is shot. Ill never buy another chevy!!

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  Disappointed Monte Carlo owner - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Russell Roebuck - March 16 - 12:40 pm

  I have never spent so much money on repairs in my life! First intake manifold, then Ttransmission problems, next catlaytic converter, next BCM, next thermostat which cost $290 plus tax also oil change every 3000 miles. Radiator and cooling system flushed, Driver side power window unit needs replaced. Seat belt doesnt retract on drivers side. Only a little over 80,000 miles and mostly highway driving. What a lemon piece of junk car and Ill never buy another one. I hate to say but Ive owned Nissans for about 20 years before this car and never had any repair bills.