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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  Pontiac Man Gone Chevy - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Tkay43 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with the handling package of the Monte Carlo. My last car was the Grand Prix GTP from Pontiac and I must say I would pick the Monte Carlo over the Grand Prix for ride and handling any day. The 3.8 L engine in the Monte Carlo cannot compare with the supercharged GTP when starting from a dead stop but at the high end ( over 55 mph ) I can not see a difference. Excellent stereo system option and for the price would suggest you take.

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  At 100,000 Miles....................... - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Bill60532 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car when it was 2 years old with about 20,000 miles. Car ran well, good power and torgue from the solid GM 6 cylinder. However, as noted by one other reviewer, at 100,000 all heck has begun to break louse. Problems with breaks, locking up for no reason. Now, it appears I may have to replace the transmission. Note, the hard shifting you feel is the start of bad things, and should be corrected. GM 4 speed automatic is not as sturdy as thier 3 speed. Potentail cost of a new trans, about $2,500.

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  Very Pleased! - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Char li - May 24 - 10:00 am

  So far I have been very pleased with my 2001 Monte Carlo I bought a year ago. Its a nice ride,good on gas on the highway.

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  Functional, stylish, fun - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By C Keene - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I actually like the looks of the 99 better than the 00, except for the Lumina overtones. The car is one of the most comfortable highway cars for the money. Pity that GM bean counters always choose the lowest bidder when it comes to interior plastics. If Honda and VW can find suppliers of quality pastic materials, why cant GM? I tore off the Z-34 emblems as I thought it was silly when they replaced the 3.4 engine with the 3.8. I simply upgraded the car by retrofitting SS emblems from the Camaro (RIP).

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  funner than most - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By zillaryder - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I love my Monte. But i do have a few things that could be better. 1. The drivers seat is to soft. It needs to grip you better. 2. The seat belt guide is annoying when trying to get something or someone out of the backseat. 3. The passenger airbag fit isnt the greatest. 4. I put stiffer tires on mine to help its cornering ability. 5. Ive broke the lid on the center consol twice when leaning over it to get something out of the back. 6. GMs dedication to the "unistick" cruise, signals, wipers & brights all on one stick. 7. The negetive stereotypes that come with the name "Monte Carlo". My brothers call it the "Granny Carlo" among others.

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  A Great Car ! - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Cari - March 10 - 1:26 am

  I did not plan on keeping my car this long. But it just keeps going and going and going. It has been a great car with very few repairs needed. I am still waiting for a reason to get a new one. Not yet !

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  So many problems - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By James - March 5 - 10:20 pm

  I got the car new in June of 2006 from a dealer my father works at. I love this car. It is my second Monte Carlo, but I have to be honest this new one has had a lot of problems. The car throws out black smoke out of the exhaust (the dealers cant figure out why even after 4 visits) The driver seat stopped working and the A/C unit only works half of the time. A replacement unit has been on order for a month. This is my 4th new Chevy and I have never had one with the list of problems this one has had. I would recommend the car if it all the problems were fixed, but until then, wait for the 2007 so hopefully the problems will be solved

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  Fine with me - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By GLDruss - March 5 - 2:00 am

  My 2003 Monte Carlo LS in Superior Blue Metallic is a people-stopper with its beautiful exterior lines. The interior could have used more style, but its comfortable enough. So far, I love the car. Some review called it a "flashback," but not in a positive way. I like it because it is a flash back to when cars had style and personality instead of all looking alike.

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  Monte needs an 8 - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Gary7568 - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Love this car but it needs a V-8 with rear wheel drive!

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  Practical Coupe - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By jctuning - February 22 - 6:11 pm

  Very practical. Large trunk, has great fuel economy. Sat in the back for 200 miles down to South Dakota and it was very comfortable. Wish I had the leather seat option though. Front wheel drive is great in the winter. Throw on some Conti Pro Contacts and I can go through 9 inches of snow with no problems on the unplowed roads. I do all my own matinence since I work at a shop which helps keep my costs down.