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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05 LT 3.8 - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By buckshot - December 30 - 8:40 amThe exterior styling is an acquired taste, but I think it looks great, retro enough to turn heads but not too much. The deep laser blue paint looks great, and has held up very well thus far. Interior is roomy, all controls are easily reached from the drivers seat. The glove box is the only flaw, it isnt fitted tightly enough under the dashboard, and there is an ugly gap. The leather seats are very comfortable, and the heating element does an amazing job. The 3.8l V6 provides OK power, but a v8 with a RWD setup would be best. First gear seems bit sluggish, car would greatly benefit fron a manual trans, or 5 speed auto. handling is OK, the car does roll have body roll, and needs a sway bar.
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cool car - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Rick Sutton - December 21 - 2:00 amI love this car!! It drives great, has plenty of power and is fun to drive.
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Good car - 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By rolando - December 11 - 1:03 pmI bought the car itÂ’s a 2007 Monte Carlo and its got 11,000 mil but one thing I notest is that on the steering column there is a knocking sound, When I turn. That is the same type of sound my old Chevy impala which was a 2003 had. And when I took it in to get it check they told me it was some kind of shaft in the steering column. I hope this car will not have that problem.
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Monte Carlo SS - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By troobie - November 7 - 10:00 amnone
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Still love it after all these years. - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By jackw972 - October 23 - 12:58 pmI got my Monte Carlo LS brand new in 02. It had 48 miles on it, and shined like a new Penny. The car now has 140,000 miles on it. Ive had little to no problems with the car till it had 100,000 miles on it. The problems came in waves. When I had trouble, it wasnt just one thing, it would be 2 or 3 things go bad about the same time. Id get them fixed, and it would be fine for a while. At this point, the BCM went bad. Im still working with that problem. It has 140K, it aint perfect. I still like it, and still like driving it. Im going to run the wheels off of it.
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THE MONTE CARLO - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By bj khan - October 15 - 10:00 amThe monte carlo is a nice car it has a decent amount of power but chevy really needs to get rid of the dlat spot on second gear. Another thing is the nose dive when you brake. I have problems with the car shaking while it idles. when i took it to the dealer they said it was normal. no i dont think so. It comes well stocked and for a stock system the 200 watt monsoon amplified system sounds good. Its a good car overall.
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A Very Good Car - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Brian - August 22 - 5:46 amChevy did a nice job with this car. Its comfortable and stylish (the ladies love it - NO JOKE!). Acceleration and gas mileage with the 3.4L V6 arent this engines strong suits, but its relatively smooth and works well with the 4-speed auto trans. Steering is slightly overassisted, but handling is decent. After nearly 12,000 miles, no problems, except for slightly warped brake rotors which Ill have checked and probably replaced under warranty soon. The interior could stand more usable storage space up front, but overall, no complaints. Great sound from CD stereo.
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Good but could be great - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Leigh Z - July 22 - 10:00 amAfter spending a month with the car, I am beginning to really like the car. For everyday commuting it is very comfortable and gets very good gas mileage. What it isnt is a performance beast that makes me want to take it out for the hell of it and just cruise around. For a SS moniker car I expect it to outperform the average sedan from Japan. Sadly, it just does not cut it under the hood.
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Supercharged fun - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By GIVEMEPOWER - July 13 - 2:13 pmThe Supercharged SS is the only way to go with this vehicle. While power could be greatly improved yet to keep up with Mustang and Charger, overall the vehicle has decent pickup. Great handling and a simple but spacious interior make this a fun car to drive... a real head turner.
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Not so bad - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By TheRat - July 8 - 8:06 amThis is the third GM car that I have purchased. Love the style. Have had only one problem other then normal maintenace.
