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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  2005 Monte Carlo Supercharged SS - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Eva - May 3 - 4:20 pm

  I bought my Monte SS used, but let me tell you it is a sweetheart. I am a middle aged woman who loves to drive fast. I have no problem holding the go pedal to the floor. Its also amuses me to shut off the traction control on the console and smoke the heck out of the front tires, some times I have to take off my high heels to make sure the pedal is completely pushed to the floor and I also like the feeling of power going up my leg driving in my stocking feet. Totally awesome car!!

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  Built in Oshawa CA-JD Powers Plant Award - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By very proud driver - April 28 - 11:13 am

  Built by proud Canadians - JD Powers award for the plant that built my car - very cool! Interior and exterior of car turns my friends heads - wow very cool car. Recent trip on expressway at 67 mph on cruise - got 35.1 mpg - way above the 31 mpg rating for the 3.5 V-6 engine in my Monte Carlo LT model - great job Chev - way better than my Olds Cutlass Supreme LS. Onstar and XM features are great - only have 500 miles in 6 weeks but this is obviously a keeper

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  great car! - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By luvu2_much - March 31 - 5:00 am

  I bought this car new in Oct. of 02. I have since given this car to my son with over 120K miles. Other than normal maintenance I have not spent a dime on this car. Great ride, excellent in the Ohio winters, and 30+ mpg at 70mph on the interstate. Solid feel to the car, nice stock stereo, and it handles very nice for a large coupe. I would definitely buy another one of the same year if I could find it with lower mileage. A great car for the money!

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  Sweet ride! - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Sittin Phat - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with the looks of the SS with the High Sport Appearance package and I catch many people staring at the car. The black with the silver trim is very attractive! Great car!

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  good car - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By ken swope - March 22 - 10:00 am

  would buy another one

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  Worth serious consideration - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By troutman - March 20 - 11:43 am

  Chevy did a real nice job of touching up this reliable performer, making it more sleek in design and improving both the appearance and functionality of interior controls. What sold me was a combination of the fuel economy and the flex fuel engine offered in the 3.5L V-6, which runs on both unleaded, as well as E85 fuel. Finally, the base engine, in addition to being very miserly on fuel, has a surprising amount of power and has the feel of a sports coupe. This vehicle is worth both a test drive and serious consideration against any other manufacturer.

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  LOVE IT - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Bill Behrendt - March 17 - 10:00 am

  This is my first NEW Chevy ever. I loved the looks and after a test drive I was hooked. Handles great acceleration for a 200 Hp engine is good. It spins the rubber quite fine from a dead stop. I get a lot of complements and women like it!

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  Fast n Fun - 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Old Chevy Man - March 5 - 9:20 am

  Since the 60s, I have had muscle cars, none of which were very adequate for daily driving. So, I always had a 2nd car. Well those days are over. This Monte SS drives like a sports car, is a muscle car when you want it to be, and calm as a pussycat when unprovoked. Why would they discontinue such a great car?

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  Comfort and Reliable - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Lynne - March 5 - 2:00 am

  So far so good with the choice of this Monte Carlo! Love the look and style! I personally had alittle trouble Estimating my front end room for a few weeks parking...but that came the more I drove it. Handled very well in our First Snow of the year...and is very floaty when your driving on long trips. Plenty of front seat room also.

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  2001 Monte Carlo SS - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By mrjohn - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Coming from a sunfire GT, the Monte Carlo is a bit huge and takes quite and adjustment in driving attitude. The size and weight requires some adaptation for parking and braking with the extra momentum. I feel the SS gives adequate acceleration, but I would much adore a V8 and perhaps even RWD.