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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SS is a great car! - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Mark s. - November 14 - 2:00 amI have owned my 2002 SS for 16 months and have really enjoyed the car. Chevrolet did a great job designing this very distintive car that it not like many others. The ride is great and all controls are easy to use. The handling is great and the V6 feels like a V8. Long trips are a breeze with the very comfortable leather bucket seats.
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Top dog 2007 SS - 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By dfwwiz - October 28 - 7:43 pmThis is the 4th Monte Carlo we have owned. We bought this 07 SS after finding out about it being the last year produced. Chevy finally put the engine in it needed and now its dead. After 5 weeks of owning it, im still in awe of it! We trade in a very nice 2004 SS for this one. This one is black with most all of the extras on it. This is by far the best car Ive ever owned. It gets great mileage for having over 300 hp. So far it has averaged 20.6 in city. The power is just awesome. I removed the mufflers to let it sound better and replaced them with straight 2.250 pipe and reattached the stock tips. This car turns heads evereywhere it goes. We also had a 79 and still have an 86 SS
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Awesome car, happy Gramma! - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By LAURA - October 25 - 5:50 pmI have always enjoyed the three previous Chevys I owned. (Chevelle, Malibu Classic, Monte Carlo. I purchased my current Monte Carlo last February 05, 2006. Plenty of room in back, as I use a wheelchair, and I am able to put it behind the passenger side front bucketseat. I have no problems with that process. Long live the two door mid-size Monte!
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Awesome - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Rick1234894 - October 25 - 2:00 amIts an extremely smooth ride with a good amount of power
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ss Monte - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By lmilone - October 20 - 10:00 amThe SS Monte Carlo is superior all the way around. The handling, styling, comfort and performance is awesome. When you step on the accelerator you go without any hesitation and gas mileage is surprisingly good.
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Smooth and Powerful Ride - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By dashmax - October 5 - 10:00 amMy Monte Carlo SS growls and goes at the touch of the accelerator. It is a joy to drive under any and all road conditions. The stylish lines of the design are the finest in the class. Im quite happy with my MC.
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GREAT CAR FOR THE MONEY - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By lynette - October 5 - 10:00 amI JUST PURCHASED MY MONTE CARLO A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO, A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED WITH THE GAS MILEAGE, HOWEVER THE CAR HANDLES GREAT, FEELS GOOD TO DRIVE, THE ONLY PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE ENCOUNTERED IS MY DASH IS WARPING AND COMING APART AND MY TRUNK OPENS WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD, NOTHING THAT CHEVROLET DID NOT TAKE CARE OF!!!!!!!! I WOULD DEFINETELY RECOMMEND THIS CAR TO ANYONE OF ANY AGE
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03 ss - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By loams - October 3 - 2:00 amOverall, a very fine car. Well designed with plenty of room and excellent gas mileage. Great looking too!
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My third Monte - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By My third MC - September 15 - 2:00 ammy third MC and the most fun. Had a 77, 95 and now an 04. Would recommned! Its an exceptional drive if you like a sport suspension. My last MC (95) has 146,500 miles on it and is in great shape. It influenced my purchase this past weekend...
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ONE GREAT CAR ! - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By biarritz84 - August 29 - 10:00 amTraded in a 99 Seville STS on this Monte LS. Tested a new 300, looked great but seats was a killer on the back. This Monte rides and drives as smooth as my STS but lacks the HP by far but with 32 mpg and regular fuel it uses no complaints.Got this car for under 20 grand and it has all the right features not too much like the STS. The leather seats are great to.
