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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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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Unstable car - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By catiiis183 - September 10 - 8:10 amThe vehicle is unstable in rainy weather. Hydroplanes a lot even at low speeds. Not made for winter or rainy weather. This is a spring summer car only.
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i had numerous problems with this car - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By angry and unhappy ca - September 2 - 12:20 ami have had engine and suspension problems.
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Just Purchased Monte Carlo - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Dan the man - August 29 - 10:00 amI was worried purchasing my first Chevy product since the early 70s & 80s. I have been very happy with my past Toyota and Honda purchases. Had no luck with Ford (Forever repairing Daily). But I use to enjoy my old GM products in my youth, so I gave Chevy another chance. So far I am really happy with the monte carlo. I like the styling and handling. I even have my daughters child seat in the back, and that has been easier than I expected. It may still be too early to tell, with 18,000 miles but so far so good. Lets hope I dont get disappointed, I need a reliable car and if this doesnt work out, its back to Toyota for good.
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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.
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"Expert" under-rated - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By 1_Jones_Boy - August 27 - 3:30 pmWe love our MC. We rented one in Orlando before buying, and I wanted to get one with the Buick 3.8 L before they discontinued (they last forever). Without the SC we use regular, get 34 mpg without AC and driving 60-65, 32-32 with AC and driving 70. Overall average is 29. We tinted the windows and put on aftermarket wheels. Excellent legroom in front and back, can merge and pass easily, and this is the only car that looks like its NASCAR version.
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Wow ....what a car - 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By anita - August 24 - 1:36 pmMy new ‘07 Monte is so fun to drive I almost bought a SUV but my Monte caught my eye. Its fun to drive looks good, feels good is very dependable fuel economy is good comes standard with great options
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No defects - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By carolcarlo - August 10 - 1:10 pmThis is the first car that I have ever owned that did not have to go back to the dealership for something to be fixed. I have not had any problems with my Monte in over 3 years. I love my dependable car. Its definitely the "Full Monty"!
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SS Supercharged - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By 2004 SS Supercharge - July 28 - 2:00 amThis is a beautiful vehicle!
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Great cars for the money. - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By MitchK - July 27 - 10:00 amI myself own a 95 monte carlo z34. I love the car, although ride quality and handling are lacking. I somehow got my parents to purhcase a new monte carlo ss, more specifically a 2002 Dale E. Edition SS. Styling is very nice; these cars are real head turners(especially w/ the high sport package). The handling is GREAT for a big car, not to mention the ride quality is fantastic. Overall quality is much better than that of the grand prix GTP we test drove. I conclude that the 2000-on montes are the best generation ever, and are a heck of a car for the money. A good mix of sportiness and practicality.
