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:
Showing 141 through 150 of 751.00-
no problems - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By 1valentine - July 25 - 5:08 pmother than routine maintanance, I havent had a single problem throughout the years. When I purchased the car and brought it home, my son asked me WHY did I purchase this particular model car. He said theyre known to have transmission problems. Seeing this car on the lot I didnt pay attention to the make, or model. I was attracted to the body style and the bright red color. That test drive was amazingly comfortable with a smooth ride. She screamed "take me home and make me yours". Eight years, and 140K miles, signs of tranny problems are appearing in the transmission fluid change. Will run it til it drops as they advised. There will be no trading off this ole girl. Shes great
-
Montes worth the look - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By dtmsox - July 23 - 10:00 amI purchased a standard 3.8l SS last year, and the car has been everything I would have expected out of a $28,000 car. Acceptable performance, good handling, great sound system, and trouble free driving. Fuel economy regularly exceeds the rated 29 highway. Body style is regularly commented on in a positive light. This car has the ground effects package, everything is black on black.
-
2 doors rule - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By OCyndi - July 23 - 10:00 amI love this car. It is the closest I have come to my 71 GTO. The only decent sports cars can only be two doors. When I am in the drivers seat, I am so comfortable the leather seats just rap around you. I know I can step on the gas pedal to get out of any predicament that happens around me. Chevrolet has a very good car right now, and the color red makes it really stand out as a decent looking sports car. I love driving 70 on the freeway with both windows and sunroof open.
-
monte - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By matt101 - July 17 - 7:13 amThis car is awsome.
-
kelzar - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By kelzar - July 14 - 2:00 amThis is an excellent vehicle. The reason for the lower score in the comfort area? -- the seat belt is not a comfortable fit. I use a "seat belt adjuster" (2 dollars and change) to tolerate. Other than that: Perfect performance, very good mileage and a fun car to drive. It is a buyers market for cars these days with the rebates and low financing... If I did decide to trade, it would be for another Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS.
-
A Good Product - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Satisfied Gal - July 14 - 1:40 amPurchased my Z34 new in torch red with charcoal leather seats and practically everything available on it. Feed it regular gas and synthetic oil with regular non-extravagent routine preventive maintenance. The Front wheel drive and large tires give outstanding control in snow. The Z34 Monte is most reliable car have had yet. Comfortable & attractive,everyone notices it -- not always a good thing! At 118K miles reliability degraded & a few quirky, not so small repairs started. Transmission hiccupped at 129K miles then at 140K miles. Cost some money to fix. Would get a Chevy again if could find a caring mechanic. Curious to see how long this car will last--was a good buy.
-
Chevrolet 2000 Monte Carlo LS 2dr. - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By 2DR LS Coupe - July 3 - 6:33 amGreat gas mileage. Uncomfortable seating, makes back hurt with way front seats are made. Too uncomfortable entering and geting out of car, both front and back seats. Too low from front stepping out of car in front. Back headrests are very uncomfortable when trying to turn head, unable to see behind. The younger ones like drivng it though. So far it has been reliable and I do believe it is well made. I will never buy another 2 Dr. Too uncomfortable.
-
DWs Review - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By DW Waters - June 19 - 9:00 amChevy has a winner. The only thing I would change would be rear wheel drive and a V8. I am a big person and this car fits me beautiful.Driving this car reminds me of 60s and seventys. Very comfortably. Thanks Chevy.
-
nice car - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By travinator - June 11 - 10:00 ami think that every person on the planet should own one of the best cars in the world and that car is a chevy monte carlo
-
Ignore the "experts"... a GERAT value. - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By rich n. - June 10 - 2:00 amIgnore what the "experts" write. This car is a GREAT value, with a large comfortable interior [Im 62"], quiet ride, satisfactory acceleration/ performance [not as if Im drag racing on I-95 too often], and plenty of creature comforts [I particularly appreciate the on-the-wheel stereo and cruise controls]. Obviously, styling is a personal preference, but I think the car looks sharp outside AND especially inside. My only significant complaint is the rattles that the service department has not solved. I STILL ENJOY GETTING INTO AND DRIVING MY CAR EVERY TIME.
