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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  Low Rider - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Low Rider - April 29 - 4:50 am

  I do love this car! Glad to see lots of others do too. Bought used, 2 months now. It is definitely a low rider. I felt bamboozled at the car lot where I purchased it. I dont think they had sold a car in days. Paid 8,900. Not sure it was well kept, all 4 tires are different brands. Lights go on and off. Knocks if higher octane gas is not used. Only bad thing to say that it sits so low, when you pull out of a parking spot with huge vehicles on both sides you cant see a thing. Also, I have very short legs and have to sit very close to steering wheel. I had a Kia and loved it but I hit a pole, didnt damage the body but with the poorly made unibody (all one piece)it was warped & totaled.

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  Geezer Sport - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Nancy - April 23 - 10:16 am

  A comfortable, easy car to get in and out of, with an engine that beats most other cars off the starting line. OnStar is nice, and the satellite radio is wonderful. The ease of controls being on the steering wheel is great. It fits tall and short people. The styling is retro and it has the hints of Monte Carlos in the 70s.

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  nice car - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Alexander Gogoberidz - April 14 - 2:00 am

  nice car. had no problems with it so far.

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  Love the Monte SS - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By cyanidekid - April 12 - 5:26 am

  Bought the car off craigslist through a private party without even hearing it run. It had 45,000 miles on it. I rented a car trailer from uhaul and drove 2 hrs to pick the car up. It is a (Competition Yellow) 2003 Limited Edition SS w/ the High Sport appearance package, fully loaded. The car now has 138,000 miles on it and it runs like a champ. I havent had to put any $$ into it besides regular maintenance and it gets excellent gas mileage for its size. Its big enough to fit 5 comfortably and the trunk is HUGE! The Monte Carlo is definitely sexy and demands attention on the roads, but its not a "race" car... unless you want to spend the extra $$ for the modifications.

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  I love this car - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Tom Spellman - April 2 - 8:16 am

  I bought the car in January of 2005. Great ride, runs great, and the gas milage is very good. I live in Nebraska so winters with snow are common place. Car gets around great in snow with front wheel drive. The only problem I had with the Monte is the multi-function switch had to be replaced. Luckly I bought the extened warranty as this was a 600.00 part. I put the car into storage with 53,000 miles on it. She will be worth some money some day.

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  After 5 years - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By wes - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Very comfy seats, Paint color is awesome/Laser Blue but the paint chipped real easy from hwy. rocks. A/C doesnt cool enough because of the hot dash. I had my windows tinted, Rides good/XM/ON STAR

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  2006 Monte Carlo SS - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By CarolT - March 22 - 10:06 am

  While this car is fun to drive (and the V-8 is certainly a major improvement) the interior design leaves much to be desired. The shifter is in an terrible location and its difficult to adjust the temp control. I opted for the premimum stereo system and its not a premium sound in my opinion. Would I purchase this car again? Certainly, I would just opt for the cheap stereo system and upgrade it later. As for the temp control...well, maybe theyll get it right next time.

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  Great car - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By ed - March 20 - 2:23 am

  I dont know why GM never promoted this car.The fuel economy 20 city and 32 highway plus the fun to drive aspect make this car a much better value than the so called economy cars. I am 62 " 250 lbs,the two door feature of this model make it so easy to get in and out of.I love it.

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  99 Monte Carlo - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Referee - March 16 - 2:00 am

  after 4 yrs little or minor problems I couldnt fix myself. My wifes commute car, she is a teacher.

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  Fun Ride - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By cj2163 - March 12 - 4:53 am

  We have put about 1200 miles on our 06 Monte. So far it has been a real fun ride. The interior is roomy enough. The kids fit fine in the back seat. Not real practial with children, but oh well. The heated seats and stereo are great. The car has a fairly stiff suspension and hugs the road well. You do feel most bumps in the road. Braking is very strong and the steering gives you a solid feel of the road. The car feels solid and substantial. The 3.9l V6 is plenty powerful for us with lots of passing power. Fuel economy is running about 23 around town and 27-28 on the highway. Overall, we are very pleased with the car and have not had second thoughts about our selection.