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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  Differences between 1999 and 2002 - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Longtime ChevyBuyer - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Compared to the 1999 Monte Carlo the new design 2002 drives like a barge. This design is harder to steer and the cruise control looses up to 5 miles per hours attempting to maintian the current speed. The whole car seems to be under powered.

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  great car - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By hiebert - December 2 - 2:00 am

  this car is fun to drive and has lots of power.

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  Fun Car - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Michauds - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Love my Monte Carlo. This car looks great and is a joy to drive. I got my SS model with the sport package which added to the great appearance. Only draw back has been with the fuel injection system which Ive had to have serviced 3 times already.

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  My Monte My Baby - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By My Monte My Baby - November 25 - 9:00 am

  I love this car. I think it handles better than the Mustang. It drvies so smooth and it dosent even feel like your going fast. I dropped it an inch and I put 20 inch rims on it and it feels even better. It has a very spacious interior and its far more comfortable for passengers than most coupes.

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  Big coupe - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By phant2000 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Lots of room inside for a sporty coupe. Back seat is more than ample for 2 full sized adults. The 200 horsepower 3.8 liter V6 provides brisk take-offs and excellent passing. It gets great mileage for a big V6. Lots of features like auto-dimming rearveiw, heated side mirrors, auxilliary 12V power outlet, dual zone heat and a/c. power everything

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  Best Car Ever - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Genocide - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Best Car Ever

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  great car - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By da big dog - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in 2000, and never had it back to the dealer except for a power window switch that went bad at 185,000 miles. The only mechanical problem that I had was that I lost overdrive around 165,000 miles, but I truly cant complain, I ragged that motor and transmission hard for the life of it,but the engine was rock solid when I traded it. The other nice feature about this car was even though it had soooo many miles on it in such a short period of time it still held good value for a trade in, I would strongly recommend this car to anyone......

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  Monte Carlo SS - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By troobie - November 7 - 10:00 am

  none

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  I Love My Monte - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Patricia Engelbrecht - November 6 - 6:33 pm

  I believe something happened to my car before I bought it...the front seats are NOT right. The time I asked them to be checked I was told they were normal...but I have checked other 1998 Monte Carlos and they are better. My husband is a big guy and he does not have much room. Besides this problem, I love my Monte Carlo. (I owned a 1985 Monte Carlo before I bought the 1998.)

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  2005 Monte Carlo LS - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Dan - October 29 - 10:36 am

  I bought my monte over 4 years ago used with about 20,000 miles, now I have a little over 123,000 miles and it still runs like new. I have had a few problems minor problems but i have spent less than $500 in repairs in over 100,000 miles. The car has good acceleration for passing and is fun to drive.