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:

• 

  Still love it after all these years. - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By jackw972 - October 23 - 12:58 pm

  I got my Monte Carlo LS brand new in 02. It had 48 miles on it, and shined like a new Penny. The car now has 140,000 miles on it. Ive had little to no problems with the car till it had 100,000 miles on it. The problems came in waves. When I had trouble, it wasnt just one thing, it would be 2 or 3 things go bad about the same time. Id get them fixed, and it would be fine for a while. At this point, the BCM went bad. Im still working with that problem. It has 140K, it aint perfect. I still like it, and still like driving it. Im going to run the wheels off of it.

• 

  The Best Car Ive Owned - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Jason Cox - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car feeling a little nervous about getting another two door due to the fact that I had a 10 month old at the time. This car has proved to me its reliability, safety, comfort, roominess, and everything else. I am very happy with my decision and I know who ever gets it after me will be just as excited as I was.

• 

  THE MONTE CARLO - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By bj khan - October 15 - 10:00 am

  The monte carlo is a nice car it has a decent amount of power but chevy really needs to get rid of the dlat spot on second gear. Another thing is the nose dive when you brake. I have problems with the car shaking while it idles. when i took it to the dealer they said it was normal. no i dont think so. It comes well stocked and for a stock system the 200 watt monsoon amplified system sounds good. Its a good car overall.

• 

  Days Of Thunder - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Florida Girl - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. My wife likes it but is having seperation anxiety from the Tahoe we turned in. She feels like its to small now. LOL. Overall though we love it. Once she gets used to it I plan on spending many nights on the beach staring at the stars through the awesome sun roof. AAAAAAAAAAA++++++++++++

• 

  Dont be fooled by its looks - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By tankerman1919 - October 4 - 9:00 pm

  I was in the army and this was my first car coming out. I now sell cars. Dont get the 3.4 Monte. Its no good. At 45K new tranny. At 60K intake leak. Now Ive got lifter noise. But cant afford to have it fixed. I mean this car looked OK. But far from the best. I would rather have my old 89 Honda Civic again. At least I knew it would run everyday.

• 

  80,000 mile lemon - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Chad Hyder - October 3 - 4:33 am

  I purchased this car new and have had decent service up to this point. Im have just started hearing a slight noise in the engine this week and its getting worse, I took it into the shop and was informed that the lifters and camshaft would need to be replaced. This would cost me $2,500,00. Im checking around for better pricing but it seems this car is no longer drivable until this major repair is made. I just fill I should have been able to get more than 80,000 miles from this 2003 Monte Carlo. Needless to say I will not be walking onto a Chevrolet lot anymore. Its looking like I have been pushed to the superior foreign market. It just makes sense. C-Ya Chevys!!!!

• 

  2005 Monte Carlo owner - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By mike loftus - September 30 - 3:26 pm

  We looked at Maximas, Camrys, Accords and went into the Chevy dealers to look at the Impala but one look at this gorgeous blue/silver coupe and we had to take it for a test drive! It compared better than those above mentioned in several areas so we bought it. So far very happy indeed all around, I have had several compliments from strangers and I love how it handles and holds the road.

• 

  Excellent Car!! I Love Mine!! - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Sherry - September 26 - 9:16 am

  This car has really suprised me. The gas mileage is excellent. I get an average of 400 miles to the tank. It cost me between $30 & $35 to fill up depending on the price of gas. The most it costed was about $45. It holds 15 gallons if that helps. The car is extremely comfortable and very sporty. Men love it!! So I highly recommend it to single women.

• 

  CHEVY FAMILY - LOVE IT!!! - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Janis Colby - September 24 - 8:13 am

  This is my 2nd Monte Carlo. I had a 1985 Monte Carlo SS and I loved it. I just got a 2005 on 9/30/05 and I love it. Saw the 2006 body style but didnt like it. I also test drove the new Impala SS and thought the style looked like a Jetta. Not impressed, didnt like look of new dashboard at all, 05 - like my 85 - so went with the Monte LT 05. They are a dependable car and I love the style, performance, and all the features - totally different from the 1985. Also test drove an SS 05 and really not much difference. Seems to apear to be a heavy car, which is great for our weather in the winter. Truly reccomend. Great Job Chevy!! GM A lot better looking than the 02-03 model.

• 

  Must Have a MONTE! - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By LOVE MONTE SS - September 18 - 7:06 pm

  Every Monte Carlo SS I own I get looks! I bought it used with about 62K and am now at about 114K. I have a lead foot! I havent yet had any problems with my brake system. I did have my 4th gear (overdrive) go out on me. Ive had to replace the Cat. Converter twice. Am being told by a family member that Chevy didnt build the exhaust system big enough for the bigger engines (and the way I drive). But if I blow one a year they are still covered under warranty! My fog lights dont work, never had a problem with seats, window motor was replaced, normal maintenance stuff done, oh leather pulled away from side air bag.