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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Easy Monte - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Jay63146 - January 26 - 10:00 amI bought this car on a whim when I took the car that I owned in for an oil change. I loved it so much from the get go that I cancelled the oil change and arranged to buy this car. GMs 3800 V6 is wonderful and powerful, seats are comfy. Good stereo and love the steering wheel controls. Like this much better than the newer Montes.
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monte carlo 2003 - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By roxane dillon - January 20 - 10:00 amWhat I like the most about this car is the look, color, and also the ride. Gmac did me good on this one 1.9%, I use to knock them but no more.Thanks GMAC!!I will remember you in my conversations!! oh easy on gas!
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Ex-Ford lover - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By dmw1963 - January 12 - 2:00 amI never thought I would own a Chevy & love it like this. Ive had the car a year an a half and I still love it. Thats saying a lot for me since Ive owned 12 cars in 22 years, 8 being Fords. Even though I have the smaller six cylinder it has the get up & go when I need it. Its also very comfortable on long trips. Great option to one of the small overpriced coupes.
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No wonder GM went bankrupt! - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By 1dtidwell - January 11 - 5:05 pmTraction Control/ABS issues, crank position sensor, starts when it wants to (passlock issues)... Its never ending problems with this car with just over 100,000 miles. Last GM product Ill ever buy.
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Monte SS - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Mr E - January 11 - 2:00 amI bought this car and so far has been nothing but fun fun fun. The car had 68,000 miles even though the car is almost 10 years old, but when I say well kept! No problems so far except for the warning orange light for tire pressure that stays on which Im used to now. I would love for Chevy to build more SSs such as the Monte Carlo and the Impala for 2011.
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What a car - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Jason - December 25 - 3:46 amWhat a car. Chevy did a great job on this one. Keeping gas mileage in mind with the most horsepower for your money. The big polished wheels give it that new sporty look that everyone wants. Performance prospective this thing has some good kick. With the sunroof, 6 disc changer, and racing feel to it, this one will turn some heads.
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Very Disapointed - 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Charley - December 24 - 8:06 amI bought my Monte Carlo expecting a great car like the Firebirds of old. I felt the engine and transmission were very good. The fit and finish inside the car was very bad. The dash had a big gap in it and the dealer said they would do nothing about it. The care had three steering shafts put into it. The steering had a problem that Chevrolet knew was there but the fix they had for the collapsible steering shaft was only a temporary fix and the noise and feel of a click would come back after a few thousand miles. The diver seat was loose and the dealer said this was normal. I traded it for a Toyota corolla and am very happy with that car. I had five Trans Ams of old but never a GM product again.
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Fast and smooth, unless your stopping. - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Adirondack - December 24 - 2:00 amThis car looks great, handles well, and was well constructed. I received a lot of compliments about its looks and smooth ride. Just keep the brakes well maintained.
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Great Car! - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By eggman - December 24 - 2:00 amIve had my monte for a month and I love it. It could use a heated steering wheel. It does have some wicked blind spots both front and rear. Very fun to drive. Very fast!
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Nice Ride...Nice Looks...Nice Price - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Dude 101 - December 22 - 10:00 amTraded a 2000 Pontaic GTP for this vehicle. Performance and ride similiar, but this has the bigger interior and trunk and turns alot of heads. Price was literally thousands less than other performance vehicles looked at. i dont feel much if anything was sacrificed by going with this. Exceptional fit and finish and I was impressed with the interior contrary to other comments. Sound system pumps out extremely well.
