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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  SAD ITS FOR SALE - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By MONTE - October 14 - 2:00 am

  PURCHASED AT 30K ON THE CLOCK AND NOW TICKING 113K NEVER HAD IT IN THE SHOP FOR ANY REPAIRS ONLY ROUTINE MAINTANANCE DONE BY MYSELF 1 SET OF TIRES, FRONT BREAKS,5000 MILE OIL CHANGES, 87 OCTANE FUEL,& 19 MPG YOU CANT GO WRONG,THIS CAR WAS BRACKET RACING 2002 AT RT 66 JOLIET IT WAS NOT VERY CONSISTANT GOT FASTER WHEN IT WAS HUMID BUT NOW IT MUST BE SOLD TO MAKE ROOM FOR 1937 CHEVY COUPE AND BABY SURE WILL MISS THIS CAR

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  Great Monte - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By B.Mooney - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this Monte for over 4 years, the only flaw so far was the heater element in the drivers seat stopped working. Very impressed with the comfort and reliabity.

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  one great car - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By finallygotone - October 9 - 11:09 am

  After changeing the rear rotors and getting the DEXCOOL out of it, I have only one complaint, all the jaums look like they were painted in an old garage, dull as they can be!

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  fun to drive - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By alan olsen - October 9 - 10:00 am

  the car turns a lot of heads.whether it be people in the street or in other cars,they have to take a second look.

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  SS= Severely Sucks - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Loring Russell - September 30 - 2:00 am

  very unimpressive, nothing great about this vehicle.....gone are the days of the awesome Chevrolet Monte SS that were fun to own and drive. This vehicle is nothing more than a larger Cavilier. The Yugo has been reborn, it is now called a Monte Carlo. Purchase price 10 months ago 29K, current trade in value 15K. I guess their reputation has spread.

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  I like em "low and wide" - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By jimmie guillory - September 21 - 4:43 pm

  This was the last year for this model. Now Chevy has gone to the tall and narrow styling which has no appeal for me. My Monte Carlo has been a reliable and comfortable piece of transportation. And the gas mileage on the hiway approches 30 mpg. Not too shabby!

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  Good vehicle - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Wayne Louisiana - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with this car. Fast for a V6. I bougtht it from a little old lady w/9000mi.4/02in So. California that wanted a new car. I flew there to buy it and drove it back to Louisiana. I have 38,000 on it now. I have had a stupid rattle behing the glove box that no mechanic at Best Chevrolet in Kenner,La. can find. Never have a car fixed there !!!! It gets better gas mi. than my wifes 2003 Mazda 626. Never buy that car !!!!! I will buy a new one next body style.

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  Love my MC Supercharged SS - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Lori B - September 16 - 10:13 pm

  I absolutely love this car. My 6th MC and have a 2007 SS ordered but it is nowhere near a pretty as this one. MCs have been overlooked by GM and not given the attention they deserve. They feel solid, safe and really run. I have done nothing in 43000 miles except put in gas and change the oil. Only drawback has been the premium fuel with the supercharged model. I had a 2003 yellow MC before this superchared 2004 and strangers would walk up to me and tell me what a beautiful car I had. A lot! I can barely stand trading it in. I like the feeling I have while driving it. I truely hate GM for abandoning it. I have been looking at Hondas and Camrys if we cant deal on the 2007 MC.

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  My 1st Monte Carlo - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Waltm - September 2 - 8:33 pm

  I really like this car, its roomy, responsive, and has some serious torque to it when you have to get on the gas. I like the sound system, I like the leather, I love the exterior design. All around an awesome car.

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  Montecarlo - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By hastica - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! Rides smooth, very reliable. Comfortable for all riders( yes i have rode in the back) Plenty of space for luggage and other stuff. Used this car for myself and two friends to go to a nascar race, Very comfortable and roomy. Nice car for someone who want the sports look and room for the family!