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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  love it - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By jayball - June 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive. Stock it has plenty of power and on top of that it has a huge aftermarket. The 3800 v6 has been proven time and time again over the years in the w-body platform.

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  Really Pushing The Limit - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Iceman - June 17 - 5:43 pm

  First, I owned 2 Tbirds and the "interior" guy should shut it. Its a lot more like the old Tbirds than most people would think, just front wheel drive. I have thrown this car around corners, ran 15s in the quarter, and have squashed a lot of the competition. I use to be a Ford guy, and kinda still am at heart. I miss my Tbird very much, but this car is the closest thing to a big 2 door coupe that has is close to my old bird. I honestly think that if the car was a little lighter, it would be even faster, but for a stock car runnin a V-6 engine, I am incredibly empressed, I just wish it were rear wheel drive. It has performance, handling, great looks, and an awesome ride. I love it!

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  Nice car - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By joe - June 10 - 4:23 am

  This car is the best car that Ive had from Chevrolet. I owned a Hummer and got rid of it because all of my kids drive now, so I dont need all the space. This car caught my eye right away and Ive have the same feeling everytime I look at it. The V8 rumble is never over exhilirating and the DOD works awesome. Off the line torque steer is a little bit overwhelming sometimes but it quickly gets back on track.

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  SS MONTE CARLO - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By REGRAHC - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Had it since July...Not 1 problem

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  The best car Ive ever had - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By dgingeri - June 8 - 4:46 am

  This car is the best car Ive had, and even better than most Ive ridden in. Awesome styling. This car looks both strong and sleek, truly the return of the muscle car. Better milage and more power than my last car, and I get to keep the air conditioning on. Leave it off if you want the better gas mileage, but it does degrade the power and mileage

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  I love my monte carlo - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By I love my car - June 2 - 2:00 am

  the monte carlo that i purchase has been great. This car gets great gas mileage 29mpg on the hightway. my car also has a sun roof which adds comfort the leather seats are comfortable the car is easy to take care of it handles well on the road and huge the road and curves I would buy one again.

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  awesome - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By mac4many - May 28 - 10:00 am

  this is one of the best cars ive ever had.

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  Would buy again - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Black on Black - May 21 - 7:36 pm

  I bought this car used at 43K miles and did not know the previous owner. There are some issues on this car that have been unusual failures. The AC pulley bearing went bad, the serpentine belt tensioner went bad. The wheel bearings on the front went bad and the heater core went out all before 60K. Buying used, I cannot tell how the previous owner treated it so I chalk it up to previous use. It gets great gas mileage and rides very nice.

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  Nice Car - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By debinvegas - May 21 - 12:10 am

  Monte Carlos were made for years for good reasons, they are a good car with a nice comfortable ride. Very dependable and they hold their value. I hope they start making them again.

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  Only one problem so far - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By murf - May 20 - 9:20 pm

  Have owned this car for two years.2nd owner. Had to replace rotors and right front hub assembly, may have to do left also. Have to buy whole assembly to replace which is more expensive. Had to replace catalytic converter, but was still under 80000 miles warranty. Love car, flashy, would have probably bought the SS for more power but is still one nice vehicle. I have not had some of the problems others have reported( knock on wood), but we do drive it conservatively. I would recommend this vehicle to others.