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:

• 

  Awesome Car!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By DMarchant - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. I love my car. If I could change one thing about my car is that I wish I had bought the SS model

• 

  Best Car I Have or Will Ever Own - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Miss Q - May 2 - 4:43 am

  This car is my baby! I have had only one problem in 4.5 years which is a problem I have heard is very common in GM cars with this engine and that is the intake gasket. They really need to recall it and fix it. Other than that, no problems whatsoever and I have almost 90,000 on mine. I love it and will drive it until it literally falls apart. Then, Ill retire it and buy another!

• 

  mostly dissapointing but good daily driver - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By joker42369 - April 30 - 8:46 pm

  I had this car for 4 years with leather interiour and 3.1L engine. For the driving enthusiast which i am, this car was a dissapointment. It rolls around turns and is just way too slow. However, it started up every day for me with no problems ever, and stayed together pretty nice considering how bad i beat it up. The leather interiour was nice and the confiest coupe you can find. mileage was about 17-18 city. looks good only from a few angles.

• 

  Monte Power - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By blucas2 - April 23 - 7:01 pm

  Love this car. I think Chevy realized they made this one too good so they stopped production. What a mistake. The Monte Carlo is an attractive one that screams power. My 3.4 is loaded with power. No real problems as long as you do your maintenance.

• 

  Questionable at Best - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Lars_220 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Any consumers that are considering buying a Monte Carlo between 1995 - 1999 should strongly reconsider. I didnt know until after I bought it that they got such poor reviews. Mechanically, the car is horrible. In the almost 4 years that I have had it, I have put in over 5000 dollars into the car. Major engine and transmission problems were a large portion of that money.

• 

  SS - Flashback to Younger Years - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Rex Racer - April 10 - 10:00 am

  As a middle aged American male, I have fond memories of my teen aged years. Growing up with Mustangs, Camaros, and Firebirds (Corvettes were not in our price range), I always admire the 2- door sport/performance cars. Earlier this year, I aquired a Monte Carlo SS Supercharged vehicle. Although it doesnt have the rumble of my past vehicles, it has the same get-up-and-go with greatly improved dependability. Thanks Chevy!

• 

  ROBNTER SS - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Rob - April 3 - 3:16 pm

  The Monte Carlo is a great car. It is very comfortable for our 90 mile daily commute. It has plenty of power with the 3800 series 2 V6. The gas mileage is excellent for a larger car. Average 27.6 mpg city and freeway. The stereo is awesome sounding and the acoustics inside are excellent. Drivers controls are very ergonomically correct. The car rides very smooth on all surfaces and handles well for its size.

• 

  Return os the SS - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By bcayton - March 21 - 2:00 pm

  I have always loved performance cars, but since the late 70s "performance" wasnt affordable..Then I drove a 2004 Dale Earnhardt Jr. signature series, supercharged Monte Carlo SS. Chevy has hit a home run with this one. Welcome back SS.

• 

  The Monte - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Adam Higdon - March 17 - 1:13 pm

  The Monte Carlo is a very exciting, fun to drive vehicle, with the style, fuel economy, and reliablity that everyone should have. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone interested in a stylish, sporty coupe.

• 

  Not a Bad First Car! 96 Z34 - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Rick - March 12 - 6:30 am

  This is not a bad first car, I enjoy driving it. It has power for a v6. Nice looking vehicle, and the gas mileage could be better. But I get about 19 mpg. Wish the body and underbody was more stable. So far I have replaced, (tps sensor front and rear struts, strut bushings, oil pan). Transmission is only good for about 80,000 miles. I love the vehicle though, it is worth the 6,000 I paid for it. Bought it at mileage 60,000 miles and now has 145,000 and still strong! Keep fluids up to date, and this vehicle is nice! Bought the car from my father back in 2005, am the second owner! I will never get rid of this vehicle!