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:

• 

  The car is beautiful - 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Shell - January 7 - 6:30 am

  I love my new car, it is very comfortable. That was the second reason I bought it, first being the overall looks. Mine is black beauty. Only complaint is I am only getting 13 mpg in city.

• 

  Engine light delayed and cost me a new engine - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By chaleena - December 27 - 11:42 am

  I was happy with my 2004 Monte Carlo. The back seat is a real pain getting in and out of though. My big complaint is I have 161K miles on it. Always maintained on schedule. Suddenly it started acting up and I made an appointment for my mechanics to check it out. A few days before the appointment the engine light went on and I took it in immediately! Well..engine light should have gone on several days prior when it was acting up. It did not! Now it needs a new engine! The engine light was lazy and it is costing me. This has ruined my belief in American made cars!

• 

  2003 Competition Yellow SS ,my dream car - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By imarealslimladee - December 20 - 2:00 am

  When I first saw a Yellow Monte, I couldnt wait for my lease with my 2001 Red Impala to be over.I put a Yellow Monte on my desktop till I bought one. The kids thought I was alittle obsessed with it!Well they took back the Impala 7 months early! Now I have my baby! I Love driving it, 13,000 miles in 9 months. Sometimes Im amazed at how many compliments I get on my car. Its a great car:)

• 

  Love the style - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Teeez - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Unfortunately, we have had some pricey problems with the mechanics of our vehicle. The rear main seal started leaking at 40000 miles and had to be replaced at a tune of $500. We have had to have several things fixed on it, which has cost roughly $2500.

• 

  Best car I ever owned - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By angel - December 12 - 9:40 pm

  The Chevy Monte Carlo is reliable and fun to drive. It has incredible get up and go. It handles like a dream. I love the way it just wants to go, doesnt matter if your climbing a mountain or on a flat road this car goes with no problems. I get people stopping me all the time to compliment me and ask about my car. I always tell them that if they want a sporty, roomy, fast and comfortable car that they should go out and get one. I love my car.

• 

  10 years and going - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Alan - December 12 - 8:33 am

  Never thought I would love a Chevy. Have my Monte for 10 years and 140k. Always reliable & comfortable. Usual repairs and maintenance and nothing too expensive. The one bother is the lights on the radio panel have gone out which makes the dash a bit less attractive. Impressed with GM, bought a Trailblazer and love that too.

• 

  LOVE IT CHEVY MONTE CARLO - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By JOSH - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I ONLY HAVE THREE WORDS TO SAY ABOUT THE CHEVY MONTE CARLO...........I LOVE IT!!!!!

• 

  Monte Carlo Rocks! - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By jg1fan - December 4 - 3:36 pm

  I bought the yellow competition package Monte as it caught my eye and I couldnt pass it up! I loved this car! Everything was well placed and within reach. My only complaint is the small cupholder in front of the shifter. I was always spilling something. I traded this in for a minivan as I was tired of getting the kids in and out of their carseats in the back seat. Now I am kicking myself and going to get a 2003 Jeff Gordon Monte Carlo. If you want the best car youve ever owned, buy a Monte! Chevy Rocks!

• 

  Convinced me to buy American - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Beagleboy99 - December 2 - 9:33 am

  Ive owned a lot of cars over the 35+ years I have been driving, and consider myself a "car guy". Ive owned mostly Japanese-Honda, Subaru, etc. Approaching a mid life crisis, I was looking for a car to accompany me on that journey. Im a big guy, and wanted some comfort, and I usually carry a lot of stuff, even some lumber once in a while. I saw the first 2 MonteCarlo SSs on my local dealer lot, and loved the retro look. One of my favorite cars was the 1973 Monte, and this captured that essence nicely but updated. This car was impressively well made (Canada), was very comfortable and very reliable after a 6 month rough period at first. This was a winner for GM, sorry to see that it is gone

• 

  06 Monte Carlo SS LS4 - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By roryreview - November 29 - 7:52 pm

  I was looking for a new car, test drove 08 Mustang GT, 10 Camaro SS & Challenger RT. The Monte SS by far was the most fun to drive, I really didnt expect anything from it. After the test drive I put money down to hold the car, I knew it was a winner. I am not saying this car would burn these others in a race but the acceleration on the SS made me instantly want it. When you step on the gas the HP goes right to the wheels, no delay. No one understands just how fast these LS4s are until they are behind the drivers seat. Even if your not in it for speed, it is a very comfortable car to drive in.The best part of my day is coming & going to work.