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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  Dissapointment - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By stup62 - August 17 - 7:23 am

  Have owned this car since July, 2005. Am very disappointed with Chevy. So much so, I am switching brands. I have had Chevys all my life, but never owned a piece of junk like this car. Have had the battery replaced, the power steering pump and belt replaced the steering shaft replaced, (now needs it again), the drivers side seatbelt replaced. Replaced the junk goodyear tires at 24,000 miles, were wore down to the tread bars. Not happy with this car. Wouldnt recommend Chevy to anybody.

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  Roomy coupe - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Ericjay - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This is an American coupe. This means its nice and roomy. Im 63" and cant squeeze into a Solara or RSX.

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  I love my Monte - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Joe Owens - August 8 - 2:00 am

  It was my first new car and I could not ask for anything better. It handles like a dream.

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  Love it, but major problems - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Pat - August 3 - 7:46 pm

  I love the looks of the car inside and outside. Still gets looks and compliments. However, I have had major repair problems. They began at 68,000 miles when the transmission had to be replaced at a price of $2,800, the entire ingnition system at a price of $700.00, heating thermostat which cost only $30.00, but had labor of $300.00, and lastly a wheel bearing at $200.00. Items that do not work properly are the turn signals, that only work when they want to, the steering wheel that has a vibration and now recently the window switch is going out on the drivers side. Driverss side seat heater quit working at about 50,000 miles.

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  Great Sports Car - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Austin - August 2 - 2:23 am

  I bought this car 5 years old, it only had 25k on it. Have owned the car for 5 years and I have done the recommended service on it and it has lasted along time. The car now has 182k and still have original transmission and engine. The car still drives like new. Also this car has a lot of power compared to other sports cars and the trunk is huge.

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  DONT invest your money in these cars - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By cemjr149 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive had more trouble with this car than I can describe in this box. 2 alternators, numerous sensors, electric door locks dont work($150 each to fix), electric windows work half of the time, volume for radio turns off whenever I turn the steering wheel, spark plug wires had to be replaced twice. Vacuum pump needs to be replaced now($350.00). Dealer has replaced many other parts to make it idle correctly before determining the vacuum pump was bad and charged me for all of the parts and labor while he was guessing. I wouldnt recommend this car for anyone and my car is not an isolated case. Do your research before buying a Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

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  Been good to me - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By monte33 - July 30 - 12:40 pm

  I fell in love with this car and bought it when I was 7 mo pregnant. The rear seats have plenty of space and are comfy. I have tinted windows and have replaced the stock radio which greatly improved sound quality w/o getting new speakers/amp. Ibought my SS in 09/01 and about to hit 60,000 mi. and have this popping sound thats felt in the steering wheel when turning. It is bothersome and annoying. Have yet to look into the source. Rear window was replaced due to defrost not working and theres leaking in trunk ever since. Dew is in trunk and rear taillights and items in trunk are damp but theres no leak though they insist. Auto windows are slowing down now. But I still love my SS.

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  2003 Monte Carlo-Great Vehicle - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Staci Koetter - July 30 - 2:36 am

  Great vehicle for purchase price. Great gas mileage! No issues with performance. Graduating to higher end vehicle. Would be a good starter car for a teenage driver.

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  Just a Review - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Just a rateing - July 21 - 8:36 am

  Love it. Looks great. Drives great. Great for maintenance costs. My only complaint: Its not a V8. 3800 series II motor is great for horsepower but it lacks the low end torque of a V8.

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  Love it! - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By penguinfan - July 9 - 7:46 am

  I love the new interior they put in. Its not the same old generic GM interior. The ride is great and there is plenty of power when needed. I love just cruising around town now!