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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  99 Monte Z34 well worth the $$$$ - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Marc99GT - July 8 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought this car for her in 11/98 and it has been fairly reliable. The glove box hinge support broke, but I was able to fix it. A Few lights on the radio buttons have blown, front rotors warp easily & the transmission slips on take-off. Otherwise, the car has been very reliable with no major problems at alomst 83K miles. It has not been back to the dealer since new and we are looking to buy an Impala LS.

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  The Fast and the Luxurious - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By christophero1973 - July 4 - 5:50 am

  A very good balance of performance and luxury. Unfortunately my catalytic converter clogged, shot-up my EGR pipe and melted my intake manifold. Completly covered by the warrenty. Otherwise, very, very reliable. And the aftermarket is making some very affordable, as well as reliable go-fast goodies(!) for this 3800 engine.

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  Love my Monte SS - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By 06 monte ss owner - July 3 - 9:20 am

  A wonderful car for under $30,000. The V8 is powerful and quiet when driving. I love all the room in the backseat and in the trunk. This is the only sporty 2 door I found that was big enough for 2 children.

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  Great Car - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By CL Watkins - July 1 - 9:00 pm

  I bought mine a SS Superchaged black on black w/ everything but the XM, which I added myself later in May 2004. It was actually hidden in the back of the dealers mini-van lot and I was shopping for the SS Supercharged Impala, but did not like the "INDY" stuff all over. The car is excellent, great fuel economy, with power, style, comfort, and a little attitude. I have found websites w/ all sorts of extras. I am very familiar with power and the Monte is OK, not blistering,but great highway acceleration. Great car.

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  Enjoyable - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Happy - July 1 - 1:40 am

  A fun and very enjoyable car for traveling distance trips and local. I have not had any problems with my Monte Carlo, nor any of my GM vehicles. It runs very quiet at all speed levels and is very durable in all conditions.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Show-me-2 - June 23 - 3:20 am

  Well Ive owned this car for four months and really enjoy it. Gas mileage using regular gas is great 27 city/highway, I get 34 on the highway. Since this car is a Flex Fuel car I started using E-85 and the mileage dropped like 6-8 miles to the gallon which was very disappointing, otherwise this car is great.

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  Batmobile II - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By mayormike - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought my first Monte SS in 2002 and dubbed it the Batmobile. After seeing and driving the 2004 supercharged SS, I couldnt resist purchasing it. To top it off, I got a great deal on a great car! The ride is comfortable and exhilarating, the power exceptional and the subtle changes that were made between 2002 and now make my new Monte Carlo a pleasure to drive.

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  My Z34 - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Steve-o - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive had good luck with my Monte. Its fun to drive and looks sharp. I highly recommend the Z34 model over the plane jane LS. I have a noisy steering box, but under warranty they changed everything steering related and never were able to make the noise completely go away. That was 40,000 miles ago and it hasnt gotten any worse so I figure it must just be the way the cars are built.

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  Best all around car Ive owned!!!! - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Happi Car Owner - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I think the dealer trapped me :) My van needed to go in for service, and they gave me a 03 Monte for my rental! Thats all she wrote! I had to own one, so I made the purchace. Its handling for a car its size is incredible! Its performance is outstanding! The style is head turning! Its just an overall great car!

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  My second monte - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By VMX_PanicRev - June 15 - 10:00 am

  My first Monte was a 98 LS. I put 130,000 city miles on her before trading. In that time I went thru 4 sets of tires, 1 battery and 1 alternator. It was good enough to mak me trade for another Monte. I hope my luck holds out with this one. Great car so far ;)