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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  Good car. - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Chevyguy - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used at 115,000 miles and was told that the transmission was replaced at 100,000. Other than that the car has had no major repair work done. Two weeks after I bought it however, the alternator went dead. Luckily, it was the LS 3.1 liter (one of GMs best engines I believe) It took me about 30 minutes to replace it with a new alternator. ($90) No problems since. Runs very well.

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  Oh, Geezzzz - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Suzcrew - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Oh, geezz...this car was a dream when I bought it new! It is fast and furious. When a 4 year old stops you at a gas station and tells you your car is cool and you arent driving a fire truck...you know you are sporting a good looking ride. Since the warranty ran out I have had a few problems. Signal lights work when they want to. Which is very dangerous! Steering wheel controls dont work sometimes, transmission is slipping and a seal leaking. Very costly repairs at 40,000 miles!! Was hoping to get more out of this good looking car.

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  Every Day is Talladega, Part II - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By The Gunny (Retired) - April 14 - 3:50 pm

  Thus far, the new Monte has made trips to Chicago and the Quad Cities, and combined with the day to day driving to and from work, there is no doubt in my (former) military mind that this is the best car I have ever driven. The 3.9 6 cyl has enough power to get me noticed by the Iowa Patrol (hasnt happened yet), yet seems to be keeping the MPG at around 20 city (although the instant economy feature has shown me mileage around 30+ on occasion). The heated leather and remote start feature makes cold days nothing to fear, and its a nice change to come into a heated car on the way home from work. No, its not a Mustang or Corvette, but the lines and performance thus far belie NEXTEL Cup.

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  2004 Monte Carlo - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By FullMonteLo - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I find the comfort in my Monte Carlo a littl less than satisfactory, but the drive is smooth and can be quite fun on an open road. The exterior is also very atractive and origional compared to past models.

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  love my monte - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By 03mcss - April 8 - 10:00 am

  fully loaded ss model, I love it.. rides super drives great as well.

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  Monte Carlo Sadly No Good - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By dan ryan - April 5 - 2:26 am

  ALthough very room(front seats only)and smooth styling the craftsmenship(things snapoff it)and the engine actually started on fire!!!!!!!! At best it is only a poorly crafter fancy Lumina!

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  SS Muscle is Back - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Patrick - March 30 - 5:56 pm

  I am very pleased by the performance and handling of this FWD "muscle car" from GM. The ride is very civilized, however the seats are not well bolstered. GM removed about $1500 worth of optional equipment, such as the guage package, leather shifter and boot, and the passenger power seat (to mention a few). I found my 2003 SS to be more comfortable. If they had just left the creature comforts alone, and just added the V-8 and changed the front clip styling, they would have hit a home run. I get between 30 and 35 mpg on the highway/9-12 mpg in city driving. It is touchy keeping the DOD in 4 cyl. mode, but that does improve fuel economy by about 20%.

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  Awesome car! - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Alex Stevenson - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as a Certified Used Vehicle from Lithia in Alaska. From the sticker in the trunk and how it got shipped around, with a lack of winterization, I determined it was a rental until its 27000 miles, then was sent around to be sold. Its currently at 58000 miles. The car is great. I love how it doesnt feel cheaply built, I love how the doors are heavy, as with the rest of the car. It sticks to pavement with the greatest of ease. I bought Triple Tread tires for it, and it gets around well in the winters with ice, but Im sure with Blizzaks it would be a tank. However, its not really a winter car in that respect. The power on the LS isnt that great, and the LS cant be chipped.

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  chock full o trouble - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By djlotek - March 25 - 10:00 am

  in less than 15,000 miles we have had to rebuild the engine due to a seal blowing and the oil level warning lights never coming on. The transmission failed and had to be rebuilt. the Theftlock system on the ignition failed and cost us 400 bucks to replace and we jsut got nailed for 500 bucks to replace and ALTERNATOR. this car has been full of problems and very expensive to work on

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  My Most Favorite Car! - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By tishpalm - March 19 - 10:10 am

  We have enjoyed our car very much. It handles well & we love driving it. We get a lot of compliments! The quality is not so great. Weve had this car a little over 2 years, and several things have not held up. We did prefer mag wheels, but did not have that choice.