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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  MY 04 SUPERCHARGED SS - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By NICHOLE - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I AM REALLY HAPPY WITH THIS CAR IT ACTUALLY GOOD ON GAS UNTIL YOU START MAKING THE SUPERCHARGER KICK IN, ITS VERY QUICK, BEAUITFUL BODY LINES I GET SOME MANY LOOKS AND EVERYONE LOVES IT

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  What is edmunds prob!!! - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By jamj - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I love this car for what it is not for what its missing. I too would love to see it w/ rear wheel drive & a v8 but like I said i love it for what it is a very comfortable, fun ride.

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  04 Intimidator SS Supercharged - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By intimidatorss - July 4 - 8:58 pm

  This is my first car and I couldnt ask for anything better. I only ran into one MAJOR problem since Ive had it. I need a steering rack and an outter tierod. This car is beast I only have 71k on her and she can smoke almost anything around me. I love the gas mileage I get when im doing 65 on I-95 I get about 43mpg on the flats. Chevy you screwed up big time when you stopped making this car. I personally think this is the best car you have ever had.

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  i hate my ss - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By AngrySSDriva - June 24 - 2:00 am

  i love the body style and interior but what good is a car if i feel it is not reliable? i am a foreign car man but went against myself and bought the irresistable body style. my check engine light comes on if i fart too loud and i recently had to have my rack and pinion replaced at only 30000 miles!!! The weather strip for my trunk is also always coming loose.owned it one year been to dealer 3 times for aggravating probs.

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  I Love My Car - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By hot mama - June 19 - 12:46 pm

  This was the first car I purchased on my own at 19 years old I am now 25 I have 165,000 mi on it I have had a few issues but nothing my dad couldnt fix. I just had the transmission rebuilt because it was slipping but hey I bought the car with on 45,000 mi on it and I have put over 100,000 on it myself. I plan to keep this car until it dies. Overall I love this car.

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  Get it before its gone! - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By earl - June 14 - 8:50 pm

  I love my car and that is after nearly 2 years of mostly freeway miles. I get 27 there and average 19 mpg for a 303 hp V8. My Z28 had 315 and the insurance is half as much. The radio system is awesome. Buy the car loaded if you can. The chromatic mirrors and leather seats make for an enjoyable experience. This car is a highway interceptor. It outruns most vehicles on the freeway with ease. It outhandles my 02 Z28 in the curves. Get one while they are still around.

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  monte carlo - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By valerie216 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Considering the cost of this car, it has broke 3 times and qualified for the Ohio Lemon Law. This car was reliable until about 9k miles and that is where the problems began for 3 weeks in a row. i am in the process of a buyback, so think twice before spending a lot of money on a brand new car and thinking it will be reliable.

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  perfect design - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By dominic vega - June 7 - 10:00 am

  i love the design of the super charge monte carlo and the interior

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  Car Awful - 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By PStark - June 5 - 10:00 am

  We loved the car when we bought it. It had just 11,000 miles. We have had nothing but problems with it. Fist the check engine light comes on and nothing works. Turned it off and back on and everything was ok. Next the heater and air would work sometimes and the not. Thant quit. We sprung 2 leaks in the Power Steering line, and the transmission will stall and then lunge forward. Contacted Chevrolet and that was the biggest joke. Recall on 2006 and 2007 Monte Carlos for the Power Steering leakage, but not 2007. Technical Service Bulletin on the Transmission, which could cause a serious accident, but nothing on the 2007. Dealer said it was a crimped line. Get real.

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  Great Car - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By MC10 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Have owned a 2003 Monte Carlo SS for 9 months. It is a fantastic car. Excellent quality and fun to drive. Has surprising power for a V6 with excellent gas mileage. Averaging about 25 MPG. Took it on a 1400 mile trip and averaged 31.5 MPG.