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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best car built in canada - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By joe canadian - May 15 - 10:00 am2004 monte carlo ss is a great car
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Love Da Monte! - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By G. Ruckdeschel - May 10 - 10:53 pmIf you like power, style and turning heads on the road, this is your car. I have the laser blue metalic with the silvertone and on a clear sunny day I get countless compliments on my car. 303 horses gives you the power when needed, but the ride is smooth.
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Best car I ever owned. - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By chevylover333 - May 3 - 8:13 amHere is a list of all the things I have replaced on this car. Both front hub assemblies, right front brake caliper, fuel pump and lower intake manifold gaskets because the oil and coolant were mixing. Things that currently dont work are sun roof, air conditioning (due to leak in line going into the condensor) and brake lights only work when pulling back on turn signal while braking. I think that is a really good track record for a car that has 235k on it and counting! The transmission and engine are in excellent condition even though Im pretty sure the transmission fluid has only been changed once. Its the wifes car and I took over maintenance at 150k and I know it hasnt been changed since
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Great American Car - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By nutsovernascar - May 2 - 5:13 pmA very well built, solid car. Great ride. Excellent fuel mileage. Comfort and features you would expect in a $30K car at $22K. It has a large trunk space, and the feel of a full size car with sports car handling.
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Nice car - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Ltdc - April 28 - 10:20 pmI now have 13,000 miles on the Monte Carlo. So far the car could not have given me any less trouble. When I first bought the car I had a number of people comment on how much they liked the color. It is the metalic blue. I have had people ride in the rear seat and theyve told me they found it quite comfortable. Its nice to have the rear seat back fold down, but Ive noticed that anything with much bulk will have a tough time fitting in the trunk. Ive read other reviews commenting on the lack of a light in the glove compartment and must agree that Chevy shouldnt have cheaped out on that. Its a pain to look in there in the dark. Overall Im very satisfied with the car and dont regret buying it.
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The Sled - 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By The Sled - April 27 - 11:03 amPurchased new, my second Monte Carlo. The first one is a 2000LS. This 07 LT is garbage. Problems from bad (DIC) few of them, display burns out, replaced all four rims from corrosion already, car creaks like a 10yr old car, cheaper plastics, and low grade leather seating. Maybe they skimped on quality for the last year. Really thought Id love this one the way I love my old Monte, which I still have.
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Cars that last - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Gahe - April 26 - 10:50 amI bought my 02 MC with 11,000 miles on it in April of 2002. Since that time I have put on 318,000 on my own, putting my mileage at 328,000. The car looks and feels almost like it did when I bought it. I would buy another in a heartbeat!
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Dale Jr SS - Smokin - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Happy as a Clam - April 25 - 12:10 pmI was skeptical at first. Now Im a believer! This ride has juice! A pleasure to drive, instant acceleration and great handling. Great fit-n- finish. A real solid ride. Turns heads everywhere we go. Insurance is higher than my SUV. I like it so much that I park it at the farthest point in the parking lot. If you havent tried one, get to your nearest Chevy dealer today!
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Love my car! Buying a second one soon - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By prostock69 - April 13 - 2:00 amMy hubby and I love the MonteCarlo SS so much that we are buying a second one (the supercharged model) in a month. The only complaint that I have on my car is the styling of the wheels. They are too bland! Otherwise, I have no complaints. Oh, and its a 2003 that I bought in Oct. 2002. It has 15,500 miles.
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Never ever ever again - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By gene - March 23 - 4:30 pmThis car is the biggest piece of junk! Soon as I got it I noted that water was leaking in from the firewall thanks to the cabin air filter being under the window wipers stupid location, hard to fix, impossible to replace a blown speaker in the back, blows fuses for back up lights regularly, horrible suspension and creaks over every bump and feels floaty, had to replace the driver side wheel hub assembly at 62,000 miles cant be left for over two days with out it being dead dude to electronic draw, exhaust rattles thanks to design, traction to sensitive, and kicks in at weird times. A horrible gm design and poorly engineered! No gm crap for me any more, reconsider if you want one
