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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  Perfect Compromise! Get One Now! - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By barnhouse2 - February 2 - 4:50 am

  My wife has never let me forget about someone rear-ending me (actually a hit and run)and totalling her 1994 Cavalier Z-24. We ended up "replacing" it with a loaded 2000 LeSabre a couple of years ago. Both cars were great, but so far our Monte Carlo SS could not be a more perfect fit and compromise of both cars. Black leather on black is really cool and has already gotten lots of compliments from several after only a few days. The creature comforts are similar to a luxury car, yet the sporty features make it extremely fun to drive. The gas mileage is very respectable @ 28ish mpg! I hadnt initially pursued one with a supercharger, but Im glad I found one. Very smooth/fun!

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  On my second one! - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By jlee - January 27 - 8:33 am

  This is my second Monte Carlo SS! I purchased a 2000 and had zero issues with it. I liked it so well that I purchased a 2004. Im a sales rep and put many miles on a car. It drives and rides just like my uncles Cadillac Eldorado! I suspect that it sits on the same platform. Ive seen pics of the 2006 and think its awesome...Im making plans to get it as soon as it hits the market.

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  Reliable Commuter - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Curtis - January 22 - 11:03 pm

  I bought this car in 2003 with 60,000km. I am now up to 280,000km and the car runs as smooth as the day I bought it. Havent had to touch anything under the hood. Just the usual wheel bearings and tye rod replacements that you would normally have to with this kind of mileage. I have car pooled with people recently who drive imports and I just find they cant compare to the smoothness/comfort of a GM.

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  2003 Monte Carlo, bad power steering - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Rozie - January 22 - 3:06 pm

  I have had this car serviced 8 times in 17 months for problems with the power steering pump. Eventually, the entire power steering rack was replaced, but the problem is still not resolved. I love the look and feel of the car, but the mechanics on it are horrible. I am a loyal GM customer, but the difficulties that I have had with the servicing of this vehicle are pushing me towards foreign cars with much better manufacturers warranties.

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  Loud Z34 - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By montez34 - January 21 - 9:10 am

  I have owned this car for almost 5 yrs bought with 78,000mi and it has been pretty reliable, it has never left me sitting anywhere. It now has 133,000 mi and a few problems, it doesnt want to shift from 2 to 3 when cold, shifts fine when warm, replaced intake manifold gasket, timing belt, and rotors. I think this car is fun to drive and looks good even with problems. It had Flowmaster mufflers when I bought it and I put a K&N intake on it and Splitfire plugs, mufflers rusted out about a year ago and its loud as hell now. I think it has held up to my abuse pretty good though and I hope to keep driving it for along time because its a summer car only now after I bought a truck.

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  WoW! Exceeded Expectations - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Mamahoot - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car 9/97 off the showroom floor and it now has 200,000 miles. I am a sales rep and travel many a mile in my Z34. I love the power of the engine and the gas mileage is great. I have had no issues with the car. I feel it is time to retire the car because of the mileage but feel it still has many miles yet to come. The tires that come on the car are superb - I have only had to replace the tires twice in the 200,000 miles.

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  looken good - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By steve rider - January 13 - 10:00 am

  love it, no problems at all!

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  Chevy Excellence - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By WOLFMAN - December 28 - 10:36 pm

  Gotta love it! Great looks, great ride. Black w/dark tint looks like an intimidator on the road. Get looks from everyone who likes cars and from many who normally wouldnt notice. Have been a mechanic for 20 yrs. and from a repair standpoint this car is exceptionaly built, keeping it simple and yet having all the amenities of a far more costly car. When it does have to be worked on it is roomy and straightforward for the repair tech, which will make him/her smile while performing the repairs needed. Will be purchasing another SS to hotrod and park beside our 81 Monte Carlo. Nothing else has enough class to wear a bowtie other than a Chevy!

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  Great except for the front brakes - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By bobtoski - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Great except for the front brakes.

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  Stay away from this car - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Cromagnum - December 7 - 1:46 pm

  Car would not start 2 times, had it towed. Constant light surging, even with cruise on. Cold starts result in hesitation on take off, even once backfiring. The dealer naturally says they cannot duplicate these driveability issues. Big mistake getting this car, it will be gone soon. Oh, the car is 3 months old.