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:
Showing 531 through 540 of 751.00-
excellent - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Loni - January 20 - 10:00 amI have bought Monte Carlos before and loved them. I had to buy Grand Am next time because of price. I would never buy anything but a Monte Carlo again. I have bought two more since. The best car all way around. You get an excellent car for the dollar. I give the Monte Carlo an excellent rating for comfort, looks,performance, quality of driving. I live in upstate New York and the car is excellent in winter driving handles great. And all around an A no other car will ever touch the Monte Carlo in my book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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A real looker - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By jerry mayeux - January 16 - 10:53 pmMy Monte Carlo was not the exact color I was looking for but the Pewter color is alright. However, the engine (3.1) proved to be entirely adequate for my type of driving. The car seems to be very stable on curves and can accelerate briskly if required. The back seat is really fit for two people only but the trunk can gulp down a fair sized amount of luggage. So, I really cant complain. The real surprise is that at 70 mph I have gotten a shade over 31 MPG in the winter when not using the a.c. And this was with three people and all their stuff. All in all, a pretty fair car for the price.
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My new Monte Carlo - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Alfred - January 14 - 10:06 pmI really like it, but the suspension is a little stiff. I dont know if its because it is new or it has a sports suspension, but I can feel all the bumps in the road. Also, the wind noise is a little bit high for this type of car.
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Its an ok car - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By mellowc - January 13 - 11:06 amLooks unique, but has no guts in it. The 3.4 L model will get you from a to b, but this engine will certainly not win you any races. Nice front seat, but cheap parts have cost me some money. Engine also blew a head gasket, which this engine is known to do; $700. I was looking for a car with some get up and go, this is not it. Its an ok car, but leaves you wanting more.
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Supercharged is nice but not perfect... - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Chad Green - December 13 - 10:00 amI was the first one in the area to get a hold of one of these sweet cars! Black with the silver ground effects. 240 supercharged is really nice. Its really the wifes car and let me tell you it gets the looks. Nice on trips, been on a few in it. Even got caught speeding...opps!
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Bring It Back - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Herbie - December 11 - 4:36 pmI love this car. In black it has this stealth look. The car has been bullet proof. Only regular maintenance in the 3 years I have owned it. Negatives: paint does chip easily, and interior fit and finish is overall "good," but some of the trim parts dont fit well. I switched to an "H" rated Goodyear Assurance (Eagle GT) series; this permitted better cornering. My Monte is loaded....whatever was available it has.
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Lots of problems - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Love it and hate it - November 29 - 10:00 amRecall on the spark plugs. Just recently a recall on the emissions. You can get these fixed at any Cheverolet dealership. I have had four altenators. Not cheap to fix but husband is a mechanic and saved me $400 in labor charges. I love the car but it has really been a headache. Also replaced the air conditioner and the fuel pump.
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Made on a Monday?? - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Not so pleased - November 29 - 10:00 amThe engine light came on one day after I had it. It took 4 tries for the dealership to finally fix it. Since then, the engine light has come on numerous times. Ive had 3 parts replaced in less than 2 years. Thank goodness for OnStar. Im looking for another type of car after only 2 years of having the car to avoid buying the extended warranty. The car looks great, but if Im worried about it getting me where I need to go thats pretty pointless.
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monte carlo ss - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By pc - November 24 - 10:00 amI love this car. I bought it used a year ago and have loved every minute of it. I love the luxury ride yet the sporty look. You have the best of both worlds with this car. This is the fourth Monte Carlo that my family has owned over the past 30 years and i would buy another one.
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Best car!!! - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By J Skogg - November 23 - 7:06 amBest vehicle I have ever owned. Great in snow and wet weather. Sporty look, but also great for a family vehicle. Trunk is big and fold down seats come in handy.
