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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  Finally Got Muscule - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By MONTE4WIFE - April 6 - 2:00 am

  WOW! I finally have a car that spins its wheels if I punch the pedal!

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  SS Mama - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Nisey - April 4 - 10:00 am

  I have to agree with you the enterior could use some work... like the dual air conditioning option low budget. Love the plain sleek look inside though! Over all I enjoy driving my Monte Carlo...only slightly miss me GT Pontiac.

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  2004 chevy monte carlo dale jr edition - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By ccupit - April 1 - 10:00 am

  this has got to be the best auto that i have ever bought. the whole package is great and looks great. if you want to talk about power this car has it.

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  Excellent Car. 240 HP - 28 MPG - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Michael - March 31 - 3:13 am

  Half the miles I drive are on the highway. This car is a quiet ride on the highway. Im averaging 28 MPG. The seats are big are comfortable. The steering wheel mounted controls allow you to control the radio function and cruise control. Overall it has been a great car for me. I highly recomend this car. It definitely has enough horsepower as well. Its fun to turn of fthe traction control and smoke the front tires.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!! - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By TLC - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I turned in my 1999 Grand Prix at lease end and thought I wanted another one, but since they no longer make the 2-door model I decided to purchase the Monte Carlo...and Im glad I did! I love this car! I went with the SS model with the High Sport Appearance package...it is basically loaded except for the satellite radio (which I dont need anyway)...it is an absolutely beautiful car...Ive caught many people staring!...including myself!!! I cant wait for the nice warm weather to come back again so I can really show it off!

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  Dale Earnhardt IntimidatorMonte Carlo SS - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Ramah Crowell - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is an awesome ride and excellant handling. It goes where you take it.

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  Worst Car Ive Owned - NO MORE GMS - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By lastGM - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car new - nothing but problems: ABS, Fuel leak under hood, transmission problems... I will NEVER buy another GM car.

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  love chevys - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By tygable - March 12 - 3:56 am

  The car was bought used @ 5 years old but 1 think it may be bad luck. Front brake rotors were shot needed replaced. Front windshield got cracked, then two weeks later a Toyota rear ended me. Although it totaled the Toyota all my car needed was a little buffing compound. Overall the car has been pretty reliable. Gets 31 mpg on highway, 22 city. Not bad for a v-6.

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  Chevrolet? - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Quatermain98526 - March 2 - 10:33 pm

  I was on my way home from work when I stopped by the dealer to check out some cars. The Monte Carlo SS with 50K on it for only 9 grand blew me away, I bought it inside an hour. I also test drove an 03 Mustang LX and a 99 Camaro Z28, this car almost compares to the Camaro, and its only a V6! with 100 HP less! The style of the car, and the SS trim is very very attractive. The car is spacious and comfortable inside, and the engine is very responsive, very touchy, I love it. Handling for a front wheel drive car is better than I predicted.

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  Excellent car - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By bigguy - February 21 - 10:00 am

  Never had a problem with this car, never been in the shop except for routine maintenance. Better gas mileage than listed, sport suspension lets it handle great.