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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Loving our Monte SS Supercharged 2004 - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By johnnysangel - August 22 - 2:00 amWe traded our 2002 SS in for the 2004, and could not be happier. Did not think they could make it any nicer, but with the supercharged engine and the comfort - knowing we have onstar and if we have any trouble our dealer will be there for us.
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2004 Intimidator SS - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Jeff - August 18 - 12:06 amGot 42K to date on my Intimidator. I am its only owner. Seen my 1st one at Daytona 04 after watching Dale Jr win the 500. Flew home the following wednesday, was online saturday, at the dealership on sunday, drove her home on Monday....Isnt that was NASCAR WAS ABOUT??? Always wanted one since 86, took me a while but I got her. Love the car and the way it looks. She still turns heads today!!! My father eventually traded his LS for a SS and we love em.
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Bills Full Monte SS - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Bill - August 17 - 4:26 amPurchased this car for trips and cruising. Front heated seats are excellent for long runs. Never feel fatigued or cramped after all day drives. Receive plenty of good comments on the cars looks and Torch Red paint with the graphite interior. You either like the styling or not, no in betweens. The ladies love this car.
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Amazing car for the money - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By brandon - August 16 - 2:16 amI have fallen in love with this car. It has been a blast to drive. Only thing makes it so great is that the 3.9 liter engine is breath taking for the gas mileage. It is amazing, it just smokes all my friends cars in everthing. I could never ask for nothing more from this car. It delivers all a guy going into college could want. muscle car power with the looks and comfront of luxury sedan which IS nothing more that anyone could ask for the price. Best car I have driven in a longtime. just a work of art in every way. A total dream to drive. You will love this car for the money
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The Monte Is Hot - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Warrendl2002 - August 15 - 10:00 amI love this car. The thing that caught my eye was the sleek, and sporty exterior design, but when i got a chance to test drive it, I was blown away. Sporty, comfortable, great on gas, easy to handle, and of course is great eye candy.
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GREAT CAR! - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Starbreaker666 - August 8 - 3:46 amThis car has met every expectation and demand I have placed on it and smiles back. I have been a pick-up driver most of my driving life. I just traded a great Dodge truck off for this one. I am getting 33 MPG on my highway trips. More then enough power to play around and get ones self in trouble with. The interior is simple and very functional. More then enough room for my 6 frame. I love this car.
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Perfect - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Sabrina Campbell - August 6 - 10:00 amMy favorite car was always camaro and since that model was no longer in the making i had to find another car and i tried the supercharged ss and i was amazed and from now long until they stop making them i will own only that amke and model always a chevy lover and always will be the car is perfect as a sports car and still yet a family car i have 2 young boys and a tall husband i could not ask for a better car and still aint ready for the vans and suvs and never will be i hope you like your as much as i love mine ..
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Good does not outwiegh bad - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By acerfan - July 11 - 4:50 amMechanically has been decent, no major repairs. Trunk is very roomy and with the fold-down back seats you can fit a lot in this car. Clearance is way too low, and long doors make tight parking spaces impossible to fit in (if you actually want to get out of the vehicle). One cup holder is not enough. Battery is impossible to get to, being under a support bar and the washer fluid tank. The turning radius of this car is the worst of anything post-90s I have ever driven.
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my new monte carlo - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By tim southern - July 10 - 10:46 pmThe new Chevrolet Monte Carlo that I recently purchased is both sporty and practical. I use it to grocery shop and take long drives to visit friends just for examples. It gets good gas mileage and has plenty of pickup off of starts. I am extremely happy with my purchase so far.
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Built Like a Rock - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By bgblockchevy - July 6 - 10:00 amI have had my Monte since 11-02 and I have been averaging about 20k miles a year. Great car, but I find getting performance parts are hard to find. Drives and handles the road very well. For a NASCAR style car, it should be a rear wheel drive car.
