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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Recently purchased a 2007 Monte Carlo ss - 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Brandon - January 4 - 10:06 pmI just recently purchased a 2007 Monte Carlo SS with a V8. It is very fast and peppy and fun to drive, while also comfortable!
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Felicitys Review - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Felicity - January 3 - 7:13 pmI love my car! I love the Monte Carlo! She is so sweet, and so much fun to drive. My Monte is so hot, even when she was stock she was so fly and and her curves all in the right places. She drives beautifully and oh so smooth. I sure hope she lasts me my lifetime.
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Very Pleased 1998 Monte Carlo LS Owner - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Gil - January 3 - 10:00 amIve owned this car 8 months and have only put in $400 in repairs for an alternator and new battery. I am a Courier and this car gets a 150 mile metro driving workout six days a week. I have not had ANY of the problems others list here. At times I wish I had the bigger engine but the 3.1 is plenty of power. I get a combined mileage of 22-27 mpg city/highway. Ive owned everything from GTOs to little foreign cars and this is my overall favorite of all of them. I plan to trade it in on another Monte Carlo when the time comes. I am a 285 pound guy and very comfortable in this car.
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2001 Monte Carlo LS 3.4 Sport Appearanc - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By John - January 1 - 5:30 pmBought new. Love the looks(sport appearance package)and performance. Plenty of power. Minor problems only. I regularly maintain and keep it clean. 31 MPG during first year road trip but has diminished since to 28. Stills shines and no rust.
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where is the recall? - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By never again - December 28 - 12:06 amI bought my 99 Monte Carlo used with 22000 miles on it. It went good for 3 yrs and then antifreeze started leaking for the first time. Still under warranty, the dealership fixed the intake manifold gasket. GM knows they have a problem with the material the manifold is made of, it warps and antifreeze starts leaking. The car now has 170,000 miles and i just replaced the manifold gasket for the 4th time at about $450 each time. GM needs to own up to the issues they have with the cars they make. I wrote to them but received no response. I see so many issues they just ignore and that is no way to treat your customers! I for one will never buy a GM product again!!
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Disappointed - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Collins - December 26 - 11:00 pmBeautiful, fun car to drive. Very disappointed in the resale value. Have had catalytic converter replaced (under warranty), PassLock security system failed, BCM unit went bad, power steering and brakes needed replaced, cooling system problems, and ignition system had to be replaced, all within the first 60,000 miles. Now the windshield fogs up, no cause detected by 2 certified mechanics. Fuel mileage is better than normal with 26 city, 35 highway.
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Awesome Car - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Amazing Car - December 25 - 4:00 pmThis is an amazing car if you dont beat on it, and constantly floor it all the time. Awesome suspension, tune ups every so often, keep the oil changed every 3,000 miles or 3 months, comfort in this car is awesome, interior design is my favorite
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Great Car - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By spinnell - December 12 - 10:00 amI have had a wonderful experience with this car. Excellent mileage, gets 29.9 on HWY, lots of power, and the comfort is beyond belief. Was never a fan of big cars but the comfort is well worth it. A lot of bang at a good price.
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Love my MC!! - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By callen - December 12 - 10:00 amThe styling on this car is irresistable. Extremely roomy, comfortable, fun to drive and looks GREAT! Have not had a single problem with the car; couldnt be more reliable. Im planning on selling my 00 LS and upgrading to another MC, the SS this time though. GM does it again!!
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Als SS - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By big als ss - December 11 - 10:23 pmThis is the 1 GM car I have bought in over 15 years as I have alway bought a German built auto. I find that this MC SS is a great value but the are area that GM cheap out on and that is in the interior. Tthey could use a lesion from Audi or VW how to make a very nice interior and keep cost down. The performance of the 5.3 liter v8 is outstanding as well as the comfort of the car. Gas mileage is so so about 18.5 20 mpg so far. I have spent time in a 1992 Corvette and have gotten over 29 mpg with it so I know GM can make this happen. This is a fun car to drive and be seen in.
