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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Good Value Car - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By MonteCarlo31 - December 6 - 10:00 amThis car has been a good car, recieved it when I was 16 (sat for a year before anyone drove it) now 22 and 155,000 miles on the clock. Only had one alt go out. This car is NOT babied and still runs well, friends with hondas even say how nice it is for the mileage it has. Wish it had a bigger back seat.
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Head gasket problem - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By brianne - November 30 - 2:00 amThis is a beautiful vehicle which is a pleasure to drive. I love it, and still do, but recently with only 43000 miles on this vehicle experienced a problem with the low coolant light coming on, and find out there is a head gasket that is bad and needs repair. This is very costly, and I do not think a vehicle of this age and mileage should be experiencing this sort of problem. Of course it is over warranty and GM is not having any problems, and it is possible the vehicle was abused. I have done nothing but baby this vehicle because I love it so much. Needless to say, it is repaired, but I would say buyer beware.
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First look - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By J0HNNY - November 22 - 10:00 amThis is the car that I waited for 9 months to get.
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cute and chunkey - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By greattobealive - November 13 - 10:00 amafter 2400 miles an annoying rattle has developed from somewhere in the dash. from the factory, dash is warped where it meats the windshield. fog light switch is difficult to see/reach. takes some feeling around to find it while you are driving. like chunkey body styling. pleanty of room for huskey 65 people like me. fuel economy is less than desired. hope it will get better. gets nowhere near the 23-28 mpg. getting around 21 mpg with 70% highway driveing. missing pull strap in trunk from factory.
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Great Car!!! - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By 02monteSS - November 4 - 2:00 amI love this car! Its a dark blue SS and I have 13000 miles on it. Gas mileage is great (average over 26 mpg), the interior is just perfect, both fit and finish and design, the 3800 is an increadible engine (great torque curve and reliablity).
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Wifes Baby - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Wizard - October 22 - 8:53 pmBought my wife a bright red SS for Valentines Day loaded with everything. She and I both love driving this car. Ample power, roomy, comfortable, and it does turn heads.
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Dont buy this car - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By dave BONO - October 16 - 10:00 amTHIS CAR NEEDS A COMPLETE REDESIGN.
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My Monte Carlo - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Mardom - October 16 - 10:00 amIt pops and creeks in the front end, the interior between seats is impossible to get between to clean and I dont like that. Other wise I truly enjoy it.
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Great Car - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By John Z - October 16 - 10:00 amI really enjoy my Monte Carlo. It has been a fun car, decent performance, receives compliments all the time. I have one complaint, and have had two mechanical issues. The original Eagle GA tires didnt last long. I have put some Yokohama AVD4 tires on it that look better and perform better. I had a sensor on the radiator that detects fluid levels go bad, and after that service, I cant get the radio to go into progamming mode so that I can reset the engine oil life sensor. Other than that, it has been a great car. This car really kicks you back into the seat when you floor it.
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Very Pleased - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Gwen - September 29 - 11:10 pmI bought this car in 11-00, brand new. I have been so pleased with it that I am now trading it for a new 2006 model. I need the new warranty features, if something were to go wrong. I have never had any serious trouble with it at all.
