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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Not Bad... - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By RSS - September 26 - 2:36 amThis Monte has been a decent car and I would call it average at best. I bought the car w/ high miles and started the fixing process. The previous owner did take good care of the car too. Intake manifold gaskets are weak, catalytic converter will crap out and cause weird issues, steering shaft will clunk when not lubed. The car has had issues but has always started and gotten me to where I need to go, though it might not be too pretty.
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My Monte - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Jimcom - September 25 - 1:36 amI have owned 3 Monte Carlos. I really like them. My mileage greatly exceeds the advertised mileage at 26.5 local and 33 long distance highway driving. I would buy another in a minute. The back seat is a little hard to get in and out of but I rarely drive with more than 1 passenger.
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2006 Monte Carlo SS - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Chris Paffett - September 20 - 1:06 amI have driven the front wheel drive 2006 SS for a year now and been happy for chosing it over the other 300 hp 2 door sedans available. Although, not the most refined road manners compared to Swedish sedans Ive owned, it delivers 26 mpg on sustained highway trips. It is roomier, lighter and faster than it looks. City mileage is 18 mpg at best, not to mention it should only be fueled with 93 octane. The Goodyears Eagles are a bit noisy between 45-60 mph, but grab very well at high speed manuvering. Not as refined as say the Infiniti GX35 coupe nevertheless Ill take the roomier cabin over flashy interior. Torque steer is noticable when you hard throttle at low speeds, but managable.
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Awesome Car - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By niclin - September 16 - 1:54 pmIm 19 now bought this car after my 89 cutless rusted out. I saw this car at the dealership (in mid 2011) it caught my eye right away so I took for a test drive, liked it, bought it, took it home that same day. Ive had it for almost a year right now and I have to say its a very reliable car to have except the tranny is slipping at 188,000 miles, my driver side seat heater went out, had to replace the front right bearing, and the control arm. When I bought it it still had the original fuel pump so i had to replace that as well. It has great pick up for how heavy and big the car is which is pretty surprising, while getting good gas mileage about 22 city and 28 hwy.
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An Impala for singles. Sweet ride! - 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Motorman - September 9 - 10:00 amConsider it a 2007 Impala LT with two doors and sleeker styling. Its basically the same car! Very comfortable with its wide interior and vast stretch-out space up front. Even the rear seat is roomy once you access it. The 3.5-liter V6 gives a nice power and economy combination; I regularly get 20-23 MPG city and 30-32 MPH highway on 87-octane gas, and still have plenty of power for safe passing and merging. Blissfully smooth ride with its long wheelbase. Quiet on the move. Very roomy trunk. Handles well enough, but just a little too big to be called nimble. OnStar brings great safety-related peace of mind. Climate controls heat and cool quickly and effectively. Long GM powertrain warranty!
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Fun to Drive - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By DJL100 - September 2 - 3:40 amI have owned this Monte Carlo 3LT with the 3.9L engine for 3 months. It is a fun car to drive and looks fantastic!
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Love it in RED - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Wendy - August 30 - 3:10 pmEven though we have had my Monte for only two weeks, I LOVE IT. Our old car had a sunroof which we miss, so having one installed. Read the review about not much of a winter car, so we will see about that since we live in Iowa. As far as ABS, I never like those brakes on my old car, felt like I wasnt in control, my car took over. Didnt like that, so Im actually glad my Monte didnt come with ABS. We love the Cardinal Red color as well.
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Its no Z34 - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Chevyguy - August 28 - 7:10 pmI had to replace my 1994 Z34 and this was the closest thing Chevy had. Reliability has been good, performance is alright, handles good. It is an adequate replacement, but it is no Z34. I would recommend to someone that loved their Z34.
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heavy chevy - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By philly357 - August 25 - 10:00 amthis car is the best car you can buy
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Love the Style, but Hate the Problems - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Capehart - August 22 - 3:20 pm46 miles after purchase, the computer goes out. Great for 2 years, then the transmission goes out, sunroof gets stuck open and needs to be replaced. Now after a new head gasket from the leaking oil, it leaks worse. The car only has 88,000 miles now.
