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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Coolness Of My 06 Monte LTZ - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By RJ - August 22 - 6:23 amWhat can I say about such a great car that hasnt already been said? Its fun to drive. It turns heads. Not 100% sure about the performance as of yet cause Ive not tried it. I also own a 1986 LS Monte Ive had for pretty much 10 years and part of the reason I wanted an 06 is cause my two Montes are 20 years apart. So far Ive cleaned the car like 200 times and it sets inside under a new car cover most the time. Since I got it, I think Ive put 1200 miles on it? I like cleaning the car.
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Driving a beauty - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By jay - August 3 - 4:10 amI have enjoyed driving this beautiful vehicle. Its a real eye catcher, and iI have had numerous compliments on my SS Monte Carlo. Many thanks to the guys at the Chevy corporation. I just wanna jump up and click my heels!
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Love my YELLOW Monte - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Mindy - July 30 - 10:00 amI have only had my car for a few weeks now, but at this time I can truly say I love it. I have been wanting a yellow one for some time now and made up my mind that when my lease expired on my Blazer my next car would be a monte, yellow one!!!
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I am surprised - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Hurricane Carrie - July 25 - 12:16 pmI have been surprised by this car. I had no idea this car was so outstanding in gas mileage and performance. I am very pleased with this vehicle. I traded vehicles approximately once a year until I found this one.
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Summer car - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Richjay - July 24 - 2:00 amIts every thing what I had imagined it would be,(pleasure to drive),when I thought about buying my Monti Carlo Super Charged SS.Good looks and style.
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I love this car - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By firefriend - July 18 - 2:00 amI have had no bad experiences related to this vehicle. It even handled really well when i ran over a piece of sheet metal on the highway going about 70 miles an hour. Its comfortable and responsive.
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one grreat car - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By 1 happy m/c owner - July 16 - 10:00 amI love this car. lots of room inside. great looking outside. bright red paint is perfect. plenty of power.sound system rocks. driver friendly controls. verry comfortable,quiet ride
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Great car - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By BigC - July 4 - 2:00 amlove everything about it, the lookand the performance,not a V8 but good enough im tall and it is very comfortible. one recuring problem i have is with the light senser, i have to replace almost every 8 months becouse of short. had same system in my camaro, that work flawlessly.
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Great Car - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Dan - June 5 - 8:06 pmThe power plant could be more powerful, but Chevy has addressed this in new models. Great build quality, have owed car for 2 years 3 months, not one problem. Very reliable, looks great, drives well, gets a lot of looks. Highly recommend it.
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All Around Very Good Performer - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By James Tiller - June 5 - 3:06 amDont let the snobbish reviewers sway you about the exterior styling. This is not a cookie-cutter car for conformists. It was designed to look different than regular commuter-cars, and i think its features are very distinctive and memorable. Very good performance from FWD 3.8 litre V6. A great engine, great transmission, and great handling/suspension characteristics. If you miss 1960s/early 1970s sporty/luxury 2- door coupes, then this car may be for you. And keep in mind, this car produces more horsepower than any production Monte since 1974, when they still put had the big-block as an option. I recomend this car for those who want to live a little, and still have a sense of practicality!
