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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2000 SS. Best Ive Ever Owned - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By chasd3 - June 4 - 10:00 amI bought my 2000 Monte Carlo SS new in 2000. This is the best car Ive ever owned. I put a lot of miles on it each year simply beacuse I love to drive it. It has been on two Cross Country trips from Texas to New York. The Monte Carlo is comfortable, reliable, fun to drive and just excellent all around. I hope to purchase another one soon.
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Not all that it was hyped up to be. - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Gregbear1 - May 22 - 2:00 amThis car was a poor choice. It looked more exciting than it is.. Fit and finish are terrible and the non stop problems are becomming depressing. I knew I should have gone with the Altima instead. Live and learn!
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Full Monte - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By third - May 12 - 10:00 amI love this car. Bought it new (and loaded) almost 2 years ago and have had nothing but fun driving it. It is comfortable, reliable, stylish, has a great ride, low interior noise, great stock sound system, power when needed, good fuel economy......what can I say...I love this car and will keep it for a long time. Way to go Chevy!!
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watch out for the battery!!! - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By John1234 - May 6 - 10:00 amthe original battery has corrosion problems. The acids from the battery will leak out and cause severe corrosive damage to the interior of the engine bay. On our car, the leak caused a 1" diameter hole in the inside sheetmetal, and extensive corrosion around the battery and to the battery plate holder. Due to the batteries location, the damage to neither the vehicle nor the battery is visible until it has to be replaced! Then you will only find out if the mechanic replacing the battery tells you of the damage, which is past the 3/36 warranty. Even though it is within the 6yr/100k body corrosion warranty, Chevrolet will try not to cover this repair
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The Best Monte Carlo ever! - 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By ChevyRocks - April 29 - 2:23 pmI always wanted a Monte Carlo SS and I finally got one. I bought mine used though with only 8k on it. I love every moment in this car, I traded my 2007 Chevy Cobalt SS for it and Im so glad I did this is a way better vehicle safer and more fun to drive and more room. I actually get better mileage for gas with this one than my Cobalt SS. This is a great vehicle for sure GM got it right with this one for sure to bad they dropped it they should bring it back and have and option for front wheel drive or rear wheel drive. I love everything with this car it is loaded with Leather, a great stereo, sunroof , power under the hood and great looks. It was worth trading that Cobalt SS for, for sure!
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Best car Ive ever owned - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Dave - April 28 - 7:56 amTruly the best car Ive ever owned. It has never been in the shop for anything other than routine maintenance. Ive gotten as high as 29 MPG on the highway- four cylinder mileage with six cylinder power. City MPG is holding up at 24- I couldnt ask for anything more. Great handling, excellent tire wear, a/c blows cold, no rattles, and no service visits. I will definitely own this car until it dies- which I dont believe will happen- it keeps going. Kudos, GM, on the best car I could ever ask for.
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2003 Monte carlo ss - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By coonhound01 - April 22 - 10:01 pmI bought my SS with 83,000. It has been a very reliable car. I now have 176,000 on my car. It still runs and rides smooth. Ive replaced the thermostat, a/c condenser and resonator during that time. The condenser was the result of a stone or debri, which I was told was typical. I like the car, the interior has held up well, and the exterior is even better considering the miles. I average 23-24 mpg combined, 27 mpg on a trip.
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Awesome car--looks and performance wise! - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By blmackin - April 19 - 10:00 amI absolutly love my car. Its sporty looking and even though it is 8 years old, it still turns heads and people compliment me on it almost weekly. Its comfortable to drive and has all the features you could want. I put alot of miles on this vehicle and have had minimal problems. The only drawback to this vehicle is that if you have a problem with it..its expensive to fix.
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Dale Jr SS - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By bigolepig - April 8 - 10:00 amI traded in my 2002 Monte Carlo SS, for a 2004 Dale Jr Supercharged SS...A few minor changes, the steering is tighter, few cosmetic changes in gages and controls, not to mention it is just throw your head back fast!! I loved my first Monte Carlo, and only willing to trade it in on a newer one...all the luxuries of a Cadillac...but still youthful enough and sporty enough to turn all the heads in town...even the Jeff Gordon fans...ha!!
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The heartbeat of America for sure - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By samuel e. lyons - April 8 - 7:50 amThis Monte Carlo SS is the best car of everything a man could want in a performance and luxery vehicle . For top end performance this car is great, as for getting on the freeways this Monte Carlo is great on the response and acceleration. Just everything about this car is the best. An affordable nascar look a like and classy car.
