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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  Sexy, but the colors are drab - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By J. Mayeux - April 1 - 10:23 pm

  I bought this car mostly for its looks, but found the gas mileage was very good (at 75 mph got 29.7 mpg). Engine performance has been satisfactory for the most part. No rattles or squeaks, but I find the ride could be a little less firm. Paint job is pretty, but surprisingly easy to scratch. Its not as durable as paints in the past.

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  Pretty car..too many transmission problems - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Charlene - March 20 - 3:56 am

  The car actually belongs to my mother, but due to eye problems, I am the driver. My mother purchased the car in Nov. of 2007. Since the purchase, weve had a new transmission installed and had to have it checked twice after that. Now there is a problem with the shifting the car from Park to Drive,etc. The shift has become stiff and it takes two hands to get it to move. Love the car, hate the problems weve had.

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  Average...to the EXTREME - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By samdc - March 19 - 9:53 pm

  Front wheel drive. It isnt too fast, but not underpowered. It has a few decent interior features, but feels cheap. There is no road-feel, which may or may not be a good thing depending on your taste. It has unique styling (again: which may or may not be good.) For a 6cyl it should get better mileage. Lots of road noise. Smallish backseat. Odd headlight controls. Front wheel drive.

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  Fantastic car - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By dale earnhardt editi - March 17 - 12:10 am

  I bought this car new and took it on a trip down the east coast to Florida and back. Had a Lincoln Town Car prior to this one. Loved the way the car rode and handled especially through the mountains. Averaged about 29 mpg for a 3500 mi. trip. I also have a heavy foot, Im an old racer and still like to go fast. Buried the spedo coming out of Winston Salem about 3am. Hard to believe for a six! I would have liked a little more HP to blow off the Mustangs. Im 69, Ive raced drags, stocks, motorcycles. My scooter has 145HP and weighs 525lbs. I know about performance and power and I love this car! I cant believe GM discontinued it. All you had to do is drive it and youd buy it.

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  I wanted the best and I got the best! - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Tony G - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 15 months and I havent had a problem with it. This car has only had normal maintenance done to it by me. This is a smooth riding car, sporty and fun. The car drives like a champ. Some of the best features are the dual climate controls (my wife says that we can never buy a car without this feature), huge trunk, 3.8 liter engine and the accessability of controls (steering wheel and center console). If you are looking for a good reliable car this is it. Just remember to give it proper up keep and find one that was taken care of and its a car to enjoy for a long time. Enjoy the pleasure of owning this car.

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  good family car - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By energyguy - March 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a good family car that gives you a break from the minivan. My Monte Carlo is a reasonable compromise between power and fuel economy for an american product. It lacks in sportiness in comparison to the older rear wheel drive models, but it has been a good choice as a second family vehicle used for daily work commuting.

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  Almost Perfect - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By mcd1995 - March 5 - 3:46 am

  My 2005 SS Monte Carlo was my personal dream car for my price range. After bypassing the 2004 Mustang Cobra because of price, I picked the Monte up used with 30k miles for just $13,000 and Im loving it. The interior is very sleek, contrary to the Edmunds review. Trunk is HUGE and theres good interior space. The car itself gets a lot of looks. Im now at 42k miles and have no major mechanical problems. Like most, I think Chevy ruined the Monte by not making it a manual RWD. Still, the monte can easily reach 300HP with $1400 in mods. Ive used these mods, so I basically paid $14400 for about 310 HP, great styling, and comfort. Great deal.

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  2006 Monte Carlo - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By dhare2005 - February 26 - 11:03 am

  Lots of room and space and fun to drive. Great fuel ecconomy for a car this size. The quality is great too. The price is lower than most cars in its class.

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  Ok car - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Seanrace - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I have only had a few minor problems until recently. A few months after I bought it, car had 50k on it, the alternator started going, luckily the warranty paid for this repair ($600) and 2 years later the theft deterrent system went bad and would not allow the car to start (another $600), car had 75k on it. Recently the car began running extremely rough and it went to the dealer for repair. The Car had 93k on it and it cost me $1100 to fix. Overall I think it has been an alright car. I have averaged 20-22 mpg since I have owned it with no problems other than what has been stated above.

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  SS Monte Carlo traction system - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Janny - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. The ride, look, and style are fine when it is not having problems with the traction control system. Of course, when it is at the shop it drives perfectly. The problem does not reproduce. Has anyone else written about this problem? When the traction active light comes on the car will drag.