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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Nice car, I love it - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By M - December 12 - 8:26 pmIt is the best car Ive bought new so far. My only single concern is the market stinks for them. Ive had two problems with it, the transmission made a hard bang when it was first put into reverse and given the gas, and the front baring in the driver side when out on a road trip to Mardi Gras this year and that was a 1200 miles on way trip.. Made for some loud humming!!! Otherwise I love the car, its fun to goose it, IÂ’ve noticed several people stare at it (today a guy in a Silverado just stared at it when we were at a red light!) I love it. Its black with the silver trim.
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Chevy got it right ! - 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By bdini - December 11 - 3:13 pmI have been a long GM supporter starting back in the 70s with SS Chevelles, Z28s, Impala SS and Monte Carlos. I have also owned many cars from the competition and acurrently own a 2007 Accord V6 Hybrid. With that said, when its time to take a cruise the Monte SS usually leaves the garage first. I am not a big supported of front wheeled cars but Chevy certainly makes this car feel light to handle, while being agressively quick such as a performance car should. The 5.3 engine is perfect for this size car with a exhaust note that can only come out of a big V8. Also on the mileage side I average about 23-26MPG with mixed driving. Not bad for a 300+HP car. Sorry Honda,the wife still loves you
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Mid Life Crisis - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Moose1959 - December 9 - 10:00 amI only have had the car for about 2 months but I love it. It has been labeled my mid life crisis. Its a great looker and what a ride! For all ownwers looking for a few more ponies, try Borla Cat-back kit. It will set you back about 850.00s, but between the Borla kit and a K & N charged air filter you will gain about 15 or 20hp.And it wont void your warranty!
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Love My 2004 Competition Yellow LS !! - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Oblio3 - December 6 - 10:00 amI purchased the 2004 Monte Carlo LS Yellow Competition Sport model and I love this car, It is very sporty, a real head turner, comfortable and lots of fun to drive. Love the Stereo with the 200 watt amp and the way the interior is personalized to the driver. I love my hot rod !!!!
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Randys Monte Carlo SS - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Randy Heath - December 6 - 10:00 amThe car rides like a Caddie on the highway. The throtle is very responsive at all speeds. The A/C works very well but is noisy on acceleration, I plan to have it checked out at the dealer when I have time. As for handling, this is better than any other car I have owned, I was impressed that a large front wheel drive could corner so well. I give the car a 9 for overall satisfaction.
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Runs Strong - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By MikeNJ - November 25 - 9:46 amI bought this car in June of 2000. I admit I was skeptical given all the American car bashing that came out of the 80s and early 90s, but Ive always preferred to buy American. This Monte Carlo is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned! I am in sales, I drive a lot, averaging 30K-40K miles per year. My Monte now has 177K miles on it and is only now beginning to show some well-deserved repair needs (loss of power, mechanical issue). With that said, I can have it fixed and shell keep on going. And my gut says shell go another 100K easy! I cared for the car meticulously, synthetic oil every 3000 miles, plugs/wires every 50K, Trans fluid every 30K, etc, etc. No transmission problems, nothing. Best!
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Great American Car - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Russ - November 6 - 1:26 amThis is a great car, I would buy another in a heartbeat. The power of the 3.4L V-6 is great and it still gets great gas mileage. The ride is extremely smooth and quiet, like a luxury car. The interior is very comfortable and has held up well. The trunk is larger than any other car I have ever seen.
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My Monte carlo - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Monte96 - November 4 - 3:53 amI bought this car from a private seller when it had 100,000 miles on it. That was 8 years ago. I bought this car in November and made a trip to from North Carolina to Wisconsin with it in December. Then we also drove it to Florida twice. I have had intake manifold gaskets replaced twice, but luckily my husband did that himself. I had a problem once with an ignition wire broke and we had to tow it to the dealership to get the "code" to know what was wrong, after trying everything we could think of. Overall, I LOVE my Monte Carlo. It has 213,000 miles on it right now. It is also in the body shop because someone hit me. It is a very sturdy car, withstands damage well.
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Highs and Lows - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By NASCAR3 - November 4 - 2:00 amI have had my montel carlo ss for one year now. I am pleased with the car. Im a big and tall guy and its very comfortable. I have taken several road trips in the car. I have had only one problem with the car in that the battery went dead after only one year. It was most likely just a lemon. Overall this is a great car to own. I have decided I wanted a truck and I am stuck with this car for awhile because I paid 27k for it and trade in value is 16k. Great car, just doesnt hold its value.
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bad experiance - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By richard - November 4 - 2:00 amthe monte carlo is a nice looking car, but I have encountered a great deal of trouble. The paint is defective, My hood had to be repainted three times for them to finaly replace it. my abs modulator has gone out. the car has been worked on three times for having a hard start, and the problem still exists. the dash has been repaired and/or replaced at least three times.
