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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  my monte - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By katiy - October 29 - 2:00 am

  previously i had a 95 mc, but i drove her into the ground throughout college. i got this car for graduation. it was the only car on the market i was interested in (since the last camaro rolled off the line). i absolutely love it. rides great and millenium yellow gets lots of looks!

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  the best worst car i ever had - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By brent - October 28 - 8:56 pm

  this car drove me crazy bad anti freeze leak and needed a new intake and the block was crack but even through all that it started every single time oh and the starters go like crazy with these cars same as the intake

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  02 Monte SS - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By dlr634 - October 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2002 Monte SS in February (black). After driving it for five months, I still love it. The ride is very smooth, and the 3.8 V6 delivers an excellent blend of power and fuel economy. Personally, I love the exterior styling...I get compliments all the time on it. For less than $24,000 I got everything but leather seats, which I dont like. So I got ABS, dual exhaust, heated power mirrors, programmable garage door opener, power sunroof, OnStar, trip computer...you name it. I cant say enough about it....

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  And the SS lives on... - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By DEI8N15 - October 26 - 1:26 am

  What a great car. Black with silver ground effects! Have the sharpest car on the street. Only problem I have encountered in the seat belt rubbing against the center console, leaving scratches, dealer replaced the console but problem was not fixed. Seats much more supportive than my 99 Monte Z34

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  Not up to snuff - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Disapointed2005 - October 24 - 2:56 pm

  I bought my car new and liked it until the factory warranty expired. My car has average at least two trips to the shop since the day I bought it. I have had to replace a rear wheel bearing and a water pump at my expense. There is a very troubling sound coming from the drive train currently. The car is comfortable and pretty easy on gas. I like the exterior styling.

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  Treated me well - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Chimike - October 22 - 10:00 am

  The A/C got noisy around 30,000 miles, but it was fixed under the warranty. A few other minor problems, but I was pretty happy with the purchase overall.

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  A great 2 door coupe - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By LoriG - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I love my Monte Carlo. Its fun, fast and it gets great gas mileage. Im glad that its sporty yet safe enough that I bought it as a "family" car. Although it has one of the ugliest "butts" on the road, its still a hot looking car.

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  Hi Miler Reports on 2002 Monte Carlo - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By cornerpost - October 10 - 2:00 am

  No car of its price range is, in my opinion, more strikingly beautiful than the Monte Carlo. It looks a little bit like an old Lincoln, and with some imagination it can be your luxury car. Its harder to steer than it needs to be, more difficult to exit and enter than it should be. It lacks places right and left to put your elbows when you drive. Other than that, the entire car is engineered in a masterful way-- all parts of the car articulate well, everything works, and the sound system is truly outstanding. Car takes too rapid a price dive after purchase--buy it only if you plan on keeping it for a while.

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  Need bigger engine/more power - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Cleo0243 - October 4 - 3:26 pm

  I purchased this car(4/6/2010) in great condition. 3.1 V6 - 119,000 miles-New firestone tires, great body and paint(gold), no leaks, leather, interior also great shape, 2 new window motors, new shocks and 2 extra tecs for the oil pressure and volts. I just had to replace the alternator (4/22/2010) I drove the car about 120 miles yesterday. What I notice is that the body is heavy and I feel the car needs a bigger engine and more power. I thought WoW, Monte Carlo was always known to be a great fast American car. I guess I expected more power for the weight of the car. My sister owns the 1992 Lumina with the same size engine and her car seems to have more power, but the cars body is much lighter

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  MoNique the DivaMobile! <3 - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Joey - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my maroon Monte Carlo in January 2009 from my dad. She had 151,000 on her, and there was a crack in front of the drivers headlight where my dad had kicked her because he is impatient and she cold started on him. The battery cables have been troublesome, but is tolerable. Ive put rear brakes, a new intake gasket, a wheel hub, new tires, and a new starter on her, approximately $2300. I only use premium fuel and a bottle of gas treatment with every tank, change the oil every 3000 miles, she has been good to me. Coming up on 188K, and she will accompany me on my move from Indiana back to Michigan. To many more years and miles with my baby!