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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Yellow SS - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By tripled - September 21 - 10:00 amIve had my SS for two weeks now, and love it to death. Coming from my 1999 Honda Accord, this car has more pickup, and better handling. It is also very roomy inside for a coupe. The trunk is spacious enough for me to add my subs, and still have access to the spare tire.
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2005 Monte - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By sd74oklahoma - September 20 - 8:43 amBlue Ribbon treated me great! The car runs great- of course I take good care of her with regular oil changes and such... Minimal issues all expected with running a car. Very happy.
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Monte Carlo LS Rocks - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Bill Turner - September 20 - 2:00 amThe 2002 Monte Carlo LS is not only fun to drive, but gets excellent gas mileage and because there are not a lot of them on the road, turns heads. Sleek, stylish and fun to drive. The controls are built for the driver, allowing ease of use. The separate passenger heat control eliminates any debate about the temperature and the stereo rocks!
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Fun to Drive.. Buy it! - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Tadd La Duke - September 16 - 2:03 pmThis is the third Monte I have owned. I still have my 2004 Monte SS. This 2006 is head and shoulders above the previous years of Montes. It is quiet, smooth riding and responsive. It appears to have much more quality than the previous models. It turns a lot of heads. The styling reflects NASCAR inspiration and excitement.
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ss baby - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By djg1173 - September 16 - 2:00 ambest car i have ever owned
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Waited too long! - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Big Dog - September 14 - 10:00 amI traded my Z-34 at 98000 miles. The timing belt, water pump, and altenator all lasted to 97000 miles....I was waiting for 0% financing on a new SUV. Other than my poor timing to dump it the Z-34 was a great car.
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A pretty good car - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By bamadude - September 3 - 2:00 amI bought the car used from Hertz car sales(it was a rental car)with 28,000 miles on it. Now the car has 65,000 miles on it. Last week the check engine light came on and I took it in to be looked at. They had to replace the intake manifold gasket, the #1 fuel injector and the #1 spark plug. All of this cost me over $700. The only other problem I have had with the car is warped front break rotors. I am not sure if I will buy another GM car. The quality has improved in the last 10 years. I do not expect a car with 65,000 on it to need the extensive work that mine just had.
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Monte Carlo SS great all around car - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By SScrazy - August 28 - 2:00 amIve look into buying a Monte Carlo for about 2 years now and test drove a few and I must say for the price you get performance and quality that you would normaly find in most higher dollar cars. I bought a SS yesterday and I love it.
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Good at first...! - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Matt - August 23 - 11:50 pmI first bought the car and was excited because not too many of them were around. It had a few problems at first covered under my warranty, fuel filter leaked, needed a rear strut. It shifted great at first and now at around 125000 its really rough. Things started to go wrong after the 120000 mile mark. Little things at first, coolant temperature sensor, some of the plastic paneling in the car. Windshield wipers The main problem is the tranny which is very common around 120000 k. Besides that the car is powerful for being a large sedan. 0-60 in about 8 seconds. You can by-pass the governor as well...as soon as you reach the governor quickly put it in neutral and back in to gear, there ya go!
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The Full Monte - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By Barry Panzer - August 18 - 2:30 amI absolutely love this car. i previously owned a Jag X-type and CTS. Tons of features, extremely comfortable front seats, great visibility, and solid powerful ride. Black with spoiler is a knockout. The cabin is very quiet, and the trunk is spacious. Not too many around, if unique matters. No glitches on delivery. Perfect, if car is rarely full. Fabulous audio. If you read about the small back seat, its true, but calling controls "cheap" is silly. All devices are sensible, easy to operate and if you need the fake plastic burled wood look, buy something else.
