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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  INTIMIDATORS REVIEW - 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By detluv313 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Well I bought my car in June of 2000. 1- week later I had to take it back because of the vacuum lines. The fuel system is funny you can only put certain types of gas in it. It took my grandfather and myself 3 days to tune the car up, then to find out a day later the plugs and wires were recalled. other than that and replacing a water pump at 62K the car hasnt been to much of a burden. although I think that if you dont keep up the 3.4 with regular service, it will cost you in the end. also the brakes are weak after i leave out of the car wash.

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  Awesome vehicle! - 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Warhorse - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car 2 years ago, always wanted one, my wife found it in the used car lot. Despite needing new intake gasket set right away, Im VERY pleased with this car! I hope to own it as long as it will last, have added customized parts to it and is a head-turner. Also put 40 series Flowmaster dual-exhaust on it, sounds great! I feed it Z-Maxx every 6000 miles and it treats me right, recommend it to everyone!

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  Reliable car - 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By nascarfan3 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This has been a very reliable car for me. Had a new transmission put in around 90k because of something very rare. Mechanic had never seen it happen before, just a fluke. Have had no other problems. Still drives well and gets decent gas mileage.

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  I Love It!!!!!! - 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By wilma B - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This Car has been nothing but great! We would buy it again! There is nothing I dont like about it. I would recomend it to my best friend.we compaired it to other cars in the same class and I am so glad we chose the monte carlo. We have the yellow and people are allways telling me how pretty it is. My other car is a eldorado and I would rather drive the monte carlo! I Love It!!!!

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  For Mechanics Only - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Slim - July 24 - 8:33 am

  This car requires constant maintenance. If youre not a mechanic, Id get something else. The head gasket went at 85000 miles and cost just under a grand to fix. Tie rods, hazard switch, locks, etc, etc, etc. It cant go but three weeks before something else falls apart.

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  Great Road Car - 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By wyocolo - July 20 - 1:43 pm

  Ive put 18k miles on my Monte in seven months and it has been the best car Ive owned. I bought it because I needed good gas mileage and after all the incentives and rebates last summer, loaded it was cheaper than a fairly stripped Civic. Every day I drive 70 miles round trip and I average 28MPG which I think is great considering I live at 9300 altitude and work at 5000 so its either going up hill in passing gear or down all the time. I have had no problems or repairs and its a very comfortable car to drive. If your concerned about its ability to handle snow and ice, get the traction control option and as long as the front end doesnt start plowing snow you will be fine.

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  I love this car cant stay out of it - 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By jered90 - July 18 - 11:12 pm

  I love this car i bought mine is may of 2011 for my birthday it had 106,000 miles on it and now it has 109,290 this one of the best car i have ever own it has lots of room and is so smooth for anybody wanting to buy one GET IT it is a dark grey with the grey hubcaps love it.

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  Better than I figured it would be - 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By robert henry - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Best performing car I have ever owned.3.4 engine is ok and it gets 30 mpg.Seats are not that great but ok.Handling is nutral with no bad traits.I have never reached the limit of this car at above average speeds.It starts and goes and I have had no problems other than a bad tire, Even the tires are covered by the factory but I paid for my replacement rather than mess with them. Great paint, There are no bad things to say about this car

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  I was looking for an Imapla - 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Open New Mexico Road - July 12 - 3:46 am

  I was looking for an Impala, but the salesman introduced me and sold me on the sportier sibling, the Monte Carlo. 85% of the 114,000 miles are highway miles...good miles. The 3.8 engine is as strong as the day I bought, and except for two recalls, only had to replace the drivers side power window toggle switch. Still gets good gas mileage, 30 mpg in the city. It was also comforting that I did not have to trade it in when I had to put two car seats, on teenager, and a wife into it. It actually had more seating space than my wifes S-10 Blazer. Has the original paint, no problems except for highway debris. I would love to buy a 2008, but going to keep the 2000 until she cant go no more

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  A Gift From God - 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
  By Hann - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Buying a new car is usually a hit or miss afair. My first new car was a Dodge Stratus, give me a break. Nothing but trouble and oil leaks. So I went looking for something differnt. When I saw the white Monte in the showroom, I was hooked. After the test drive I bought the car without remorse. A very sporty and higher performance car with family sedan gas mileage. To anyone thinking about an SS, just take one for a spin.....WOW!