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2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo was originally introduced for the 1970 model year as a personal luxury coupe version of the Chevelle/Malibu. The Monte Carlo had at first become known in the automotive press as "a Chevelle in a dinner suit". The Monte Carlo had become staggeringly popular throughout the 1970s, and even after the Malibu sedan was discontinued after 1983, the Monte Carlo still carried on due to its strong sales until 1988. In 1995, the Monte Carlo name was resurrected and was now a front wheel drive coupe version of the Lumina, and in 2000 it became the same for the all-new Impala (another popular name from Chevrolet's past). The 2007 model year was the Monte Carlo's last. From its inception, the Monte Carlo also has been one of GM's biggest successes on the NASCAR stock car racing circuit.

Here's a quick rundown on each generation:

1972 Monte Carlo
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Chevrolet
Production 1970-1972
Class Intermediate/Personal Luxury
Body Style 2-Door Coupe
Length 211.6"
Width 76.4"
Height 52"
Wheelbase 116"
Weight 3400-3700 lbs
Transmission 3-Speed Manual, RWD
4-Speed Manual, RWD
3-Speed Automatic, RWD
Engine 5.7L (350 cid) V8
6.6L (402 cid) V8
7.4L (454 cid) V8
Power 165-425 hp
Similar Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
Pontiac Grand Prix
Platform A

First generation (1970-1972)[]

1970[]

The Monte's debut year, the Monte Carlo was the brainchild of Elliot M. (Pete) Estes, general manager of Chevrolet, and Chevrolet's chief stylist, Dave Holls. They modeled the styling on the contemporary Cadillac Eldorado, although much of the body and structure were shared with the Chevrolet Chevelle (firewall, windshield, decklid, and rear window were the same), adding new front end sheetmetal, wider C-pillars, and new rear fenders. Bulges were added to the fenders to create a more muscular appearance. The Monte Carlo also had the then-fashionable concealed windshield wipers.

The standard powertrain was the 250 hp 5.7L (350 cid) V8 "Turbo-Fire" small-block V8 with a two-barrel carburetor mated to a three-speed manual transmission. Front disc brakes were standard equipment. The dashboard was basically identical to the upper-level Malibus except for fake wood trim, according to Holls a photographic reproduction of the elm trim used by Rolls-Royce, and higher grade nylon upholstery and carpeting were used. Base priced at US$3,123, the Monte Carlo cost $218 more than a comparable Chevelle Malibu.

Various options were available. The three-speed manual could be replaced by a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission (on 350 in³ engines only), three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic, or a four-speed manual; most Monte Carlos carried the Turbo-Hydramatic. Power steering, power windows, air conditioning, power seats, rally wheels, bucket seats, additional engine gauges, and various other accessories were also available, bringing the price of a fully equipped Monte Carlo to more than $5,000.

Optional engines included a 300 hp four-barrel version of the 350, a 265 hp 6.6L (400 cid) V8 with a two-barrel carb, and the 330 hp 400 (402) with a four-barrel carb. Note that the two 400 V8s offered this year were actually two different designs; the two-barrel carbureted 400 was a bored and stroked 350 small-block engine, while the 4-barrel 400 was a slightly enlarged version of the 396 big block V8 and had an actual displacement of 402 cid.

The most sporting option was the Monte Carlo SS 454 package. Priced at $420, it included a standard big-block 360 hp 7.4L (454 cid) V8 with a four-barrel carb. It also included heavy-duty suspension, wider tires, and an automatic load-leveling rear suspension. The Turbo-Hydramatic transmission (with a 3.31 rear axle) was a mandatory option with the SS package, although it still cost $222 extra. Weighing only a bit more than a comparably equipped Chevelle SS 454, the Monte Carlo SS was quite a fast car, although it accounted for less than 3% of Monte Carlos sold in 1970.

A labor strike that cut into GM's 1970 production limited sales to 130,657, short of the 185,000 projected, although most Monte Carlos were sold for full list price, making it a very profitable model. Only 3,823 of 1970 Montes were SS 454s.

1971[]

The 1971 model year saw only modest styling changes, including a different grille and slimmer, vertical tail lights. Front parking lights were changed from round to rectangular. Inside, it got new "European symbol knobs," and a four-spoke steering wheel became optional. Mechanically it was largely unchanged, although the small-block 400-2 was dropped. Other engines had compression ratios lowered to allow the use of regular leaded, low-lead, or unleaded gasoline, per a GM corporate edict. Engine ratings fell to 245 hp for the base 350-2, 270 hp for the 350-4, and 300 hp for the 402-4. The SS 454 engine was actually raised to a nominal 365 hp despite the reduction in compression ratio.

The TurboHydramatic officially remained the only transmission for the SS, but a heavy-duty clutch option on the order form suggests that it may have been possible to special-order a 425 hp 454 LS-6 with a four-speed manual transmission. The exact number of such combinations, if any, is unknown since they were not officially listed as factory options but would have been assembled through Chevrolet's "Central Office Production Order" (COPO) process that had previously made possible model/engine combinations not officially available. While rumors persist that a small number of cars were so equipped, to date no documented cars have been found to exist.

The SS 454 package would be discontinued after this year, but the 454 V8 engine would remain optional in Monte Carlos through 1975. The initial response to which the SS was discontinued was that the Monte Carlo was marketed as a luxury vehicle instead of a muscle car; the SS nameplate would be resurrected 11 years later in 1983.

1972[]

A Cadillac-like eggcrate grille similar to the 1971 Caprice and a metal rear trim molding highlighted the changes to the 1972 Monte Carlo, the final year for the first generation design. Front parking lights were now mounted vertically beside the headlights. a new Monte Carlo Custom option appeared as a one-year only, offering that included a special suspension and other items previously in the SS option, it was available with any engine on the roster.

The engines were unchanged, but an industry-wide switch to SAE net hp numbers led to a reduction in the rated power of all Chevrolet engines. The new ratings for the Monte Carlo were:

  • 350 in³ (5.7L), two-barrel: 165 hp (245 gross)
  • 350 in³ (5.7L), four-barrel: 200 hp (270 gross)
  • 402 in³ (6.6L), four-barrel: 240 hp (300 gross)
  • 454 in³ (7.4L), four-barrel: 270 hp (365 gross)

In California, which had emissions standards more stringent than federal law, the 4-barrel carbureted 350 was the standard engine, and the only option was the 4-barrel carbureted 402. Also, the only transmission offered in California was the Turbo Hydramatic.

For 1972, the four-speed manual transmission was discontinued from the option list as a line in the Monte Carlo brochure describing its market position as a personal luxury car stated "Sorry, no four-on-the-floor." The standard three-speed manual and optional two-speed Powerglide automatic transmissions were offered only with the base 350-2 engine, with the three-speed Turbo Hydramatic also available with this engine and a mandatory option with each of the optional engines.

1973 Monte Carlo Landau
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Chevrolet
Production 1973-1977
Class Intermediate/Personal Luxury
Body Style 2-Door Coupe
Length 210.4"
Width 77.6"
Height 52.2"
Wheelbase 116"
Weight 3400-3700 lbs
Transmission 3-Speed Manual, RWD
4-Speed Manual, RWD
3-Speed Automatic, RWD
Engine 5.0L (305 cid) V8 (1976-1977)
5.7L (350 cid) V8 (1973-1977)
6.6L (400 cid) V8 (1973-1976)
7.4L (SS454 cid) V8 (1973-1975)
Power 145-245 hp
Similar Buick Regal
Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
Pontiac Grand Prix
Platform A

Second generation (1973-1977)[]

1973[]

A redesigned Monte Carlo was introduced alongside other GM A-body intermediates. Like other GM mid-size cars, the 1973 Monte Carlo was no longer a hardtop, but a pillared coupe with rear side opera windows and frameless door glass (known in GM-speak as "colonnade"). Prominent styling features included dual headlights flanking an eggcrate grille with a Monte Carlo emblem in front and vertical taillights above the bumper. The front bumper was a large federally-mandated 5 mph bumper that was among the required 1973 federal safety standards for all passenger cars sold in the U.S. with the 5 MPH requirement extended to rear bumpers on 1974 models.

The standard Monte Carlo with manual transmission, retained "traditional" steering and bias-ply tires, but the radial-tuned system was included when the automatic transmission was ordered, earning the Monte Carlo S label. A new model for 1973 was the Monte Carlo Landau, which was basically an "S" with a rear quarter Landau vinyl roof, Turbine II wheels and driver and passenger-side sport mirrors.

The interior of the 1973 Monte Carlo featured an all-new, wraparound cockpit-style instrument panel, similar to that found in some contemporary Pontiacs, Buicks and Oldsmobiles, in which gauges and various instruments were centered within easy reach of the driver. The simulated burl elm trim was retained. A split bench seat was standard, but "Strato Bucket" seats of a new design were optional, along with a floor console with shifter and storage compartment. The bucket seats were of a one-piece highback design with built-in headrests, and could swivel some 90 degrees to permit the driver and front passenger easier entry and exit. Cloth and vinyl trims were offered with both the bench and bucket seats.

The standard engine was a 145 hp 350-2 V8. Optional engines included a 175 hp 350-4 and a SS with a 245 hp four-barrel carbureted 454 V8. The 1973 Monte Carlo was named Motor Trend's "Car of the Year," due to its new styling and emphasis on Euro-style ride and handling. The 1973 Monte Carlo set a new sales record for Chevrolet, with nearly 250,000 sold for the model year.

1974[]

The 1974 Monte Carlo received only minor detail changes from its 1973 predecessor, most notably a revised grille in the front and taller and slimmer vertical taillights in the rear, along with a relocated license plate and larger 5 MPH rear bumper.

The base Monte Carlo with manual transmission, standard suspension and bias-ply tires was discontinued, leaving only the "S" and "Landau" models but with radial-ply tires and upgraded suspensions along with standard power steering and front disc brakes.

A three-speed manual transmission was listed as standard equipment on 1974 "S" and "Landau" models equipped with the standard 350 V8, and an automatic transmission was a required option with the larger 400 and "SS" 454 V8s. A number of sources indicate, however, that Chevrolet built virtually all 1974 Monte Carlos with the automatic transmission.

The standard 350-2 was again rated at 145 hp in 49 states. In California, the standard engine was a 350-4 at 155 hp. Reappearing on the Monte's option list for the first time since 1970 was a 400-2 small block V8 rated at 160 hp (not offered in California) or 180 hp with a four-barrel carburetor. The top engine was again the "SS" 454 V8 rated at 245 and came with dual exhausts.

Despite the Arab Oil Embargo of late 1973 and early 1974 that greatly cut into sales of standard and intermediate-sized cars in favor of smaller compacts and imported subcompacts, the Monte Carlo went the other way on the sales charts by setting a new sales record this year of over 300,000 units despite the long lines at gas stations and record-high gasoline prices. The Monte Carlo continued to lead in intermediate personal luxury car sales with the Pontiac Grand Prix, placing second and the arrival of new competitors this year, including an upsized Mercury Cougar XR7, Ford Gran Torino Elite and AMC's Matador coupe.

1975[]

The 1975 Monte Carlo received only minor styling changes from the 1974 model, including a new grille with the Monte Carlo emblem moved to the center section and the taillights gained body-colored horizontal louvers. Front parking lights were now split vertically instead of horizontally. All models received catalytic converters to meet the latest federal and California emission requirements that included bonuses such as improved fuel economy and drivability, along with longer spark plug and muffler life, but required more expensive and lower-octane unleaded gasoline. Speedometers now read 100 MPH instead of 120, and the dashboard got slightly revised gauge graphics.

Engines were carryover from 1974 except for the addition of GM's High Energy electronic ignition being made standard equipment and the 454 V8 no longer offered on California cars, leaving the 180 hp 400-4 as the top engine in the Golden State. Base engine continued to be the 350-2 with the automatic, with the California-only 350-4, and the 400-2 and 454 V8s.

Sales dropped off a bit from 1974's record-setting pace, but they were still very substantial at around 250,000 units. New competition from Chrysler's new Cordoba and to a lesser extent, Dodge's new Charger, were likely culprits (and both of which, incidentally, very much resembled the Monte Carlo).

1976[]

A new crosshatch grille and vertically-mounted rectangular headlamps, along with reshaped taillights, identified the 1976 Monte Carlo (the reshaped taillight pattern was later incorporated into the 1981-1988 Monte Carlo). Under the hood, a new 140 hp 5.0L (305 cid) 2-barrel V8 became the standard engine with the 150 hp 350-2 V8 and 180 hp 400-4 V8 both optional (California cars got a 160 hp 350-4 as the base engine). The big-block 454 V8 was discontinued from the option list this year. The automatic transmission officially became standard equipment on all 1976 Monte Carlos.

Interior trims remained the same as 1975 with both base and Custom levels, but the instrument panel and steering wheel featured a new rosewood trim replacing the burled elm of previous years. A new option was a two-toned "Fashion Tone" paint combination. Monte Carlo sales hit an all-time record with production of over 400,000 units this year.

1977[]

A revised grille with the Monte Carlo emblem moved to a stand-up hood ornament and revised taillight lenses (a bit shorter than previous) marked the 1977 Monte Carlo, which was the last year for the 1973-vintage design before the introduction of a downsized 1978 Monte Carlo. The engine list was reduced to a mere two engines - a standard 140 hp 305-2 or a 160 hp 350-4.

This model year marks the only time in history when an intermediate model was larger in every dimension than a full-sized model, as the B-body Chevrolet Caprice/Impala had already been redesigned and downsized for 1977.

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Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Chevrolet
Production 1978-1988
Class Intermediate/Personal Luxury
Body Style 2-Door Coupe
Length 200.4"
Width 71.8"
Height 54.4"
Wheelbase 108"
Weight 3100-3400 lbs
Transmission 3-Speed Manual, RWD
4-Speed Manual, RWD
3-Speed Automatic, RWD
Engine 3.3L (200 cid) V6 (1978-1979)
3.8L (229 cid) V6 (1980-1984)
3.8L (231 cid) V6 (1978-1979)
3.8L (231 cid) Turbo V6 (1980-1981)
4.3L (262 cid) V6 (1985-1988)
4.4L (267 cid) V8 (1979-1982)
5.0L (305 cid) V8 (1978-1980, 1983-1988)
5.7L (350 cid) Diesel V8 (1982-1985)
Power 95-180 hp
Similar Buick Regal
Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
Pontiac Grand Prix
Platform A (1978-1981)
G (1982-1988)

Third generation (1978-1988)[]

1978[]

All GM A-body cars including the Monte Carlo were downsized for the 1978 model year, and were 500-600 lbs lighter and some 15" shorter than the 1977 model, but passenger and trunk room were improved. To carry on Monte Carlo tradition, the front and rear quarters still sported the stylish curved fender contours that were the essence of the first 2 generations. New base engines included a new Chevrolet-built 3.3L (200 cid) V6 (the ancestor of the Vortec 4300) as the standard engine for the base Monte in 49 states while the Buick 3.8L (231 cid) V6 was optional and standard on base models in California and on upper-level Landau models. The three-speed manual transmission reappeared for the first time in several years as standard equipment on the base model with the V6 engine, and the automatic transmission was optional. The optional 5.0L (305 cid) V8 (now the top engine option) and all Landau models came standard with the automatic. A four-speed manual transmission with floor shifter was optional with the 305, the first time a four-speed manual was offered on the Monte Carlo since 1971. T-tops were now an option for the first time.

1979[]

Only minor trim changes were made to the 1979 Monte Carlo, that included slightly revised grille and larger wraparound taillights. The 140 hp 5.0L (305 cid) V8 continued as an option but was joined by a 160 hp version with a four-barrel carburetor. A forgettable 120 hp 4.4L (267 cid) V8 was introduced this year, designed to split the difference between the 3.8 V6 and 5.0 V8. The same transmissions were carried over from 1978, including a standard three-speed manual and optional four-speed manual, or an optional three-speed automatic. This would be the last year that Chevrolet would offer manual transmissions on the Monte Carlo due to extremely low buyer interest.

A 1979 Monte Carlo lowrider was seen in the film Training Day.

1980[]

The car had a mild frontal restyle, with an eggcrate grille, quad headlights and amber indicators mounted beneath. Rear styling remained the same. An automatic transmission became standard on all models and a new Chevrolet-built 3.8L (229cid) V6 replaced both the 200 V6 of 1979 and the Buick engine offered on all 1978 models and the 1979 Landau as the standard engine in 49 states (California cars still got the Buick engine). A new option for 1980 was Buick's turbocharged version of the 231 V6 rated at 170 hp. Other optional engines included 267 and 305 V8s, which carried over from last year. Speedometers now read 85 MPH (up from a mere 80 MPH the previous year).

1981[]

The body was restyled and enlarged slightly with the other GM A-body personal luxury coupes (Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, Pontiac Grand Prix and Buick Regal). It featured a smoother profile than the previous models in a quest for better aerodynamics (and eliminated the trademark curvaceous fender contours), and new vertical taillights similar to the 1975-1976 models. Engine offerings were mostly carried over, including the standard 229 V6 (231 V6 in California) an optional 267 V8 (not available in California). The 305 V8 was now (temporarily) available only in California models - the 267 V8 was unfortunately the top V8 option for the rest of the 49 states. The turbo 170 hp 231 Buick V6 borrowed from the Regal Sport Coupe continued for one more year. Automatic transmission, power steering and power front disc brakes were standard equipment. All transmissions were again the 3-speed auto. Dashboards were also ever-so-slightly revised (the passenger-side A/C vents were now vertical instead of horizontal). The Monte Carlo, like all other GM cars this year, inherited GM's new Computer Command Control lockup torque converter system, which resulted in slightly quicker and firmer shifts than before.

1982[]

Only mild revisions were made on the 1982 Monte Carlo. The 229 V6 and 267 V8 were carried over from 1981, but the turbocharged 231 V6 was dropped (but still remained on the Buick Regal Sport Coupe). An unfortunate new engine addition was the dreaded 105 hp Oldsmobile-built 5.7L (350 cid) diesel V8. With the introduction of GM's new mid-size platform that saw the introduction of the Chevrolet Celebrity, Pontiac 6000, Buick Century, and Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, the chassis designations were shuffled up. The new mid-size cars were now designated as A-body cars, whereas the cars previously designated as A-bodies (such as the Monte) were now called G-bodies. The console and floor shift option, along with T-tops, were (temporarily) discontinued.

1983[]

Big news this year was the all-new NASCAR-inspired Monte Carlo SS - the first SS-badged Chevrolet since the 1976 Nova SS, and the first SS-badged Monte Carlo since the 1971 SS454. Sporting a new body-colored front fascia with an integrated air dam, 5-spoke rally wheels with 65-series 15" tires, a rear spoiler and a high-output 175 hp V8, the Monte Carlo SS was clearly inspired by the hallowed muscle cars of the 1960s. The SS was initially available only in White and Blue Metallic. Car and Driver magazine tested an SS, which ran 0-60 in 8.2 seconds, 16.8 seconds in the quarter-mile run with a top speed of 120 MPH - not quite as fast as the Monte Carlo SS 454 from 1970-71, but it was nonetheless respectable for its day. The base Monte Carlo received only minor changes, including a revised grille and interior trim patterns. The 229 V6 remained the standard engine in the base model and the 165 hp 305 V8 (which made a welcome return this year) was optional for all 50 states. The 267 V8 was dropped from the lineup.

1984[]

The basis for the Monte Carlo, the Malibu sedan, was dropped at the end of last year, but the Monte soldiered on due to continued strong sales. Chrysler's J-body Cordoba and Mirada twins were also dumped at the end of last year, leaving the Ford Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar XR7 as the Monte's true outside competition, which were all new last year. The SS especially was a hit with the car-buying public - 24,050 were sold this year, in addition to the 112,730 "regular" Montes. The SS still had a 180 hp 305 V8 that saw a 5 hp boost from the previous year. All Montes were available again with Strato bucket seats and floor console as extra-cost options for the first time since 1981 in place of the standard split bench seat with armrest. The regular Monte still came standard with a 110 hp 229 V6 (231 V6 for California) and a 150 hp 305 V8 was optional. The V6 and diesel engines got the three-speed automatic transmission, while the 305 continued with the 200-4R 4-speed overdrive transmission.

1985[]

T-tops were re-introduced (discontinued after the 1982 model year). The SS was now available in white, silver, maroon and black - but the medium blue color (and now highly sought after) was unfortunately dropped. The SS also had new red-orange-yellow stripes and new decal graphics. Gone for good was the 229 V6, which was replaced by the new 145 hp fuel-injected 4.3L (262 cid) V6 as the new standard engine. The unpopular 350 diesel V8 would also be unceremoniously axed at the end of this year. 35,484 Monte Carlo SSs were also produced for 1985.

1986[]

For 1986, there were four distinct body styles available. The base model Sport Coupe/CL was still available with the same general body panels that it had since 1981 with an LG4 305, save for new "aero" side mirrors. New for the 1986 model year was a Luxury Sport (LS) model that included "Euro" headlamps with removable bulbs in a plastic headlamp housing, versus the smaller all-in-one glass headlights of previous years. The rear bumper of the LS no longer had a "notch" between the bumper and trunk, and the taillights wrapped around so that they were visible from the sides of the car. The Super Sport model still utilized the prior year's styling for the rear bumper. All models now had the required Center High Mounted Stop Light. Dashboards were again slightly revised to accept new electronic stereos and got new gauge graphics, and SS models now got a 120 MPH speedo. Also new this year was the Aerocoupe model which had a more deeply sloped rear window and a shorter trunklid sporting a spoiler that laid more flat than previous Super Sports (Pontiac would do something similar to the Grand Prix, calling it the 2+2). Only 200 Aerocoupes were sold to the public this year, making it one of the rarest Monte Carlos ever made.

1987[]

In 1987, Chevrolet eliminated the base Sport Coupe, leaving the LS, SS, and Aerocoupe. The Super Sport incorporated the "smoothed" rear bumper and tail lamps first introduced on the 1986 Luxury Sport, and the exterior decals were made smaller. The funky Aerocoupe was much more popular this year and made up 6,052 of the 39,251 total Super Sports that were produced. 39,794 Luxury Sports were produced in 1987.

1988[]

This was the last year for the third generation Monte Carlo. The 1988 models were actually built from September to December 1987, with only 16,204 SSs made for an asking price of $14,320. Appearance and mechanicals were similar to the 1987 model - the LS still had the 4.3 V6 as standard with the carbureted 5.0 V8 as optional. The SS model still came with the 180 hp carbureted 305 V8. The 1988 SS only came with the lay-down style spoiler, unlike the 1987 model, which came with either the lay-down or stand-up type spoiler. The Aerocoupe did not return, as Chevrolet had unveiled plans to produce an upcoming Lumina and race that body style in NASCAR. Total production numbers for the final year of the rear-wheel drive Monte Carlo was 30,174 - almost half of the 1987 numbers. The Monte Carlo would effectively be replaced by the Lumina coupe in 1990.

The final G-body Monte Carlo - a silver SS coupe - was produced on December 12, 1987.

Main Competitors (1970-1988)[]

File:1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.jpg
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Chevrolet
Production 1995-1999
Class Intermediate
Body Style 2-Door Coupe
Length 200.7"
Width 72.5"
Height 53.8"
Wheelbase 107.5"
Weight 3100-3400 lbs
Transmission 4-Speed Automatic, FWD
Engine 3.1L (191 cid) V6 (1995-1999)
3.4L (207 cid) V6 (1995-1997)
3.8L (231 cid) V6 (1998-1999)
Power 160-215 hp
Similar Pontiac Grand Prix
Platform W

Fifth generation (1995-1999)[]

For the 1995 model year, the mid-size Lumina was split into two models with the sedan continuing as the Lumina and the coupe reviving the Monte Carlo nameplate for its fourth generation (some referred to this new generation as the "Lumina Carlo"). The new car rode on an updated W-body chassis shared with the Lumina sedan, Pontiac Grand Prix, Buick Regal, and Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. Since the Monte Carlo was popular in NASCAR, a promotional Dale Earnhardt edition was made in very limited numbers this year. 1996 Montes got new dual-zone climate controls, and the Z34 got a slight hp boost to 215 and 4-wheel disc brakes. All 1997 Montes got daytime running lights, and in 1998, the Z34 ditched its complicated (and expensive) DOHC 3.4L V6 in favor of the more conventional OHV Buick-built 200 hp 3.8L (231 cid) V6. Base LS models continued with little change. Another limited-edition NASCAR model was made this year, a Dale Earnhardt, Jr. edition, painted red with prominent #8 decals. There would be virtually no changes in 1999 as the Monte awaited an all-new bodystyle change in 2000.

Main Competitors[]


2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Chevrolet
Production 2000-2007
Class Intermediate
Body Style 2-Door Coupe
Length 197.9"
Width 72.3"
Height 55.2"
Wheelbase 110.5"
Weight 3300-3500 lbs
Transmission 4-Speed Automatic, FWD
Engine 3.4L (207 cid) V6 (2000-2005)
3.5L (214 cid) V6 (2006-2007)
3.8L (231 cid) V6 (2000-2005)
3.8L (231 cid) Supercharged V6 (2004-2005)
3.9L (240 cid) V6 (2006)
5.3 (325 cid) V8 (2006-2007)
Power 180-240 hp
Similar N/A
Platform W

Sixth generation (2000-2005)[]

For its final generation, the Monte Carlo was now a coupe version of the all-new Impala, and not only again called upon GM Motorsports for design inspiration, but also to Monte Carlos of the past. Among the traits carried over from older Monte Carlos were the stylized wheel flares, vertically-oriented taillamps, and a stylized rear bumper. Another classic trait for 2000 was the return of the "Knight" badging, not seen on the Monte Carlo since 1988. Two inches shorter overall than the previous Monte, it was three inches longer in wheelbase, giving passengers an extra inch of leg room. From the NASCAR circuit came the aerodynamic styling and duck tail spoiler as well as myriad commemorative and special edition packages. Engine for the base LS model was the 180 hp 3.4L (207 cid) V6 while the SS model, not seen since 1988, had the 200 hp 3.8L (231 cid) V6 carried over from the previous generation. A red Pace Car edition with checkered flag decals was the limited-edition model this year.

A side-impact airbag became standard on the SS coupe for 2001. Both versions now included traction control, and OnStar became standard in the SS. Dual-zone climate controls became standard on both models in 2002, which continued without much change, with the exception of a limited-edition tribute Dale Earnhardt Signature Edition option package for the SS, of which 3333 were produced, and received unique interior and exterior trim. This year's Pace Car was yellow with the requisite checkered flag decals. In 2003, XM radio became optional, and another limited edition SS was produced, this time a Jeff Gordon Signature Edition. There was also a blue Pace Car edition as well. The big news for 2004 was the addition of the 240 hp supercharged 3.8L V6 for the SS that had been standard on the Buick Regal GS and Pontiac Grand Prix GTP since 1997. Another limited-edition Dale Earnhardt, Jr edition was produced this year, which was (of course) red, but a little more toned-down in comparison to the 1998 Earnhardt Jr model. The Grand Prix coupe was dropped after 2003, so the Monte was now the only remaining coupe out of its surviving stablemates. Other than OnStar becoming standard on the LS model, there was virtually no change in 2005.

Seventh Generation (2006-2007)

2006 Monte Carlos received a restyle with new front and rear fascias, new headlights, taillights and engine choices, but bodyside moldings were eliminated. Chassis and interior dimensions, however, remained the same. Nameplates were now the block type, replacing the previous cursive style. Base models were still LS models, but 2 new mid-grade models were added, LT and LTZ models respectively. The SS, however, remained the Big Kahuna of the lineup. Engines were all new this year, starting with a 211 hp 3.5L (214 cid) V6, 242 hp 3.9L (240 cid) V6 (optional in the LT and standard in the LTZ), and for the first time since 1988, a V8 was standard in the SS, a 303 hp 5.3L (325 cid) V8. The SS features a distinct front-end appearance with a dual-split grille, black crosshatch grille material, unique rear spoiler, bright exhaust tips, and FE4 sport suspension. All models now had rear spoilers, the LS and some LTs had the previous flat-type, and some LTs (and all LTZs and SSs) had a new larger raised style, again reflecting the car's NASCAR heritage. All engines came standard with a 4-speed automatic transmission. In 2007, the LTZ and 3.9L V6 were inexplicably dropped as this year was the Monte Carlo's swan song. There were no other appreciable changes to the remaining LS, LT or SS Monte Carlo models.

There was no replacement for the Monte Carlo.

This car has been discontinued because there were not enough buyers due to the Chevrolet Impala being cheaper.

Main Competitors[]

Photos[]

Awards[]

  • 2003 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study 3rd winner (Prenium mid-size)

See Also[]

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CHEVROLET

General Motors Company


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SUVS: Blazer · Bolt EUV · Captiva · Equinox · Groove · Suburban · Tahoe · Tracker · Trailblazer (SUV) · Trailblazer (crossover) · Traverse · Trax/Seeker

Vans: Express · N300/Move · N400/Tornado Van · Orlando · Spin

Commercial Trucks: F-series · N-series/LCF · Silverado (4500HD-6500HD)

Future

Blazer EV · Equinox EV · Silverado EV

Historic

490 · Baby Grand · Classic Six · Little Four · Little Six · Series H · Styleline · 150 · 210 · Bel Air · Biscayne · Brookwood · Corvette · Delray · El Camino · Blazer · Camaro (1967 · 1982) · Chevelle · Chevy II/Nova · C/K · Corvair · Parkwood · Camaro · Impala · LUV · Monte Carlo · Monza · Vega · Astro · Beretta · Chevette · Celebrity · Citation · Corsica · S10 Blazer . Spectrum · Sprint · S-10 · Tracker · Cavalier · Lumina · Lumina APV · Monte Carlo · Orlando · Prizm · SSR · TrailBlazer · Uplander · Venture · Matiz/Spark · Titan · Bison · Bruin · Opala (Brazil) · Veraneio · Chevrolet Van · Omega · Aveo · HHR · Cobalt · Avalanche

Concept

Super Nova · Bel Air · Volt Concept · Biscayne · SS · Mako Shark · Mako Shark II · Manta Ray · S3X · M3X · T2X · Beat · Groove · Trax · Colorado Cruz Concept Truck · WTCC Ultra · Corvette Rondine Concept · Corvette Indy Concept · Corvette Nivola Concept · Corvair Sebring Spyder Concept · SR-2 Concept · XP-897GT Two-Rotor Concept · Borrego Concept · Corvair Coupe Speciale Concept · Prisma Y Concept · Journey Concept · Nomad Concept · Sting Ray III · Corvair Monza GT · XP-880 Astro II · Lumina Sizigi Concept · Corvair Monza SS · Sabia Concept · Corvair Monza GT · Highlander Concept · Tandem 2000 Concept · Traverse Concept · California Camaro Concept · XT-2 Concept · Romarro Concept · Triax Concept · Corvair Testudo Concept · Astro Vette Concept · XP-700 Concept · Corvette Geneve Concept · CERV I Concept · CERV II Concept · CERV III Concept · CERV IV Concept · Camaro Concept · XT-2 Concept · Orlando Concept · GPiX Crossover Coupe Concept · Camaro LS7 Concept · Camaro GS Racecar Concept · Camaro Black Concept · Camaro Dale Earnhardt Jr. Concept · Corvette Stingray Concept ("Sideswipe") · Silverado ZR2 Concept · Jay Leno Camaro Concept · Camaro Synergy Concept · Camaro Chroma Concept · Camaro Dusk Concept · Camaro Graphics Concept · Aveo RS Concept · Volt MPV5 Concept · Camaro SSX Track Car Concept · Corvette Z06X Track Car Concept · Corvette Jake Edition Concept · Volt Z-Spec Concept · Spark Z-Spec Concept · Cruze Z-Spec Concept · Sail EV Concept

Racing

Corvette C5-R · Corvette C6.R · Corvette C6.R GT2 · Corvette C7.R · Corvette C8.R


Vehicles · Category · LS Engine


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