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2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Review
Chevrolet's midsize sports coupe is redesigned for 2000, switching from the platform of the Lumina sedan to that of the larger new 2000 Impala. It loses two inches of body length but gains three inches in wheelbase for an extra inch of rear leg room. Other interior dimensions change fractionally. The 2000 Monte comes only with front bucket seats for 5-passenger capacity. Side airbags aren't offered.
The LS model has a 180-horsepower 3.4-liter V6, the sporty SS a 200-hp 3.8-liter V6. Both models come with automatic transmission, although the SS has a firmer suspension than the LS, plus standard alloy wheels. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard on both, as are power windows, tilt steering column, and tire-inflation monitor. Leather upholstery is optional.
Competition
The performance leader in this group is also our Best Buy. The Honda Prelude will hustle two large adults and their luggage in comfort and luxury to a weekend getaway. Prelude has plenty of power, excellent road manners, and gets reasonable fuel economy.
We also recommend you take a look at the Chrysler Sebring (which will be redesigned for 2001 in coupe, convertible, and sedan form) and the Volkswagen New Beetle. The Sebring offers the most room in this class, while the New Beetle has interesting styling and a nice mix of comfort, performance, and economy.
News
As the coupe sister of the Impala sedan, Monte Carlo will also get a moderate facelift for 2003, then a full redesign two years later. Both coupe and sedan should stay with front-wheel drive, even though some Monte fans would like to see a return to rear-wheel drive, as in the model's glory days of the 1970s.
2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (SS) Engine noise
Steering/handling (SS) Road noise
Instruments/controls Rear-seat entry/exit
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

LS SS Class Average
5 6 4.7

A responsive automatic transmission helps the base V6 provide adequate acceleration. The SS is no rocket, but its bigger V6 provides brisk takeoffs and ready power for passing.
Fuel Economy

LS SS Class Average
5 5 5.4

We've had no opportunity to measure fuel economy on a 2000; 1999 models averaged in the low 20-mpg range.
Ride Quality

LS SS Class Average
5 5 5

Both versions provide a comfortable ride; even the SS is compliant enough on bumpy city streets. They're also stable in freeway cruising.
Steering/Handling/Braking

LS SS Class Average
5 6 5

The LS version has modest handling abilities, but feels reasonably balanced and secure in corners. The SS shines on twisty roads, showing little body lean and terrific grip. Both Montes have firm, accurate steering.
Quietness

LS SS Class Average
6 6 5

Both engines in our test cars were loud and gruff in full-bore acceleration, and tire roar was prominent on coarse surfaces.
Controls

LS SS Class Average
6 6 6

Gauge groupings and graphics are excellent, controls fall easily to hand, and driver and front passenger have individual temperature controls.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LS SS Class Average
6 6 5.2

There's more interior space than in other sports coupes, which are built off smaller platforms. Two adults can stretch out in front, though head room gets tight with the optional sunroof.
Room/Comfort (rear)

LS SS Class Average
3 3 4.1

Rear leg room is adequate for average-size adults, and there's more space than in an Accord or Solara.
Cargo Room

LS SS Class Average
4 4 4.5

Monte's trunk is tall, wide, and deep with a convenient bumper-height liftover.
Value within Class

LS SS Class Average
4 4 5.3

Monte Carlo trounces coupes like the Dodge Avenger in size, comfort, and performance, and beats Accord and Solara on a features-per-dollar basis. It isn't as polished as the Japanese-brand rivals and won't hold its value as well, but this new Chevy has its own American-car character.
Total Score

LS SS Class Average
49 51 50.2
Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score
38
Average Score
50
High Score
65
2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/31/2000
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
LS 2-door coupe $19,390 $17,742 $600
SS 2-door coupe $21,935 $20,071 $600
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
LS
Powertrain
3.4-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, overhead console, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, rear defogger, variable intermittent wipers, power decklid release, automatic headlights, visor mirrors, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, tire inflation monitor, 225/60R16 tires, wheel covers.
SS adds to LS:
Powertrain
3.8-liter engine, traction control.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone manual climate control, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, remote keyless entry, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, rear spoiler, sport suspension, 225/60SR16 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Preferred Equipment Group 1
LS
$918
$817
Dual-zone manual climate control, cruise control, remote keyless entry, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo net, alloy wheels.
Preferred Equipment 1, SS
LS, SS
$736
$655
Heated power mirrors, 6-way power driver seat, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, Driver Information/Convenience Center (includes trip computer, compass, outside temperature indicator), theft-deterrent system w/alarm.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar System
LS, SS
$695
$
Includes Global Positioning System, roadside assistance, emergency services. Requires annual service charge. Price may vary.
Driver Information/Convenience Center
LS, SS
$275
$245
Trip computer, compass, outside temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, theft-deterrent system w/alarm. LS requires Preferred Equipment Group 1.
Dual-zone manual climate controls
LS
$100
$89
Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1.
AM/FM/CD player
LS, SS
$123
$109
Includes 6-speaker sound system, Radio Display System.
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
LS, SS
$223
$198
Includes Radio Display System and 6-speaker sound system.
Remote CD wiring harness
LS, SS
$80
$71
Includes 6-speaker sound system.
Steering wheel radio controls
LS
$171
$152
Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Cruise control
LS
$240
$214
Remote keyless entry
LS
$165
$147
Leather upholstery
LS, SS
$625
$556
Requires power driver seat.
Heated front seats
LS
$120
$107
Requires leather upholstery, power driver and passenger seats.
6-way power driver seat
LS, SS
$305
$271
6-way power passenger seat
LS, SS
$305
$271
Requires leather upholstery and power driver seat.
Power sunroof
LS, SS
$700
$623
LS requires Preferred Equipment Group 1.
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
LS
$121
$108
Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1.
Heated power mirrors
LS
$35
$31
Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine block heater
LS, SS
$20
$18
Alloy wheels
LS
$300
$267
2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Chevrolet Monte Carlo 2-door coupe
Wheelbase, in. 110.5
Overall Length, in. 197.9
Overall Width, in. 72.7
Overall Height, in. 55.2
Curb Weight, lbs. 3340
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 15.8
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 17.0
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 38.1
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.4
Rear Head Room, in. 36.5
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 35.8
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  ohv V6 ohv V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.4 /205 3.8 /231
Horsepower @ rpm. 180 @ 5200 200 @ 5200
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 205 @ 4000 225 @ 4000
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
4-speed automatic 20/32 19/29
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Chevrolet Monte Carlo 2-door coupe
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 6/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive
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