2000-2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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2000-2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo ▼
- Price Range: $3,200 - $12,600
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Pros
- Instruments/controls
- Acceleration (SS)
- Steering/handling (SS)
Cons
- Engine noise
- Road noise
- Rear-seat entry/exit
Vehicle Highlights
Totally redesigned for 2000, Chevrolet's midsize sports coupe switched from the Lumina platform to that of the new, larger Impala sedan. Eye-catching styling stood out from any other domestic model, and even featured some design cues from the original Monte Carlos of the 1970s. Two inches shorter overall than the previous Monte, it was three inches longer in wheelbase, giving passengers an extra inch of leg room. A 180-horsepower 3.4-liter V6 went into the LS coupe, while the sporty SS got a 200-bhp 3.8-liter V6, along with firmer suspension settings and standard alloy wheels. Each engine drove a four-speed automatic transmission. Both versions had all-disc antilock braking, but side-impact airbags were not available. Front bucket seats made for five-passenger capacity. Leather upholstery and GM's OnStar emergency/communications were optional for both the LS and SS. Standard equipment included air conditioning, power windows, a rear defroster, tilt steering column, and tire-inflation monitor. SS coupes added traction control, a rear spoiler, dual-zone climate control, remote keyless entry, and fog lamps.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 51 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 2000-2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2000-2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2000-2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Roomier than other sports coupes, the Monte trounces models like the Avenger in size, comfort, and performance. New or used, it also beats an Accord or Solara in features for the price. Though less poised than Japanese-brand rivals, it has its own American character. Resale value has not been strong, which can be a bonus for used-car shoppers.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 51 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $525 |
| Alternator | $275 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $895 |
| Brakes | $485 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $750 |
| Exhaust System | $565 |
| Radiator | $450 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $975 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $325 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2005 | |||
| Monte Carlo LS, LT | $8,500-10,300 | $7,700-9,300 | $4,400-5,400 |
| Monte Carlo SS | $12,500-14,000 | $11,300-12,600 | $7,100-8,000 |
| 2004 | |||
| Monte Carlo LS | $7,300-8,300 | $6,600-7,500 | $3,600-4,100 |
| Monte Carlo SS | $10,000-11,800 | $9,000-10,600 | $5,200-6,100 |
| 2003 | |||
| Monte Carlo LS | $6,200-7,000 | $5,400-6,100 | $2,700-3,000 |
| Monte Carlo SS | $8,700-9,600 | $7,800-8,600 | $4,500-5,000 |
| 2002 | |||
| Monte Carlo LS | $5,200-6,000 | $4,400-5,100 | $2,100-2,400 |
| Monte Carlo SS | $7,200-8,000 | $6,400-7,100 | $3,500-3,900 |
| 2001 | |||
| Monte Carlo LS | $4,500-5,300 | $3,700-4,400 | $1,600-1,900 |
| Monte Carlo SS | $6,300-7,200 | $5,500-6,300 | $2,800-3,200 |
| 2000 | |||
| Monte Carlo LS | $3,900-4,600 | $3,200-3,800 | $1,200-1,400 |
| Monte Carlo SS | $5,500-6,200 | $4,700-5,300 | $2,300-2,500 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 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 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| Supercharged ohv V6 | 3.8 / 231 | 240 | 280 | 4-speed automatic: 18/28 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V6 | 3.4 / 205 | 180 | 205 | 4-speed automatic: 20/32 | 4-speed automatic: 21 |
| ohv V6 | 3.8 / 231 | 200 | 225 | 4-speed automatic: 19/29 | 4-speed automatic: 21 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2000 Monte Carlo |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
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%. Sideimpact 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%.








