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2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Date Published: 7/31/08

2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
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MSRP:
$20,425 - 23,225

Invoice:
$18,689 - 21,251

Class:
Midsize Car
2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Expert Rating Summary
Category LS Rating (See All
Ratings)
Midsize Car Average Rating
Acceleration 5 5
Fuel Economy 5 5.3
Ride Quality 6 6.2
Steering/Handling/Braking 6 5.8
Quietness 6 5.4
Controls 6 6.3
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 6 5.7
Room/Comfort (rear) 3 4.3
Cargo Room 4 4.6
Value within Class 4 6
Total Score: 51 54.6
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO BUYING RESOURCES
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2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Review
A coupe based on Chevrolet's Impala sedan, Monte Carlo has front bucket seats for 5-passenger capacity. The LS model uses a 3.4-liter V6, the sporty SS a 3.8-liter V6; both come with automatic transmission only. SS has firmer suspension settings, a standard side airbag for the driver, and General Motors' OnStar assistance system; the last is optional on LS. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, and tire-inflation monitor are standard on both. Dual-zone climate controls and a rear-seat center shoulder belt are newly standard for 2002. To honor the late NASCAR driver, 3333 Monte Carlos equipped with the Dale Earnhardt Signature Edition option package were made available at midyear. Based on the SS, these cars include the High Sport option package and special exterior and interior trim.
Competition
Perennial Best Buys Honda Accord and Toyota Camry continue to shine with refinement, model diversity, and comfort. Both come in coupe and sedan forms, offer economic 4-cylinder or sporty V6 power, have room for four adults, and are reasonably priced.

Recommended models include the import-flavored Chevy Malibu, plain-Jane Ford Taurus, and the good-looking Pontiac Grand Prix. All come with V6 power, offer lots of standard equipment, and have pleasing road manners that will suit a variety of driving styles. The restyled and larger Nissan Altima is new to the Recommended list this year. We are impressed with interior room and road manners, but disappointed by the budget-level interior materials and assembly.
News
Monte Carlo follows its Impala sedan sister by getting its own moderate facelift for 2003, but no significant changes before being fully redesigned for 2005. Along with the next Impala, the Monte will migrate to GM's new "Mid Lux" or "W-body" platform, as will Pontiac's Grand Prix.

Though Monte Carlo was once one of America's most popular midsize cars, the current incarnation is not a huge success against the class leaders. And buyer interest may already be waning, as year-to-year sales were essentially flat for the first nine months of 2001.
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