2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
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2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo ▼

  • Price Range:  $8,700 - $17,000
CG Rating

51

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Steering/handling (SS)
  • Acceleration (SS)

Cons

  • Rear-seat comfort
  • Fuel economy (SS)

Vehicle Highlights

Chevrolet updated its midsize Monte Carlo coupe (and related Impala sedan) for 2006 with new engines, reworked suspensions, and revised exterior styling. Both the front-wheel-drive Monte Carlo and the Impala were offered in LS, LT 3.5, LT 3.9, LTZ, and sporty SS trim. Monte Carlo LS and LT 3.5 models came with a 211-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 (up 30 hp from 2005's base engine). LT 3.9 and LTZ models held a 242-horsepower 3.9-liter V6. The SS coupe got a 303-horsepower V8 with GM's Displacement on Demand, which deactivated four cylinders under light throttle conditions to save fuel. Supercharged models were no longer offered. All Monte Carlos came with a four-speed automatic transmission. SS models had a sport suspension and 18-inch tires; others rode on 16- or 17-inch rubber, depending on model. Impalas could be fitted with a front bench seat, but all Monte Carlos came only with buckets. Head-protecting curtain side airbags were standard in Impalas, but not available for Monte Carlos. Front torso side airbags were optional, however. Antilock braking, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitor were available. GM's OnStar Assistance was standard. Available options included a remote starter that turned the engine on via the keyfob, leather upholstery, and satellite radio. Monte Carlos competed against such midsize coupes as the Toyota Solara and Honda Accord.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Rating
Performance 8
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 7
Quietness 5
Controls/Materials 4
Interior Room 6
Room/Comfort (rear) 3
Cargo Capacity 4
Value within Class 5
Total Score: 51
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

Year to Year Changes


2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo: Little changed for 2007, except that the 3.9-liter V6 engine was no longer available and the LTZ trim level disappeared. A tire-pressure monitor became standard, and the SS coupe could get a new Rally Stripe package.

Our road test for the 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

In most respects, performance of the Monte Carlo is similar to that of an Impala with the same powertrain. Regardless of engine, Monte Carlos are peppy from a stop. The 3.5- and 3.9-liter V6s provide similar acceleration in around-town driving, but the 3.9 delivers better passing response in the 35-55 mph range. Chevrolet's V8 furnishes ample power at any speed. Ethanol-blended fuel, called E85, is increasingly available and can be less expensive than regular-grade gasoline, but mileage is reduced. E85 can be used in the 3.5-liter model. A test SS coupe averaged 17.2 mpg with abundant city driving, which is reasonably close to the EPA estimate. Chevrolet recommends regular-grade fuel for V6s, premium for V8s. Monte Carlo's 17-inch tires temper much of the unwanted motion, avoiding the float and wallow that plague Impalas with 16-inch tires. Little comfort penalty must be paid with the SS coupe, despite its sport suspension and 18-inch tires, though larger bumps are felt more readily in a Monte Carlo than an Impala. Expect stable handling, with well-balanced steering. The SS coupe has the sportiest moves, but no Monte Carlo feels truly agile. Stopping power is good, but Chevrolet should have made ABS standard on all models including the LS. Wind rush and tire roar both intrude somewhat-more than in Impala. In rapid acceleration, V6 engines emit a prominent growl. Subdued while cruising, V8s produce a "muscle car" rumble under throttle. As in Impalas, gauges are clearly marked and easy to read. Large radio/climate controls have easy-grip rubberized surfaces and operate smoothly. However, Monte Carlo climate controls are mounted too low for easy use, requiring a protracted look away from the road to adjust. Cabin materials are serviceable, but these models trail most like-priced imports for quality feel. Comfortable front seats offer adequate head and legroom. Decent visibility is compromised more than in Impala by thick rear pillars, sharply angled back window, and smallish outside rearview mirrors. Rear space is generous for a sporty coupe, but passengers taller than 5-foot-10 will want more headroom. A high step over the low seat complicates entry/exit into the rear, but wide doors help ease entry into the front of a Monte Carlo. Though average in size for a midsize car in general, the Monte Carlo's trunk is generous for a coupe. Cabin storage is adequate but no more.
Value for the Money
Monte Carlo is a throwback to the era of the midsize domestic coupe, trading passenger space and cargo room for a sporty profile. Strong performance and sharper moves in an SS coupe might be appealing, but plenty of sporty cars on the market make more sensible choices.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Rating
Performance 8
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 7
Quietness 5
Controls/Materials 4
Interior Room 6
Room/Comfort (rear) 3
Cargo Capacity 4
Value within Class 5
Total Score: 51

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Chevrolet Monte Carlo includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Chevrolet Monte Carlo .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: The air conditioner may not change modes when requested requiring reprogramming of the HVAC module. (2006)

Automatic transmission: A shudder or lack of power in second gear could be caused by a malfunctioning piston in the model 4T65E automatic transmission. (2006)

Automatic transmission: Over time, the wires going to the torque converter clutch can chafe on their clip and short causing rough or late shifts. (2006)

Brakes: A campaign was conducted to reprogram the electronic brake control module on cars with ABS and fitted with 17 in. or 18 in. wheels. (2006)

Horn: The horn fails from water getting inside and the replacement horn should have a splash shield. (2006)

Keyless entry: The remote keyless entry system may not work or may work poorly and/or the tire pressure warning may come on due to a malfunction of the receiver and antenna. (2006-07)

Seat: The cloth seat covers may appear to be worn thin because the napped material crushes down. (2006)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $820
Alternator $590
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $6,010
Brakes $850
Constant Velocity Joints $1,700
Exhaust System $780
Radiator $700
Shocks and/or Struts $3,890
Timing Chain or Belt $2,350
Our price chart for this generation Chevrolet Monte Carlo details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2007
Monte Carlo LS, LT $11,500-13,000 $10,400-11,700 $6,300-7,200
Monte Carlo SS $17,300-18,500 $15,900-17,000 $11,100-11,800
2006
Monte Carlo LS, LT $9,700-11,200 $8,700-10,100 $5,000-5,800
Monte Carlo LTZ $11,700-12,700 $10,500-11,400 $6,400-7,000
Monte Carlo SS $15,000-16,300 $13,700-14,800 $9,500-10,300
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Chevrolet Monte Carlo include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 2-door coupe
Wheelbase, in. 110.5
Overall Length, in. 196.7
Overall Width, in. 72.9
Overall Height, in. 55.8
Curb Weight, lbs. 3354
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 15.8
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 17.5
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.

Powertrain Options and Availability

For 2006, Chevrolet gave Monte Carlos the same engine choices as the Impala sedan. Two V6 engines and a V8 were available, each driving a four-speed automatic transmission. LS and LT 3.5 models used a 211-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. The LT 3.9 and LTZ contained a 242-horsepower 3.9-liter V6 (later rated at 233 hp). SS models unleashed a 303-horsepower, 5.3-liter V8 with GM's Displacement on Demand, which deactivated four cylinders under light throttle conditions to save fuel. Chevrolet dropped the 3.9-liter V6 and the LTZ trim level after 2006.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
ohv V6 3.5 / 213 211 214 4-speed automatic: 21/31 4-speed automatic: --
ohv V6 3.9 / 237 242 242 4-speed automatic: 19/27 4-speed automatic: --
ohv V8 5.3 / 325 303 323 4-speed automatic: 18/28 4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  Canada
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Chevrolet Monte Carlo include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test 2006 Monte Carlo
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 4

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%.


No Recall History is available at this time.


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