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2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Full Review
Date Published: 6/26/08
2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Review
Chevrolet's midsize coupe shares its basic underskin design with the Impala sedan. Monte Carlo comes in LS, LT, and sporty SS trim. LS and LT have a 211-hp V6 engine. SS has a 303-hp V8 with GM's Active Fuel Management that deactivates four cylinders while cruising to save fuel. The 233-hp V6 LTZ model is discontinued. All Monte Carlos have a 4-speed automatic transmission. Front side airbags are standard. Curtain side airbags are unavailable. Leather upholstery with heated front seats are standard on SS, available on LT. OnStar assistance is standard.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mercury Milan, and Saturn Aura.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Saturn Aura.
News
Monte Carlo is a goner after 2008, say our sources. Slow sales are the main reason. But another factor is the announced return of a Camaro coupe and convertible on General Motors' new rear-wheel-drive Zeta platform. Expected to start sale in early 2009, Chevy's reborn "ponycars" should look much like the recent crowd-wowing concepts. Like previous Camaros, the new ones will seat four and offer both V6 and V8 power. Independent rear suspension is planned to trump the solid axle of archrival Ford Mustang.
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2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (SS) Rear-seat entry/exit
Steering/handling Controls/materials
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

SS Class Average
8 5.9

SS version only Monte Carlo made available for test so far. It has ample power at any speed. Similar test Impalas with 211-hp V6 less strong but still more than adequate in around-town driving.

Ethanol-blended fuel, called E85, is available in many states and can be less expensive than regular-grade gasoline. E85 can be used in 211-hp Monte Carlos. Test Impalas showed no difference in acceleration using E85.
Fuel Economy

SS Class Average
4 5.1

Test SS averaged 17.2 mpg in mostly city driving. V6 Monte Carlos use regular-grade fuel. Chevy recommends premium for V8s.
Ride Quality

SS Class Average
5 6.1

Surprisingly compliant given SS models' sport suspension and 18-inch tires. Large bumps felt but Monte Carlo is never harsh.
Steering/Handling/Braking

SS Class Average
7 6.2

SS has sporty moves with well-balanced steering, though it never really feels agile. Good stopping control.
Quietness

SS Class Average
5 6.2

Wind rush and tire roar both intrude. V8 subdued at cruise, has muscle car rumble under throttle.
Controls

SS Class Average
4 6.7

Gauges clearly marked, easy to read. Large, clearly marked radio/climate controls have easy-grip rubberized surfaces, operate smoothly, though climate controls mounted too low for easy use. Monte Carlo trails most like-priced imports for quality feel. Hard plastic expanses dominate cabin, have budget look and feel.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SS Class Average
6 6.8

Head, leg room adequate. Good seat comfort with easy entry/exit. Decent visibility compromised slightly by thick rear pillars.
Room/Comfort (rear)

SS Class Average
3 5.1

Generous space for a sporty coupe, though passengers over 5-ft-10 will want more head room. High step over, low sat complicate entry/exit.
Cargo Room

SS Class Average
4 4.8

Generous trunk space for a coupe, just average for a midsize car. Standard 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks increase versatility. Adequate cbin storage.
Value within Class

SS Class Average
5 6.3

Monte Carlo is a throwback to the era of the midsize domestic coupe, trading passenger space and cargo room for a sporty profile. It's affordable, has competent road manners, and the SS accelerates and sounds like a muscle car. But this midsize car feels dated compared to class pacesetters such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Solara.
Total Score

SS Class Average
51 59.2
Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score
47
Average Score
59
High Score
69
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2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/13/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
LS 2-door coupe $21,015 $19,859 $685
LT 2-door coupe $22,625 $21,381 $685
SS 2-door coupe $27,740 $26,214 $685
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
Flex-fuel 3.5-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital-media connection, digital clock, tachometer, visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, rear defogger, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear spoiler, 225/60R16 tires, wheel covers.
LT adds to LS:
Powertrain
Traction control.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone manual climate controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, remote engine start, compass, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
225/55R17 tires, alloy wheels.
SS adds to LT:
Powertrain
5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, satellite radio.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, Performance Suspension, 235/50WR18 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Convenience Pkg.
SS
$240
$199
Heated power mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener.
Safety
Front side airbags
LS, LT, SS
$350
$290
Antilock brakes
LS
$600
$498
Includes traction control.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
LT, SS
$900
$747
Requires universal garage-door opener.
Leather upholstery
LT
$795
$660
Includes heated front seats.
Cloth upholstery
SS (credit)
$-795
$-659
Deletes heated front seats.
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
LT, SS
$295
$245
Upgraded sound system
LT, SS
$250
$208
Satellite radio
LT
$199
$165
Universal garage door opener
LT, SS
$100
$83
Remote engine start prep
LS
$30
$28
Floormnats
LS
$80
$66
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
LS, LT, SS
$50
$42
Special paint
LT, SS
$295
$245
Bodyside stripes
SS
$395
$328
Polished alloy wheels
SS
$350
$291
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2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Chevrolet Monte Carlo 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.
Engines
  ohv V6 ohv V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.5 /213 5.3 /325
Horsepower @ rpm. 211 @ 5800 303 @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 214 @ 4000 323 @ 4400
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
4-speed automatic 21/31 18/27
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
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5
Rollover Resistance 4
Side Impact, Driver 3
Side Impact, Rear 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%. 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 5/100,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 6/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 5/100,000 --
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: Canada
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive
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