2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Review
The Monte Carlo is a midsize coupe that first debuted in 1970. It originally ran until 1988, but was later revived in 1995 as a Lumina variant. The current Monte Carlo that debuted in 2000 is a coupe version of the Chevrolet Impala. The SS trim was also revived in 2000 with a 200-hp V6. The Monte Carlo received an exterior restyle for 2006. The Monte Carlo’s future is uncertain. 2008 will either mark a major redesign or the second demise of the Monte Carlo.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is an average American sedan with particular appeal to NASCAR fans. While the Monte Carlo makes for a great stock car, for everyday drivers, it’s thoroughly mediocre. Average reliability, average features, below-average safety, and somewhat above average performance.
What’s New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power gives the Monte Carlo 3.5 stars for overall mechanical quality, 2.5 stars for overall design quality, and 3.5 stars for overall performance and design. Problems with the current Monte Carlo include squealing brakes, coolant leaks, hard starting, vehicle noise, and flaky wipers. It’s been recalled five times so far. Expect average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Monte Carlo earned 5 stars in government frontal crash tests but only 3.5 stars in side tests. During the test, a dummy’s head hit the upper interior. IIHS ratings are not available. Anti-lock brakes and traction control are standard on the LT and SS models, but optional on the LS. Side airbags are optional.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Powerful engines
+ Spacious
+ Stock car heritage
Cons
– Lacking in safety features
– Cumbersome steering
– Bland interior
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Hyundai Sonata costs $3,000 less, but only has a four-cylinder engine and nearly 50 less hp. But it does come with standard ABS, stability control, and side airbags. The Toyota Camry Solara costs $1,000 less, but like the Sonata, has a weaker engine. Like the Monte Carlo, it lacks stability control, but it does have side airbags. The 2008 Nissan Altima has a smaller four-cylinder with 40 less hp, but it gets five more miles to the gallon and has standard front airbags.
What Others Are Saying:
“We worked the SS hard at the world famous Charlotte Motor Speedway , a 1.5-mile NASCAR track where the Monte more than proved its mettle. Full-throttle from a stop it hewed straight and true, lighting up the 18-inch Goodyears as stoutly as a ’70 SS 454 Monte Carlo . And it actually felt on its game banking the oval at 120-plus – impressive for a production car, front-drive, rear-drive, whatever.” – The Car Connection
“Surprisingly, you can’t get side air bags on either model, which seems like an inexcusable oversight on Chevrolet’s part. I had one other thought, too. If you think about the marketing tie-ins, with the Tasmanian Devil and NASCAR, the Monte Carlo seems to be aimed at a blue-collar audience. Isn’t it odd then that Chevrolet named it after a famous playground for the rich and famous?” – The Detroit News
“Ask a Chevrolet dealer what kind of message a $22,000 Monte Carlo coupe puts out. He’s likely to say that Monte Carlo buyers are ‘motor sports enthusiasts who want to show off and stand out from the crowd; Monte Carlo is the sport coupe that embodies legendary American performance. These motor sports fans are image conscious, responsibly self-indulgent and looking for an acceptable way to rebel.'” – Forbes
Read more about the 2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx at the Chevrolet manufacturer web site.
