1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z-34 review from North America

Power steering pump replaced at 20000 miles.

Front rotors rusted out at 27000 miles.

Brake pads along with rotors replaced at 27000 miles.

Serpentine belt replaced at 30000 miles.

Wheel speed sensors malfunctioned at 34000 miles.

Serpentine belt replaced at 35000 miles.

Cooling fan failed at 44000 miles.

I bought my Monte Z-34 as a "demo" car with around 7000 miles. I was expecting a luxury coupe with good performance. In the 2.5 years I owned the car I can say it was a mixed bag. It seemed parts wore out too quickly. The steering was too heavy from day one. I later found out there was a service bulletin on the PS pump which I had replaced under warranty. This improved the steering a bit, but never worked right. I think it is just a poor design. Many times I still see a Lumina/Monte or Grand Prix and can hear the moaning noises from the steering from far away. The front rotors rusted out before 30000 miles which had to be replaced along with the pads. The car is comfortable on long trips. Highway gas mileage is impressive for a car with an engine of this type, although stop and go driving it tends to drop quite a bit. The ride is far too stiff for a car of this type/size. I could feel every bump on the road. I can't think of anything negative to say about the 3800 GM engine except to say I wish the serpentine belt would last longer. It started making squeaking noises too soon. It looks like this is a common problem on many GM cars. I had it replaced twice (three counting the original). The air conditioning works good except in stop and go driving, where it gets mediocre. One day when I was at the bank drive-thru with the AC running, smoke started coming out of the vents and felt a wave of humidity. The wind shield got all fogged up. When I got home I found out the plastic cooling fan had melted off center. I looked around the local dealers and it was $200. I found one at a local junkyard for $75, replaced it myself and sold the car a week later.