A reliable, low-cost, powerful piece of machinery
Underneath the armrest cracked. Absolutely nothing wrong mechanically.
This car is very fast, and handles great.
However I wish the suspension was a little stiffer to make the car tilt less and that chevrolet offered an optional rear wheel drive, V-8 model.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 16th February, 2004
Nice second car
So far there has been a lot of little things. The center console hinge broke; the driver side sun visor clip broke; the hazards switch broke; the dash is very cheesy.
My alternator went out at 33,000 miles.
Fortunately, I was aware of GM's cooling system problems and removed the Dex-cool immediately. Though in just 36,000 miles it still managed to eat through my intake manifold gasket costing me over $700 to replace.
It has randomly started up then shut off on me for no apparent reason.
I am disappointed in the gas mileage I've been getting. I drive to school everyday about 30 miles each way on interstates and I still only get about 20MPG.
Overall, it's nice to have a Monte Carlo. A lot of people seem to think it's a nice car and give a lot of complements.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd February, 2004
I don't know if its just me or not, but the gas gauge does float a lot. Thus looking like there is more or less in the tank. The absolute furthest distance I have gone on one tank of gas is 355 miles (3.8 Liter) Includes city and highway driving. Sure the needle said "E" and I kept going. Still made it to the gas station with 1/2 gallon to spare.
It is very common for the Monte Carlo 3.1L engines to have their intake manifolds crap out early. When you buy a Monte Carlo just expect that to happen.
I have not experienced any trouble with my manifold gasket yet, and I hope I don't. My gas gauge floats too, does anyone know why it does that, or know how to fix it? Its not a big problem it is just some thing I would like fixed. Thanks.
Reliable, safe, and powerful coupe
Alternator went out at 50,000 miles.
Tires and brakes were replaced at 60,000 miles.
Other than that, the car has been flawless.
I got my 1999 Chevy Monte Carlo Z34 as a replacement for my aging 1980 Monte Carlo in 2001. I purchased it used from a local dealership for $15,000 with 38k miles. This has been the better of the 2 cars I have owned, problem free for over 26,000 miles and loving it! The Monte has a 200Hp V6, which provides impressive power and speed for a coupe that's the size of your average family 4-door. It's a quick and agile car for its size.
Other people have touched on the safety aspect of the car, and I can attest to that. I was rear-ended by a Suburban which caused the whole rear end to crumple. I couldn't believe the damage was as bad is it was, because I could barely feel the full force of the impact from the drivers seat. I thought the car would have been totaled seeing as there was $3500 worth of damage, but the car was repaired and you couldn't even tell it was hit.
The car is comfortable, even for large people who have difficulty finding their "spot" in a smaller car. The stereo system is excellent. All of the controls are easily within reach and driving is a pleasure.
For all of you shade tree mechanics, the Monte Carlo offers ease of access, a decent after-market, and inexpensive repairs (brake rotors for all 4 corners are less than $150 total).
Overall I'm impressed with this car - the build quality and reliability is excellent. Aside from the alternator, the car keeps on ticking. As long as the fluids are changed regularly, I expect to hit at least 150k miles before I retire my car for another (Monte Carlo?) in the years to come.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 31st December, 2003
22nd Mar 2004, 02:41
I too experienced my upper and lower intake manifold gaskets as well as another gasket and the thermostat cracking and deteriorating at 46K miles. It cost me over $500 in repairs.
I have also experienced problems with the front brakes. I have had to replace the pads 3 times in 4 years, the rotors were machined 3 times and then finally replaced in 2004 with 46K miles on the car. At that time, the back brake shoes looked brand new, but also had to be replaced due to the wheel cylinders leaking and saturating the shoes. The mechanic was actually sad to have to replace shoes that were in like new condition aside from the saturation.
I would NOT recommend this vehicle, which is truly sad as I have always been a die hard Chevrolet fan.