Summary:
Love it and will keep it!
Faults:
I've given this car regular fluid changes and regular maintenance for five years and have never had a major mechanical problem.
Have had to remove and regrease the intermediate steering shaft (ISS) 3 times in 65,000 miles. About a half hour job, no biggee. The ISS makes a clunking/popping noise when the lubricant in it dries up every 15 to 20 thousand miles. It is not a safety issue. You can feel the clunk through the steering column turning corners or going over bumps at low speed. It sounds terrible and I'm sure many owners spend unnecessary money on front end work. It's a 12 dollar fix. You can get a lube kit from your dealer.
General Comments:
I always wanted a Monte Carlo.
I think it is a sharp looking car. It doesn't roast tires, but has plenty of power for me.
Mine is fully loaded. It is roomy enough that I can stretch my legs all the way out in the drivers seat, and I'm 6ft2 inches. Leather seats with heat are very nice.
It is still looks brand new.
Never has let me down!
I've been hit twice by other cars. A Honda Civic met it's end (had to be towed away with broken trans-axle) on my rear bumper, which under the skin are enormous and strong. My rear bumper cover had to be sanded and painted, that's all!
A pickup backed into my front end at 20mph but my car took it, just hood and front end damage. (fixed now) I feel safe in my Monte!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 22nd April, 2008
