2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo LS review from North America

Problem 1: Brake rotors needed to be turned a week after I purchased the car due to shuttering when the brakes were applied.

Problem 2: A clunking noise could be heard and felt making slow speed left turns. Mid steering shaft needed to be replaced at 27,500.

Problem 3: Clicking sound coming from under the car. Engine cradle had to be replaced at 28,500.

Problem 4: A lot of noise in the transmission when accelerating slowly in wet conditions. Told this was normal by dealership. This problem still occurs.

Problem 5: Tie rod end had to be replaced at 37,000. This cost approximately $250 including labor and parts.

Problem 6: Brake rotors again needed to be turned at 37,000 due to excessive shuttering during braking. This cost approx. $60.

Problem 7: Clicking sound returned from under the car at 45,000. Assuming it is engine cradle again.

Problem 8: Given up on fixing brake rotors at 45,000. Will have to live with the shuttering until I can find quality ones from an after-market dealer.

Problem 9: Random non-starts since 30,000; turning the ignition and the car's starter just spinning, but never starting the engine. This problem is progressively getting worse.

Problem 10: Car has developed a habit of "shifting" around in the road at 55,000 during hard acceleration. The cause of this problem is unknown.

Problem 11: "Low Tire Pressure" light comes on at will and has done so since 35,000. Given up on determining the cause.

Problem 12: Left, rear speaker developed a random rattle at 30,000. Dealer could never find the problem and did not replace the speaker, but was told I could have a new speaker installed for $120 to stop the problem. Now it rattles constantly at anything over mid-volume.

Problem 13: Suspension has gotten progressively worse in the past year. Since approx. 36,000, the car has gone from riding like a large car to a small one.

Due to my state's law, I could not "Lemon" this car or it would have been gone long ago. I was told by the dealer that they would do nothing other than trade-in my car at a substantial loss and sell a new car to me. This new car would not have been my choice, but their's since they only dealt in Dodge products.

All of the miles since 24,680 have been highway miles other than the occasional trip to the store. These problems, especially the brakes, should not be occurring on a car that rarely sees city, "stop and go" traffic.

All of the problems listed are real. I was a full supporter of anything made in the US before I purchased this car. Now, I am looking for a foreign car.

Problems abound in this car. If you plan on doing a lot of the repairs yourself, then you may be able to save a lot of money by buying a used one. If you buy new, be sure to trade it in at 36,000 but be warned, the trade-in value of these cars is next to nothing.