Sporty/performance car; Built in Canada
  • 2-door coupe
  • transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $2,600 – $8,200*


2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo LS


2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS


2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo interior


2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo LS


2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS

Pros:
  • Acceleration (SS)
  • Instruments/controls
  • Steering/handling (SS)
Cons:
  • Engine noise
  • Rear-seat entry/exit
  • Road noise

Roomier than other sports coupes, the Monte trounces models like the Avenger in size, comfort, and performance. New or used, it also beats an Accord or Solara in features for the price. Though less poised than Japanese-brand rivals, it has its own American character. Resale value has not been strong, which can be a bonus for used-car shoppers.

Overview

Totally redesigned for 2000, Chevrolet’s midsize sports coupe switched from the Lumina platform to that of the new, larger Impala sedan. Eye-catching styling stood out from any other domestic model, and even featured some design cues from the original Monte Carlos of the 1970s. Two inches shorter overall than the previous Monte, it was three inches longer in wheelbase, giving passengers an extra inch of leg room. A 180-horsepower 3.4-liter V6 went into the LS coupe, while the sporty SS got a 200-bhp 3.8-liter V6, along with firmer suspension settings and standard alloy wheels. Each engine drove a four-speed automatic transmission. Both versions had all-disc antilock braking, but side-impact airbags were not available. Front bucket seats made for five-passenger capacity. Leather upholstery and GM’s OnStar emergency/communications were optional for both the LS and SS. Standard equipment included air conditioning, power windows, a rear defroster, tilt steering column, and tire-inflation monitor. SS coupes added traction control, a rear spoiler, dual-zone climate control, remote keyless entry, and fog lamps.

Yearly Updates

2001 Monte Carlo
A side-impact airbag for the driver became standard on the SS coupe for 2001. Both versions now included traction control. OnStar became standard in the SS.
A new Sport Appearance package for the LS coupe included five-spoke aluminum wheels and a rear spoiler. For the LS, that optional group features lower body cladding, unique five-spoke wheels and rear spoiler, and bright exhaust tips. Also new was an emergency inside trunk release.
2002 Monte Carlo
Dual-zone climate controls and a rear-seat center shoulder belt were newly standard for 2002. To honor the late NASCAR driver, 3333 Monte Carlos equipped with the Dale Earnhardt Signature Edition option package were made available at midyear. Based on the SS, these cars included the High Sport option package and special exterior and interior trim.
2003 Monte Carlo
Additions for ’03 included standard remote keyless entry for the LS, and a newly optional XM satellite radio with 100-channel digital receiver. Added midyear was a specially trimmed Jeff Gordon Signature Edition of the SS.
2004 Monte Carlo
New for ’04 is a Supercharged SS trim level, with a 3.8-liter V6, firmer suspension, 17-inch wheels, and standard tire-inflation monitor.
2005 Monte Carlo
Standard OnStar assistance is the main 2005 change for the Monte Carlo.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

Two engines power Monte Carlos, essentially identical to those in the Impala. A 3.4-liter V6 in the LS coupe makes 180 horsepower, versus 200 horsepower for the 3.8-liter V6 in the SS coupe. Both engines work with a four-speed automatic transmission. The new-for-’04 Supercharged SS model gets a 240-hp 3.8-liter V6.

ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.4/205
Engine HP 180
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 205
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

20/32

21.0

ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.8/231
Engine HP 200
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 225
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

19/29

21.0

Supercharged ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.8/231
Engine HP 240
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 280
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

18/28

Road Test

Modest handling skills are the rule for the LS version of this relatively large coupe, but it feels reasonably balanced and secure in corners. The SS edition shines on twisty roads, showing minimal body lean and great grip. Stable during highway cruising, both offer firm, accurate steering and a comfortable ride. A responsive automatic transmission works with the base V6 to furnish adequate acceleration. Although the SS is no muscle car, its bigger V6 provides brisk takeoffs and ready power for freeway merging and backroad passing. Both engines are loud and gruff in hard acceleration, and tire roar is prominent on coarse surfaces. Even the firm SS suspension is compliant enough on bumpy urban streets. Brakes feel strong and have good pedal modulation, but hard stops induce excessive nosedive. Midsize dimensions give the Monte a big advantage in interior space, compared to most coupes on the market. Two adults can stretch out in front, and rear leg room is adequate for average-size adults. Head room gets tight with an optional sunroof, but there’s far more clearance than in, say, a Mercury Cougar or Dodge Stratus. The cabin feels roomier than an Accord or Solara. The trunk is tall, wide, and deep, with convenient bumper-height liftover. The driver gets a comfortable bucket seat with plenty of lateral bolstering, but thick rear roof pillars impede over-the-shoulder vision. Gauge groupings and graphics are excellent, controls handy, and front occupants have individual temperature controls.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6
60%
Fuel Economy - 5
50%
Ride Quality - 5
50%
Steering/Handling - 6
60%
Quietness - 6
60%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Rear - 3
30%
Cargo Room - 4
40%

Other

Value - 4
40%

Total: 51

Specifications

2-door coupe
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
110.5 197.9 72.7 55.2
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
15.8 17.0 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
38.1 36.5 42.4 35.8
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2000 Monte Carlo 2-door coupe

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 3
60%
Rear Passenger Injury - 4
80%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision 76
Injury 85
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Brakes
Description: The rear brakes make squealing or moaning noises. Countermeasure brake pads are available. (2000-01)
Coolant leak
Description: The 3.8-liter V6 may leak coolant into the engine from the intake manifold. A new gasket kit, revised throttle body nuts, and sealing compound is available. Redesigned manifolds are also available in the aftermarket. (2000-04)
Coolant leak
Description: Coolant loss via plastic intake manifold is corrected by installing upgraded manifold and gaskets plus new PCV kit. (2000-04)
Hard starting
Description: Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1999-2000)
Hard starting
Description: Chafed wiring harness near the A/C accumulator can cause check-engine light, no-start, ABS warning light, stalling, or poor drivability. (2000-02)
Vehicle noise
Description: Fuel makes banging and sloshing noises in the tank when less than half full. (2000)
Vehicle noise
Description: Banging, clunking, or popping noises from the front under acceleration or braking require shims between the engine cradle and frame. (2000)
Wipers
Description: The wipers may not stop in the correct position due to a problem with the wiper motor bracket. (2002)

Recall History

2000 w/TRW seatbelt-buckle assemblies
Description: Seatbelt-buckle assemblies fail to conform to federal requirements because buckle base was not properly heat treated.
2001
Description: On certain cars, airbag sensing and diagnostic modules could experience a memory error, and airbags might not deploy during a crash.
2002
Description: Airbag inflator could fracture, possibly injuring passengers.
2003
Description: Owner’s manual doesn’t adequately explain child-restraint anchorage system. Dealers will send vehicle owners a supplement to their manual.
2004
Description: Both front brake caliper-to-steering knuckle attachment bolts may be inadequately tightened; if a bolt backs out or fractures, this can result in locking of the wheel during braking, abrupt steering input, reduced braking or steering control, noise, severing of brake hose, or increased brake-pedal travel.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

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