The car is beautiful. It was purchased brand new in 2002. The styling is what ultimately made me buy it. I had a used 2000 previously but it had problems with electrical. The performance was fine but gas mileage wasn't the best, although it has improved with age. There have been a few issues that required service but most were during warranty period. I don't like the design of where the rust begins at the wheel wells. I also don't like the way the snow and ice fall into the trunk when opened. There seems to be some paint issues on the drivers door which I have seen on other Monte's of similar years. A common problem that I have also noticed is the wheel bearings require replacement often. The traction control system also has some issues at times where the lights will go on for no apparent reason. The CD player didn't last very long, I think it worked property for maybe the first 5 years or so.

The seats remain in high quality condition after all this time, as well as the functioning of the radio. One of the seat warmers has broken. Some of the buttons have been worn away so they are becoming more difficult to read. The car remains safe to drive, which is great because I have driven over 120,000 miles. I have owned it for three years and it drove smoothly until a month ago when I discovered I had to replace the tires and power-steering fluids. The gas mileage is average, not expensive. The car rides low and it is built very long. Also, it doesn't turn on a dime so I often do a 3 or 4 point turn in order to park. I enjoy the large trunk space because I am often traveling with tools and supplies. The car is relatively reliable, which is why it has lasted the last three years. This was my first car so it was able to safely transport me from one place to another. However, I had to completely replace the exhaust system within the first year. The air conditioning stopped working in the first year also. I bought the car at 90,000 miles.

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo provides that good balance between being a consumer car and a sports car. It has a sleek appearance and is extremely fun to drive without the issues that plague sports cars, such as Chevy's own Camaro. This is a vehicle that you can own, be proud of and not break your bank either on payments, or at the gas station. Perhaps the most surprising aspect is its quality gas mileage, which can top 30 miles per gallon on the highway if the engine is serviced and the oil has been changed. Its V6 engine runs nice and smooth and quiet while idling, but can really crank up and put you back in the seat with its good acceleration. It's open enough for people in the front seats, but might be a little cramped for anyone riding in the back. But this is to be expected with just about any two door vehicle. The trunk provides ample space and isn't burdened by a spare tire because it's held in a small compartment under the floor of the trunk. This is a great vehicle that anyone should love to drive, but it's not without one fault and that's the feeling of the road. The vehicle does sound load when driving on the highway and it can some times get a little rough going over some less maintained roads.