1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34 3.4L

Summary:

High maintenance, low value!

Faults:

At 3900 miles, the air conditioner was serviced twice due to a clogged drain.

At 6900 miles, the passenger air bag module was replaced due to failure. It was replaced again at 7300 miles.

At 29000 miles, faulty jumper harness for anti-lock brake system was replaced.

At 30000 miles, ignition wire set was replaced due to failure.

At 59000 miles, the fuel pump was replaced due to failure.

At 63000 miles, the transmission begins periodic episodes involving an odd noise and hard shifting. The Chevy dealership cannot find a problem. The problem subsides when the car is shut down and allowed to "rest" for approximately 5 minutes.

At 79000 miles, the vapor canister is replaced due to failure. Also replaced right hand rear wheel speed sensor and both rear sensor harnesses due to failure.

At 83000 miles, number 3 cylinder goes down. Also replaced left front bearing assembly due to failure.

At 85000 miles, number 1 cylinder goes down.

At 87000 miles, it's time for a new alternator.

General Comments:

I put 105,000 miles on my Geo Metro and I never had nearly as many mechanical problems as with my Monte Carlo. I expected that such an expensive vehicle (more than 3 times the price of the Metro) would certainly be of comparable value. Boy was I wrong. I can't believe I have put up with this car for this long.

If you are not a mechanic with an in depth knowledge, do yourself a favor and stay away from this car. I will never buy a Chevrolet (or any GM) again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th June, 2002

20th Jun 2002, 15:23

You loose faith with Chevy and GM over this? If you knew any better you would've bought an older MORE RELIABLE Monte Carlo in the first place. I've got a classic Monte Carlo and it has never let me down.

21st Sep 2002, 09:59

I have a 1997 Monte Carlo Z34 and have had nothing but costly repairs. I replaced the alternator twice, fuel pump, fuel regulator, power steering pump, plugs and wires 3 times (which is very costly for this car), and the serpentine belt. The repairs are very costly due to the way the car is made. The alternator alone cost 535.00 (including labor) because the motor literally needs to be dismantled! Getting to the battery is time consuming because the windshield washing reservoir sits on top of the battery! I think the engineers were stoned when they designed the car! I always owned Chevy's, but will stay away from the Monte Carlos in the future!

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1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z-34

Summary:

This car is a near-luxury vehicle that can move in comfort and style

Faults:

Five years later this car looks and runs as if it were new.

Gas mileage is the only real fault in this car. It feels like I'm filling up constantly.

General Comments:

The cabin is very luxurious for what I paid for the car. Leather wrapped seats and steering wheels, and very nicely visible control panels and gauges.

215 horsepower let you get from point A to point B in good time. Acceleration comes best after 3000 rotations per minute.

Trunk and passenger space is bountiful. I can fit two big guitar cabinets in the trunk using the fold down rear seats for extra space.

The stock stereo is pretty good, which is an important factor for me.

The exterior is very nice. It is a very streamlined design that is sure to catch an eye or two, especially my red one. The four exhaust tips add to the sporty elegance. With "Z-34" on the rear people will know that your capable of some serious speed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd April, 2002