2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 3.8 supercharged
Summary:
This is seriously the best machine I've ever owned
Faults:
The security light started coming on at 145,000 miles. If I tried to start it, it wouldn't turn over. I would have to wait about 5 minutes with the key on then it would start. This eventually led to having the ignition replaced. Why? I still don't know. Never had another problem out of it, though.
My alternator went out at 160,000 miles. This caused all the electronics on it to go berserk until I got it home.
The passenger side window switch is going out on it, since just recently.
The passenger side heated seat has quit working on it just recently. Haven't had a chance to get it fixed yet.
General Comments:
This car's performance is certainly top of the line. It has a supercharger, and when you call on it, you got it. Very fast ride! I tend to push a car to its limit, but this one is nearly unlimited on power. Going uphill, I keep gaining speed. It gives all that I want and then some. Love it!
It is a SS, so all the powertrain and undercarriage is heavy duty compared to the average models.
It has traction control. Very good on wet and snowy roads. It handles like a charm on curves.
Considering that it's a 3800 V6 supercharged, I think the gas mileage is great. I get 26 mpg, no matter how I drive it.
It is fully loaded with all the extras. Having On Star and XM Satellite Radio is just a couple advantage points. Very nice options. Black on black, leather seats, heated leather.
Like I said earlier, it is the Dale Earnhart 'Intimidator' edition. This makes it super sharp. The headrests are imprinted with Dale silhouette and the #3. Below the speedometer has his signature. On the passenger side dash has 'Intimidator'. When you open the door, it has 'Intimidator' enscribed on the long black strip at the bottom. On the back of the car is also an 'Intimidator' emblem.
For the miles that's on it, it is a great car. I would definitely buy another Monte Carlo SS.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 18th May, 2010
28th Nov 2014, 20:20
For the security problem - your post-2000 Monte Carlo has GM's notorious Passlock anti-theft system; your experience is typical. The system relies on a magnetic sensor in the ignition housing reporting a resistance value to the brain, and that value changes as the key wears. The GM official response is to replace the ignition cylinder assembly and perform the relearn process, but my experience is that the relearn process works nearly 100% of the time by itself.