Faults:

Speedometer broke at 61000 miles.

A/C controls had to be replaced at 83000 miles.

General Comments:

I have the 2005 LT with the 3.8 liter V6. The LT comes with the GM Performance Parts front and rear sway bars, as does the SS. The SS also received different shocks, and 17" rims, as well as an Eaton M90 supercharger, which bumped the horsepower numbers up from 210 to 250.

The 3.8 has some pretty good get up and go, but it is lacking through 2nd gear, and has considerable lag at 40 mph with the throttle wide open. The car is not built for running stoplight to stoplight, but is at home on the highway. It is easy to overtake cars on the highway, and the car feels perfectly stable, all the way up to its electronically limited top speed of 125 mph. The traction control system is overly aggressive, but can be disabled at the push of a button.

Handling is acceptable, though it will understeer, as is expected from a heavy front drive coupe, though it is still manageable, and fun on twisty roads.

The trunk is cavernous; it can easily fit 12 bags of groceries, or if you fold the rear seat down, a 26" men's bike.

The interior surfaces are below average in some places, but pretty acceptable all around. The steering wheel radio controls do wear quickly, but everything else seems solid, save the odd gap here and there, and the loose center console lid. The leather seats are amazingly comfortable, probably the best I've ever sat it.

The rear seat is large, and can fit full grown adults comfortably, and even has a center console that folds down from the center of the seat. Entry to the rear seat is a bit tricky, as there isn't much space to pass between the front seat and the B pillar.

All things considered, I really do like my Monte Carlo. It has fantastic looks, has plenty of after market support for performance enthusiasts, and most parts are interchangeable with the Chevrolet Impala.

Faults:

Stock radio quit working. This led to a total headache and finally ended with the removal of a unit form another of my vehicles and purchase of an EXPENSIVE integration harness. My car has neither the On-Star or Bose garbage, yet I had to purchase a 120 dollar harness with a box containing a speaker to retain the chime... What is that all about GM?? Use a scanner like everyone else, don't put diagnostic stuff in the radio!

Until I went to a fully synthetic oil, the lifters and valves would rattle and chatter like a convention of old ladies! The engine would surge moderately and couldn't hold a set speed with the cruise. The front tires are wearing faster than they should, and the stupid service guys at the stealership tell me that that is normal... WRONG!!! All they have to do is adjust the camber, but since this involves are major procedure, they just don't want to do it.

Also this car shocks the you know what out of me when it is cold. I have NEVER had a car that did this. Something about this car causes a heavy static shock when it is cold. I has literally knocked me to the ground, and I am a big guy!

General Comments:

Generally, this has been an OK car. Nothing spectacular, but nothing really horrible either, aside from the random electric shocks. Seats are comfortable, layout is good, and trunk space is great. The rear seats are similar in space to a third gen F-body, without the buckets.

The fuel economy has steadily decreased since I got it. It was around 28, now it is near 21. I don't know anything other than fuel quality that can cause severe of a drop in less than 15,000 miles.

It is harder to get into than a fourth gen F-body. I don't understand why, but it is. I have bashed by head more than a few times.

What we need is a modern version of the 1970 Chevelle. I don't like these bubble bodies. Nor do I like FWD or AWD. I will not be purchasing another FWD EVER AGAIN! I am currently awaiting the release of the new Camaro. We'll see if Chevy listened to the customers or not.