Faults:

Spark plug wires replaced under warranty.

Alternator replaced by dealer. Unusually expensive.

Brake lines rusted out.

Rear suspension control arms rusted out.

Remote trunk opener no longer works.

Rear defroster no longer works.

Although the car drives properly with no current drivability issues, the MIL light periodically comes on for several months, turns off to come on again after several hundred miles. Code P0410. Because it runs without drivability issues, nothing has been done to fix and 'turn off' the MIL light.

General Comments:

Comfortable.

Good fuel mileage (25 in town, 32 highway).

Runs well on regular grade gas, no need for high test.

Handles well.

Brakes well.

A nice ride.

But as others have noted, repairs seem relatively expensive.

Faults:

Constantly replaced vacuum lines.

Catalytic converter clogged.

Fuel pump going.

General Comments:

I had got this car in 2007 for my 16th birthday, I was so happy because it was the exact car I wanted. The engine was powerful, but sucked gas back like crazy.

Unfortunately I owned this car only 3 months and less than 2000kms; it broke vacuum lines on 4 different occasions in 1 month, and then a clogged cat/dying fuel pump in the last month of ownership. Instead of fixing it, I traded it in at a dealership for $3500 credit on another car.

Overall I don't recommend these cars with the 3.4L V6; they're powerful (215HP/205LBS-Torque), but it's just not reliable enough to warrant a purchase.

If you really want a 90's Monte Carlo, go with the 98+; they use the 3800 Series II engine, which is much better.

Faults:

Alternator at 130k, brake at 180k, console hinge 1999, factory tires went to 130k, fuel pump at 200k, bit of rust forming behind rear wheel at body seam, clearcoat on front bumper starting to peel.

Haven't replaced that cam belt due to the high cost an no apparent need. Replaced plugs myself at 150k.

When new the car idled to low and stopped once in a while at lights, finally harassed dealer into checking the tech bulletins and found a simple chip upgrade solves that problem. Also harassed them into diagnosing and fixing the clatter in the engine, another factor defect in the timing belt tightener.

If GM would simply get on top of these few design defects they wouldn't be bankrupt and loyal Chevy drivers like me would do a lot less cursing.

General Comments:

Has power and handling beyond anything I need for regular driving. Could use more bottom end torque since power really cuts in around 4000rpm.

Bought it new in 96 and have commuted from suburbs in Calgary through summers and winters for 13 years and 220,000km.

Commuted 300km weekly to Edmonton though-out 2002 including worst snowfall/storms on record. Watched a Z71 puck-up spin out of control on new snow while my Monte went straight line at 70mph often spinning those factory issue M+S tires. Got 30mpg at 75mph most of that year.

Faults:

O2 sensor at 224000 miles.

Fuel pump at 221000 miles.

Water pump at 221000 miles.

Worn seats.

General Comments:

Love it. I've replaced parts as needed since I got it. It's pricey but cheaper than the Ford. Still gotta change the wires but it still hauls. These cars are NON-INTERFERENCE engines. They do not fry the valves when the timing breaks.

I'm sure it could happen, but if you're hitting 6000 rpm and stuff breaks, well, you're gonna harm other things.

Faults:

Bleeding out from the #6 cylinder head since 121000 miles. Still has lots of power, just bleeds oil. Normal wear on interior. Trying to preserve by doing a 3800 series swap.

General Comments:

Nice car overall, always wanted one since they came out in 1995.