1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34 3.4 liter from North America

Summary:

Very big disappointment

Faults:

Transmission replaced by the dealer at 15,000 miles.

Transmission needed total rebuild at 29,000 miles.

Alternator replaced at 30,000 miles.

Transmission needed total rebuild at 32,000 miles.

General Comments:

I love this car for it's sportiness, but don't know why I have put up with it this long. It has truly been a disappointment considering the price paid for it.

Definitely has a mechanical defect, making it blow transmissions.

Looks great, but runs terrible.

It handles exceptionally well when it's running.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th April, 2003

13th Jul 2004, 21:58

Hey I have One still it has 200,000 miles on it and the only thing I had to replace on it was the transmission at 192,000 miles it is a great car you must abuse your.

14th Dec 2005, 13:30

This car is great! It runs great and it looks really sporty, and its fast too! Chicks dig it! I have raced and beaten Mustangs, and many other cars! The car sounds great and looks cool with the dual exhaust! The interior is very comfortable and roomy! Everyone always tells me how much they like my car. I have just over 120,000 miles, and have had no major problems with it. I have replaced the spark plugs, and wires. Other than that the car has been great!

1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z 34 3.4 V6 from North America

Summary:

When they are stock, they are junk

Faults:

I have had all of the same problems as everyone else. The windows don't work right, the console lid is broke, the ash tray lid is broke, the alternator has gone out, the brakes have been changed, the gas mileage sucks, and it idles rough, too. The mass air flow sensor has been replaced twice, the catalytic converter blew out, the sunroof has jumped track, and, at times, the electric fan won't shut off. (Even with the car turned off and the keys in my hand.)

General Comments:

I put about $3500 in aftermarket performance products on the car and bumped the 215bhp up to 285hp. Injectors, full Intake system, cat-back exhaust, mass air flow sensor, coils, wires, and other misc. bolt-ons is what it took for me to like the car. You'd be better off to put the body on a rear wheel drive frame and drop in a big block. It would be a lot more fun.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th March, 2003

14th Mar 2005, 08:04

Theres a saying, if it ain't broke don't fix it...

1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34 3.4L V6 from North America

Summary:

Fast, sporty, reliable car that just costs a little more to maintain.

Faults:

Replaced the water pump and alternator for a whopping costs of $575. There is over 6 hours of labor for this job due to the location of the alternator. You have to remove right side suspension and cross-member, then lower the engine to get to the alternator. Could have been designed better.

Had to replace ALL 3 coils after 109,000 miles along with new spark plug wires.

Replaced rear passenger rotor after caliper froze closed and the friction killed my rotor (it was red-hot when I got home one day).

Replaced timing belt and timing pulleys and tensioners at 105,000 miles.

Leather back seat is splitting in the middle.

Center console plastic door broke along with my ashtray door.

Passenger window doesn't roll down using the drivers side control, but works using passenger control.

This 3.4L DOHC V6 engine is the most expensive engine that I have owned!!!

General Comments:

Performance is very good!!! Fast car is you know how to drive it. Low RPM's produce limited power, but over 3200 RPM the motor starts to roar!!!

Handling is superb. Nice cornering and holds the road like glue on 16" wheels and good set of tires.

Interior is very ergonomic for a big guy like me, 6' tall, 250lbs. Comfortable even in the back. :)

Radio controls on the steering wheel make a very nice feature so you don't have to take your eyes off the road while changing channels or turning on your CD player.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th August, 2002

10th Nov 2005, 10:38

I also own a 1996 Z34 Monte. It's expensive to run, but fun to drive. Center console broken also. Driver window does not close right. The rear leather seat is splitting in the middle at the top of the seat back also. I replaced the wires and plugs, 1 rear strut mount, both wheel hub assemblies, 2 tire-rods, 1 ball joint, 1 water pump, 1 0-2 censor, 2 front rotors, 2 mufflers, 1 signal switch, pads and shoes, all in the first 14 months of ownership, but it's good now! I picked up the car cheap and did all the work my self so it is not as bad as it sounds. I get about 550km to 60L of gas, so the fuel economy is not great. Body has one blemish under the fuel door, not bad for a 10 year old car with no bodywork done to it, ever. No problems passing people that's for sure, and I like its looks too. I'm happy with the car, but I'm sure if I had of paid more than $2000.00 Canadain for it I would be upset.

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