2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 3.8L V6 from North America
Summary:
Nice SS
Faults:
I've had the car two weeks and so far nothing has gone wrong, except that I heard a slight whine in the transmission once.
It never made the noise again.
General Comments:
I really love this car as well as Monte Carlos in general of all years. I am extremely impressed by the amount of luxury features and sporty looks for a mid-priced car.
I'm a little disappointed that the Honda Accord V6 I previously owned was faster, but the luxurious, user friendly interior and great handling makes up for the lack of speed.
Has anyone heard of the turbonator? I'm seriously thinking of buying one to increase horsepower. Would it be worth it to buy one?
Also, does anyone know how much it would cost to swap the 3800 Series II engine for the Supercharged Series III?
Overall, the 6th generation Monte is a big improvement in styling over the 5th generation. This one actually looks like a Monte Carlo and not a 2 door Lumina.
I can't wait until they bring back a RWD V8 Monte. Let's hope they retain the Knight/Shield emblems and "waves" on the side when the car is restyled.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th August, 2004
14th Jul 2006, 20:07
If the Turbonator is the one advertised to increase hp as much as 35 for $69 or so, I'd like to try it on my '98 Chevy Malibu also. I thought the Malibu was really quick, but it still takes it time when I floor it. Given all the bad reviews on this generation car, this car seems so sensitive that I dare not floor it habitually. I haven't and so far it's been running okay for me at 88k.
As for the upcoming V8 model, it's already here for '06 in 5.3L 303-hp form, but still in FWD and it still looks like the same as '00-'05 except the headlights now resemble the '06 Impala. Which is interesting as the '95-'99 was physically the 2-door Lumina. The Lumina's been gone since '01 so I guess Chevy needed another model to base part of Monte's looks on, and this time they chose the Impala (I still like the old headlights better if you ask me). But I like the wheel covers on the '06 much better than the ugly 7+7-spokes used on the '00-'05.
28th Nov 2006, 23:22
The taillights are also different for '06, and the interiors are refreshed as well. Sorry to dash your dreams of a new rear-drive model, but a source tells me that the Monte Carlo will not be produced for an unknown amount of time after the 2008 model year. I'm disappointed too.
3rd Nov 2004, 21:38
You might want to visit this page in regards to the "whining sound" in the tranny.
http://www.carsurvey.org/review_37674.html