2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo LS 3.4L from North America
Summary:
Trusty, fun, comfortable, gorgeous car!
Faults:
Very few things ever.
Once had a starting problem circa 50k that turned out NOT to be the battery, but that was minor. Think it was just the alternator or starter.
Had a strange gas smell aura (especially in winter) starting 2011 - was neglected for a while, then studied what could be wrong (trying to save money). Found out it was the fuel pressure regulator leaking. A bit too difficult for me to remove, so had an old (and I do mean, OLD) acquaintance local shade tree mechanic replace it (all told, $100 vs. $300 regular mechanic estimated) in 2013. No smell since, even in winter.
Lastly, had O2 sensors go bad 100k (occasional slight hesitations), had my regular mechanic replace them after delaying for 6 months. Not a bad price.
Nothing really worthy of mention for 100k+ mileage. Wonderful, trusty car.
General Comments:
This car turned my head so many times the first couple years, I knew I had to have it. When the Cavalier got too risky, I got the bug and bought the only car in ages that turned me on!
So - obviously, gorgeous car, head-turning, and yes, comments when it was new. Only wish they manned-up the front intake area; quite wimpy and ordinary there. Everything else was eye-catching. Love the continental tire bump, which is why I would NOT buy the "SS" because it had to have a spoiler SPOILING it! I'm all about looks.
Nice ride, nice interior room for smaller car (I grew up with Town Cars, forgive me, AND I am a tall woman). Seats feel good, although the bucket seats could be a bit bigger for my husband who drives it mostly since we had a child. The back seat is pretty good compared to most modern cars, and we used it as our German Shepherd's car (she was as old as the car, all purchased around same month, just died this month), which was fine even when she shared it with our son.
Good handling and quickness, feels good to drive. Not bad on mountains (again, the TCs - I'm big on torque and true power). I LOVED revving this thing and charging off the line when it was new!
Sad to say it is now 12 years old and probably cannot last much longer. It is the younger of our cars (less mileage), so will probably last longer in our garage, but we have to consider it may suddenly go bad. So we are shopping around for both "cars" and "SUVs" to replace whichever goes kaput first (again, budget - I need a job after raising our son). Will have to probably trade it within a few years, but will hate to!
Great car!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th May, 2014