General Motors’ Monte Carlo is one of the best – selling vehicles in the Chevrolet family. This model was once a very large, family- style vehicle. It was terminated in the 1980’s, but then GM decided to revive the Monte Carlo in 1995. However, the only thing that was revived was the name. The new Monte Carlo looks nothing at all like the models from the past.

Model Selections:

The Monte Carlo comes in two varieties: LS and Z34. The LS is just a basic coupe with little distinction. The Z34 model is more luxurious and more sporty. I purchased my Z34 in the summer of 1998. I drove the two models, and I decided that the LS was just too plain, too ordinary, and too lacking in power for my tastes.

Features of the Monte Carlo Z34 Model:

With the Z34 model, you get a 3.8 liter, V-6 engine with 200 horsepower. That’s 25% more power than the LS model, which has a 3.1 liter V-6 engine and 160 horsepower. You can really tell a difference when you drive each one. The additional horsepower makes quick acceleration a breeze.

Features that are standard on the Z34 are keyless entry, cruise control, automatic headlights, anti- lock disk brakes, and steering wheel controls for the radio. You can also select from a long list of options, like power sunroof, power locks, power windows, rear window defogger, 10- disk cd changer, leather seats, a spoiler on the trunk, etc. When I purchased my Z34, I selected every available option except the leather seats. The total cost of my vehicle, brand new and loaded with options, was about $22,500.

Other Statistics:

This vehicle is approx. 16 feet in length, with a weight of about 3,500 pounds. The gas mileage is about 19 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The interior is 96 cubic feet and the trunk is 16 cubic feet, which is pretty good for a sport coupe. Also, the Z34 is only offered as a 4- speed automatic. There is no option for manual transmission.

Driving/Handling:

Acceleration and handling are very good with the Z34 model. I have no problem accelerating quickly on the highway or changing lanes quickly. The steering reacts in a fast, smooth fashion. The ride and handling suspension makes driving comfortable. Another thing that I noticed right away was how quiet the Monte Carlo is, with the engine running. As a matter of fact, when I first purchased this vehicle, it was so quiet that if I was sitting in the car for a while, with the engine running, I sometimes found myself turning the ignition key a second time, not realizing that the car was already started! This is not a good thing to do, of course, but it illustrates how whisper- quiet this vehicle is.

This coupe can hold as many as five people, but the back seat isn’t that large and it would only be capable of holding 3 people if they are all children.

Any Drawbacks?:

As far as the features of the vehicle go, I can really only find a couple things wrong. First of all, the doors are very large and heavy! If you’re not careful, you can end up swinging your door open too quickly and hitting the car adjacent to you. It takes a good yank, to close these heavy doors.

There is one other minor inconvenience that might concern some potential buyers, and that is the lack of cup holders. There is only one, in the front area. The reason that I point this out is that other vehicles, of similar style and price range, usually have several cup holders.

Turning to personal problems, I have really only had one inconvenience since owning this vehicle. There is an automatic sensor that checks how the car has been driven and then displays a light to advise the driver to get an oil change. I have gotten several oil changes, but the light will not go off. This is really just an annoyance, and nothing to worry about because I know that I have gotten my oil changes and performed my routine maintenance.

Bottom Line:

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34 is a very good vehicle for the money. If you’re considering buying a Monte Carlo, I recommend spending the extra money and purchasing the Z34 instead of the LS model. It will cost you an additional $3,000, but the extra bells and whistles, and the additional power, are worth it.

This isn’t the best sports car on the market, but it’s one of the better values available. Sure, if you willing to cough up $30,000 or more, then you can find a better car than this. But, if you are looking for good handling and reliability in a car, with a price range from $20,000 to $23,000, then the Monte Carlo Z34 is an excellent buy.


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 22,500
Condition: New
Model Year: 1998
Model and Options: Z34 Model