2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo By Tony Whitney ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In US markets, the Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a very popular automobile and in some regions, dominates the 2-door coupe class. This is not surprising when considering that it’s the “model of choice” for top NASCAR drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Michael Waltrip, though even the most dedicated fan of the marque would admit that NASCAR racers bear little resemblance to road cars. Even so, the track successes of this model do give owners some “bragging rights” and a good reason to cheer their favourite car at the races. The Monte Carlo nameplate has taken more checkered flags in NASCAR history than any other brand. Monte Carlos are not that common north of the border, so buyers here get a car that often draws a second glance out on the road. Certainly, the Monte Carlo deserves more attention and might be getting from buyers. The product line goes back a long way and I can remember the oversized (and maybe overstyled) models of the 1970s that used to sell in very substantial numbers. For 2005, Chevrolet has added an LT model, making three in the basic lineup - LS, LT and Supercharged SS. GM’s amazing OnStar system, which uses sophisticated communications technology to get you out of all kinds of trouble from a lost key to a serious breakdown, is standard for the new model year on all Monte Carlos. On the Supercharged SS, you can now get 17-inch diamond-cut cast aluminum wheels with a nifty chrome finish. New exterior colours for the Monte Carlo include Laser Blue Metallic, Sport Red Metallic and Silverstone Metallic. I liked the yellow my most recent test car came in. The 2005 Monte Carlo is a stylish car with a nicely “aggressive” stance to it. It’s fairly large for a two-door car, but that’s the way most domestic coupes have always been - except, perhaps, the Mustang. It does mean that you get far more room in the back than you would with an import nameplate coupe. The car I tested featured various styling cues to set it apart from lesser “non SS” versions, of which there are several. There’s a race-inspired spoiler up front; dual stainless steel exhaust pipes and inside, a six-gauge instrument cluster with boost gauge. As you’d expect, you’ll find “SS” badging here and there to remind you that this Chev is something special. There are various colours, but my favourites are either black or yellow, both of which look very slick. Of course, SS models have a long history with Chevrolet and in recent times, the company has been busy reintroducing these versions right across the range. There have been times over the years when Chevrolet has used the SS moniker more as a cosmetic addition than a performance indicator, but those days have gone. Buy an SS today and the likelihood is that you’ll get some serious performance with your automobile or truck. My Monte Carlo certainly lived up to its SS badges by packing a very potent 3.8-litre supercharged V-6 under its hood. Developing some 240 horsepower, the powerplant proved exceptionally responsive and it’s worth remembering that superchargers don’t suffer from the “lag” turbochargers are plagued with and the power is “right there” from the word go. By way of a simple explanation, both superchargers and turbochargers are “forced induction” systems to pump air into the engine and enhance performance. Turbochargers are driven by the exhaust gases and superchargers are driven directly from the engine. Both have their devotees, but most agree that supercharging is more efficient. Other available Monte Carlo engines include a 3.4-litre V-6 (LS) and a 3.8-litre non-supercharged V-6 (LT). All engine versions use a 4-speed automatic transmission - a GM Hydra-Matic about which few owners will complain. It’s a smooth shifting unit and the ratios are well-chosen. Monte Carlo SS handling is enhanced by some tuning tweaks not found on the two other models. Spring rates are stiffened and the rear ride height is lowered. According to Chevrolet, this helps reduce body roll in cornering and improves driver “feel” regardless of road conditions. Also featured on the SS are beefed-up stabilizer bars. Incidentally, this is a front wheel drive car with fully independent suspension. Fuel economy, as outlined by EnerGuide, is a respectable 13.4-litres/100 km city; 8.2-litres/100 km highway. The cabin is a great place to do business and has a very sporty ambiance about it. It may not thrill import lovers, but to be truthful, Chevrolet does as good a job as anyone when it comes to seat design, driving position and instrument/control layout. With an auto scribe colleague, I drove a Monte Carlo a while back in a very demanding one-make rally in California - appropriately dubbed “Monte Carlo Monte Carlo.” Getting lost every now again in the middle of the night, miles from anywhere, demanded some fast and agile driving and we were very impressed with the way the car conducted itself. The Monte Carlo certainly deserves a careful onceover by anyone looking for a sporty coupe - import or domestic. Some of those buyers traditionally hooked on Japanese nameplates could find the SS a very pleasant surprise. A basic Monte Carlo LS lists at $27,840 base, while an SS model lists at $36,890. The LT version is priced at $30,655. These prices are very reasonable for this kind of performance and you also get a certain amount of exclusivity - and those NASCAR genes! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Back to Tony Whitney's Auto Reviews Page