What Is It?
2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
What's Special About It?
Chevrolet's midsize coupe finally gets a restyle for 2006, although the chassis underneath remains unchanged. The car's Coke bottle shape and flared fenders have been retained, but hard edges and boxy lines have been replaced with compound curves and a sleeker style that mimics changes to the rest of the Chevy passenger car line.
While the frame has been boxed for improved strength and a few subtle changes have been made to the suspension for improved performance, the biggest change occurs under the hood. Three new engines are available, including a 210-horse, 3.5 V6 in LS and LT models; a 240-horse, 3.9 V6 that comes standard in high-end LTZ cars; and an all-new 5.3 V8 in the Super Sport. All-aluminum construction and Displacement on Demand technology make the 303-horsepower V8 an efficient yet powerful addition to the Monte Carlo line.
The other big change for '06 occurs in the cabin, where Chevrolet claims quality has been drastically improved. New seats utilize firmer foam and upgraded upholstery, side-impact airbags are now standard and a new dual-zone climate control system is available on LT and LTZ models.
What's Edmunds' Take?
The Monte Carlo nameplate was introduced in 1970, and the luxurious-yet-sporty coupe has been a top choice for NASCAR drivers ever since. Unfortunately, the street version has been disappointingly bland since the V8-powered rear-drive Monte was killed in the late 1980s. Subsequent front-drive "SS" models have featured loads of badges and monochromatic trim but not much in the way of actual performance. The new car is still a front-driver, but with a V8 under the hood and giant 18-inch wheels at all four corners this Monte may have actually earned its Super Sport moniker.
Buyers who don't require a big engine and fancy wheels will find the lower-cost models are still well-equipped coupes with graceful lines and comfortable interiors. Chevy claims that improvements in build quality will make the new Monte better than ever, but the Accord Coupe and Camry Solara offer stiff competition in a crowded marketplace. — Dan Kahn
2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
What's Special About It?
Chevrolet's midsize coupe finally gets a restyle for 2006, although the chassis underneath remains unchanged. The car's Coke bottle shape and flared fenders have been retained, but hard edges and boxy lines have been replaced with compound curves and a sleeker style that mimics changes to the rest of the Chevy passenger car line.
While the frame has been boxed for improved strength and a few subtle changes have been made to the suspension for improved performance, the biggest change occurs under the hood. Three new engines are available, including a 210-horse, 3.5 V6 in LS and LT models; a 240-horse, 3.9 V6 that comes standard in high-end LTZ cars; and an all-new 5.3 V8 in the Super Sport. All-aluminum construction and Displacement on Demand technology make the 303-horsepower V8 an efficient yet powerful addition to the Monte Carlo line.
The other big change for '06 occurs in the cabin, where Chevrolet claims quality has been drastically improved. New seats utilize firmer foam and upgraded upholstery, side-impact airbags are now standard and a new dual-zone climate control system is available on LT and LTZ models.
What's Edmunds' Take?
The Monte Carlo nameplate was introduced in 1970, and the luxurious-yet-sporty coupe has been a top choice for NASCAR drivers ever since. Unfortunately, the street version has been disappointingly bland since the V8-powered rear-drive Monte was killed in the late 1980s. Subsequent front-drive "SS" models have featured loads of badges and monochromatic trim but not much in the way of actual performance. The new car is still a front-driver, but with a V8 under the hood and giant 18-inch wheels at all four corners this Monte may have actually earned its Super Sport moniker.
Buyers who don't require a big engine and fancy wheels will find the lower-cost models are still well-equipped coupes with graceful lines and comfortable interiors. Chevy claims that improvements in build quality will make the new Monte better than ever, but the Accord Coupe and Camry Solara offer stiff competition in a crowded marketplace. — Dan Kahn
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