Test Drive: 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS

[91 s-10baja]

by Tony Whitney

In U.S. markets, the Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a very popular automobile and in some regions dominates the two-door coupe class. This is not surprising, 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 than it might be getting from buyers. The product line goes back a long way - the first Monte Carlo was a 1970 model -- 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 changed the 2004 naturally-aspirated SS model to the LT model, making three in the basic line-up: 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, for the Mustang. It does mean that you get far more room in the back than you would with an import-nameplate coupe.

The supercharged car I tested featured various styling cues to set it apart from lesser non-SS versions. There's a race-inspired chin 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 (for "Super Sport") 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 are 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 V6 under its hood. Developing some 240 horsepower, the powerplant proved exceptionally responsive. It's worth remembering that superchargers don't suffer from the lag that plagues turbochargers; the power is right there from the word go.

Simply put, both superchargers and turbochargers are forced-induction systems that pump air into the engine to enhance performance. Turbochargers are driven by the exhaust gases, while 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 on the LS and a 3.8-litre non-supercharged V6 on the LT. All engine versions use a four-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 a fully independent suspension.

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 and control layout.

With CanadianDriver.com editor Greg Wilson, I once drove a Monte Carlo 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 once-over 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!

Technical Data: 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Supercharged

Base price $36,890
Options $2,955 (Leather interior $1,800; 17-inch chrome wheels $1,155)
Freight $1,050
A/C tax $100
Price as tested $40,995
Type 2-door, 5-passenger full size coupe
Layout Front engine/front-wheel-drive
Engine 3.8-litre V6, OHV, 12 valves, supercharged
Horsepower 240 @ 5200 rpm
Torque 280 @ 3600 rpm
Transmission 4-speed automatic
Tires Goodyear P235/55R17 W-rated
Curb weight 1598 kg (3522 lbs.)
Wheelbase 2807 mm (110.5 in.)
Length 5026 mm (197.9 in.)
Width 1846 mm (72.7 in.)
Height 1403 mm (55.2 in.)
Cargo capacity 447 litres (15.8 cu. ft.)
Fuel consumption City: 13.4 L/100 km (21 mpg)
Hwy: 8.2 L/100 km (34 mpg)
Warranty 3 yrs/60,000 km
Powertrain warranty 3 yrs/60,000 km

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articl...onte_carlo.htm

[mjd1001]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe in Nascar, the Hood, Roof, and Trunk have to have the exact same dimensions as the passenger version of the car, the rest of the cars are totally different of course.

To me this still doesn't seem correct, but that is what the guides of the track tour here in Daytona used to say on the tour (this was 3-4 years ago of course, maybe that has even changed since then).

[paul8488]

Wow, refreshing read! Not quite all-out glowing praise, but he finds all the good things to say about the Monte! I like how he says that it might impress some import fans. I've never driven the car, but am interested. I see now how important it is for reviewers to be as accurate and factual as possible... if this was an article about how crappy the Monte is I probably wouldn't care to drive one.

[Phillip]

Originally Posted by paul8488

Wow, refreshing read! Not quite all-out glowing praise, but he finds all the good things to say about the Monte! I like how he says that it might impress some import fans. I've never driven the car, but am interested. I see now how important it is for reviewers to be as accurate and factual as possible... if this was an article about how crappy the Monte is I probably wouldn't care to drive one.

Too bad he's a little late, seeing that this generation of the Monte is a lame duck...

[GMfan2381]

Pretty good read. Hopefully hes as impress with the redesign.

[2005 Equinox LS]

The redesign should improve things until the full redesign can come for 2008 or 2009. As for the RWD vs FWD debate,, I actually am slightly on the FWD side. Packaging efficiency, traction in winter(At least to most people including me) are advantages difficult to ignore. However RWD is better for the V8 version. No torque steer, and the drivetrain components can be made heavier duty to withstand the higher power. It shall be interesting to see what happens in the future.

[Phillip]

Originally Posted by 2005 Equinox LS

The redesign should improve things until the full redesign can come for 2008 or 2009. As for the RWD vs FWD debate,, I actually am slightly on the FWD side. Packaging efficiency, traction in winter(At least to most people including me) are advantages difficult to ignore. However RWD is better for the V8 version. No torque steer, and the drivetrain components can be made heavier duty to withstand the higher power. It shall be interesting to see what happens in the future.

If the Grand Prix GXP is any example, the refurbished Monte is worth looking forward to. The latest Motor Trend takes a glimpse at the GP by choosing it to represent front wheel drive in its drivetrain comparison. While it was the least hardcore, it nonetheless shows promise...

[SVT2888]

Originally Posted by 91 s-10baja

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.

Uh, Mustang GT or Monte Carlo, decisions, decisions, decisions

[2005 Equinox LS]

Monte Carlo. At least for everyday use.

[BlueEssEss]

Score one for the Monte owners.

BTW, I think all of the ricer's who have gotten front row seats to a view of my car's a.s.s will tell you it is anything but a "lame duck". :p

[SVT2888]

Originally Posted by BlueEssEss

Score one for the Monte owners.

BTW, I think all of the ricer's who have gotten front row seats to a view of my car's a.s.s will tell you it is anything but a "lame duck". :p

Is your car stock?

Wanna, try racing an old man's car?

[2005 Equinox LS]

Originally Posted by BlueEssEss

Score one for the Monte owners.

BTW, I think all of the ricer's who have gotten front row seats to a view of my car's a.s.s will tell you it is anything but a "lame duck". :p

Right on!!!!!!!!!! At least the Monte Carlo stands for something.

[BlueEssEss]

Originally Posted by SVT2888

Is your car stock?

Wanna, try racing an old man's car?

Other than a drop-in K&N filter, the car is mechanically stock. I don't race, technically, though I do like to put the Civics, Eclipses and other assorted ricecakes in their place from time to time.

[SVT2888]

My car is stock to other than the Borla's which don't count as anything. I too only race to put ricers in their place.

[classic66vair]

Originally Posted by mjd1001

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe in Nascar, the Hood, Roof, and Trunk have to have the exact same dimensions as the passenger version of the car, the rest of the cars are totally different of course.

To me this still doesn't seem correct, but that is what the guides of the track tour here in Daytona used to say on the tour (this was 3-4 years ago of course, maybe that has even changed since then).

last year NASCAR went to common templates, now the only "stock" components are the Hood and trunk, the roof on the Monte had to be lengthened to meet the common template rule... just look at the rear side window of a stock Monte and compare it to the Nascar version...
We have owned a 2003 LS for 2 and a half years and 45000 miles, only issue we have had are with the front brake rotors warping after 30,000 miles... which was fixed by the dealer under warrenty. a big car like this that gets over 30 miles per gallon is fantastic, we love ours.