That front end…..uhg. Trying too hard to make classic lines modern.
Looking Back: 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Test Drive
Imparlo'?
![]()
No, that Monte Carlo you saw ripping around the superspeedway on Saturday morning TV ain’t quite the same animal that was sitting at your local Chevy showroom. All new for 2000, in production guise, horsepower was way down but refinement and comfort were way up, compared to the racer...
Video: 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Test Drive
1 - 20 of 30 Posts
I never liked the look of this iteration of the Monte. I know a couple of people that loved it, guess it was one of those polarizing kind of cars.
Not a home run. The long trunk, short wheelbase configuration was dated by the time it was first released in '88. The fact that this was a coupe further accentuated the W body's natural proclivity to poor packaging. The styling was awkward. FWD/automatic ruined any sporting pretense. I always got the impression that the brakes on these things were undersized, and felt that the level of body lean exhibited was unacceptable.
Positives included the dependable thrust of the 3800 and vault-like structural rigidity of the second generation W; I do love that gauge cluster too.
This car's Grand Prix contemporary (GTP in particular) was a better showing of the breed's natural talents.
Positives included the dependable thrust of the 3800 and vault-like structural rigidity of the second generation W; I do love that gauge cluster too.
This car's Grand Prix contemporary (GTP in particular) was a better showing of the breed's natural talents.
yeah, it was like toyota is today. Overstyled. LIFT THE PEN!I never liked the look of this iteration of the Monte. I know a couple of people that loved it, guess it was one of those polarizing kind of cars.
Another nail in the 2009 GM bankruptcy coffin. It was a POS when it was released. I refuse to get sentimental about many of these old GM cars.
The interior was nice!Another nail in the 2009 GM bankruptcy coffin. It was a POS when it was released. I refuse to get sentimental about many of these old GM cars.
I miss the 3800 engine. I don't miss the coolant/manifold problems, but everything else about the engine was fine. That's about it for the nostalgia. This car was the worst looking w body of them all.
Although an "improvement" towards a "tribute" to the earlier ones, this was better than the mid 90s Lumina based ones. They had lines akin to a suppository IMO and were very bland looking.
I've finally come to see the 1990s "whale" Caprices as having some classicness to them - but I don't think this style will ever grow on me.
That front end…..uhg. Trying too hard to make classic lines modern.
Yup, kind of a low point in GM design.
GTP's were really quite pleasant and attractive though, as coupe or sedanNot a home run. The long trunk, short wheelbase configuration was dated by the time it was first released in '88. The fact that this was a coupe further accentuated the W body's natural proclivity to poor packaging. The styling was awkward. FWD/automatic ruined any sporting pretense. I always got the impression that the brakes on these things were undersized, and felt that the level of body lean exhibited was unacceptable.
Positives included the dependable thrust of the 3800 and vault-like structural rigidity of the second generation W; I do love that gauge cluster too.
This car's Grand Prix contemporary (GTP in particular) was a better showing of the breed's natural talents.
The Monte and Impala though, yech (and not even a supercharger... until after)
I'm glad these vehicles are well in the past. Oddly styled and too heavy for spirited driving, I would have never even considered a test drive in 2000.
The 1997-2003 Grand Prix was a very competitive overall package; I personally recommend them and always appreciate seeing one still in good shape. The Monte Carlo, in my opinion, has nowhere near the merit despite being fundamentally the same.GTP's were really quite pleasant and attractive though, as coupe or sedan
The Monte and Impala though, yech (and not even a supercharger... until after)
They are still in demand. On the Olds Intrigue forum, it was commonly mentioned that people bought Intrigues because good condition GP's were too hard to find.The 1997-2003 Grand Prix was a very competitive overall package; I personally recommend them and always appreciate seeing one still in good shape.
http://testdrivejunkie.com/1997-pontiac-grand-prix-gtp-test-drive/
These were good cars.
John Davis is always positive and complimentary but you can tell when he likes or dislikes something and he genuinely liked the Grand Prix. Even Consumer Reports, who isn't always positive and complimentary, actually liked the GP back then and called it one of GM's best sedans.
Actually, my mother drives a 2006 GT (3800SC) which is good too but the '97-'03 were sweeter, all things considered.
These were good cars.
John Davis is always positive and complimentary but you can tell when he likes or dislikes something and he genuinely liked the Grand Prix. Even Consumer Reports, who isn't always positive and complimentary, actually liked the GP back then and called it one of GM's best sedans.
Actually, my mother drives a 2006 GT (3800SC) which is good too but the '97-'03 were sweeter, all things considered.
I had an '02 GTP - I really enjoyed the car! I liked the looks of my '94 GTP more, but the '02 handled a lot better (the '94 did not like to corner and had very bad torque steer) and much less squeaks and rattles!Not a home run. The long trunk, short wheelbase configuration was dated by the time it was first released in '88. The fact that this was a coupe further accentuated the W body's natural proclivity to poor packaging. The styling was awkward. FWD/automatic ruined any sporting pretense. I always got the impression that the brakes on these things were undersized, and felt that the level of body lean exhibited was unacceptable.
Positives included the dependable thrust of the 3800 and vault-like structural rigidity of the second generation W; I do love that gauge cluster too.
This car's Grand Prix contemporary (GTP in particular) was a better showing of the breed's natural talents.
How this car ever got a pass at being an "SS" is beyond me. I'm not one to believe that every SS has to have a V8,but this car really?. I'm glad times are changing @ GM and I hope the SS line broadens out to encompass more performance tuned/sport orientated vehicles.
If only Chevrolet were pursing the style, quality and image of the 2008 Malibu in 1998, instead of this tacky car.
Another stomp on the SS name and blatant nostalgia shill tactic of the era.
1 - 20 of 30 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
GM Inside News Forum
A forum community dedicated to GM owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about General Motors news, concepts, releases, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Recommended Communities
