The year 1977 may forever be remembered as the one in which the Chevrolet Monte Carlo was most like a deluded larger person. Okay, probably not, but there was one similarity: You know those people who tell everybody they are a size "medium," but still look bigger standing next to someone who is a "large"? Well, in 1977 the midsize Monte Carlo was bigger in every dimension than the full-size Caprice and Impala, as these cars had already become victims of the oil-embargo-induced diet that the Monte Carlo would endure the following year. For now, the Monte Carlo calling itself medium was a bit of an understatement.

The one thing already on a diet was the line of available engines. Down from four engine options in 1976 to three, selection was limited for the S coupe and Landau. The base engine was a 305-ci V8 rated at 140 horsepower, and an optional 2-barrel 350-ci V8 rated at 150 horsepower was also available (a 4-barrel 350-ci V8 rated at 160 hp was standard for California cars). Those thirsting for more power could upgrade to a 4-barrel 400-ci V8 rated at 180 horsepower. These powerplants were anemic compared to former years, but still a lot of power for 1977.

The Monte Carlo emblem became a hood ornament set atop a revised grille with dual stacked headlights.