1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 1997 Monte Carlo is available in two trims: the LS and Z34. The LS comes standard with a 3.1-liter 160-horsepower V6, while the Z34 has considerably more power with a 3.4-liter 215-horsepower V6. Each car gets mileage commensurate with its power level: 20 city/29 highway for the LS and 17/26 for the Z34.
Drivers love the sleek styling for the mid-size car, as well as its dependability. A few complaints arose around the engine compartment, with a lack of working space being the main gripe.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
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by Anonymous
Dec 08, 2022
I have 1997 monte and it runs like a champ! It had 104k miles when i bought it almost a year ago, it now has 111k and has no leaks, no dash warnings, no problems at all! For $1,500 it was a great deal. GREAT CAR!Dec 08, 2022
by Anonymous
Apr 10, 2013
This 1997 Chevy Monte Carlo Looks as good as it drives. General Motors was not far from hitting the mark with this body style. Gas mileage is average and great for a full size car.Acceleration is plenty and with the help of ABS and Traction Control, you can feel safe in any weather or road condition:) Not bad for a front driven car. If it would have been a rear drive, GM would have been near perfect for this Monte.Apr 10, 2013
by Anonymous
Feb 18, 2013
Bought this car new in 97, loved the way it felt to drive. Roomy interior in the front, lots of power, sleek looking.
Aside form the overheating problem described in a question here, this car has two rust spots developing on the rear quarter panels that I need to fix soon; the electric moonroof stopped working after about 5 years and I've never bothered to fix it.
I'm still determined to get it fixed, get the body work done, and get it back on the road.Feb 18, 2013
User rating:
by Anonymous
Dec 08, 2022
I have 1997 monte and it runs like a champ! It had 104k miles when i bought it almost a year ago, it now has 111k and has no leaks, no dash warnings, no problems at all! For $1,500 it was a great deal. GREAT CAR!Dec 08, 2022
by Anonymous
Apr 10, 2013
This 1997 Chevy Monte Carlo Looks as good as it drives. General Motors was not far from hitting the mark with this body style. Gas mileage is average and great for a full size car.Acceleration is plenty and with the help of ABS and Traction Control, you can feel safe in any weather or road condition:) Not bad for a front driven car. If it would have been a rear drive, GM would have been near perfect for this Monte.Apr 10, 2013
by Anonymous
Feb 18, 2013
Bought this car new in 97, loved the way it felt to drive. Roomy interior in the front, lots of power, sleek looking.
Aside form the overheating problem described in a question here, this car has two rust spots developing on the rear quarter panels that I need to fix soon; the electric moonroof stopped working after about 5 years and I've never bothered to fix it.
I'm still determined to get it fixed, get the body work done, and get it back on the road.Feb 18, 2013
by Tyler S
Aug 06, 2011
slow after 40 transmission goes too high in gears alittle bit boat like in handling but
is still kicking at 153,000 miles my uncle was the original owner took good care of it
he says it burns through alternators though.Aug 06, 2011
by Dennis W
Aug 07, 2010
build quality-ive gotten into accidents and hardly any damage done and my subs dont make the car rattle like its going to fall apart
appearance- all though i did redo my own interior it needed something newer age looking not tan
fun factor- as long as you know how to "drive" your car not drive your car but control it is when its funAug 07, 2010
by Tom F
Nov 27, 2009
The 200 hp DOHC engine has plenty of power. Handling was good. Comfortable inside. Very large trunk with fold down rear seats. CRAPPY brakes, 4 wheel discs I would have upgraded for sure if I were to have kept the car. I would say it was a fun car to drive.Nov 27, 2009
by Megan L
Oct 18, 2009
I absolutely love the monte carlo, i have owned 3 of them in this body style (5th gen 1995-1999). My car is my baby, just to warn though, the 3.4L DOHC is kinda a crappy engine lol. pretty quick but its got some issues, other then that I LOVE MY MONTE!!Oct 18, 2009
by Richard P
Sep 27, 2009
I have done a couple thing to this car to make it my own and I'm still not quite down with all of it. The engine has a good get up and go and it is very comfortable car to drive.Sep 27, 2009
by Norm D
Aug 07, 2009
My mechanic told me not to buy this car, but I had been looking for a black Z34 and this one was cheap. I should have listened to him. Thank God for the warranty, it covered the first $4,650 in repairs (A/C, starter, alternator, water pump, power window motor). Then I had to pay for the next $3,200: Power steering pump and rack, two ignition modules, crank sensor, MAP sensor, TPS. Unreal. Then it got hit and I traded it in on the Magnum. I should have kept it, swapped in a full Rear wheel drive frame and LS4 engine, and modified the body into a 2010 GTO. Well, maybe not.Aug 07, 2009
by Michelle H
Jul 21, 2009
Ive had this car for 7 years and never had any major problems with it, never really had to do more than change the breaks and rotters. nice sleek fast car. chevy makes a good product for good people.yea. thank you. Jul 21, 2009
by Nicholas B
May 15, 2009
Great car, very dependable. Best car I have ever owned. Good get up and go for having a smaller engine. Very low maintenance and great gas mileage. Good car to just go out and cruise the streets. Recommend for anyone.May 15, 2009
by Katie W
May 13, 2009
Its very fast, and the handleing is spectacular, the breaks are alittle iffy but who needs them when you can just zoom around slow people. Its extremely nice looking and fun to drive. Its basically my pride and joy for sure.May 13, 2009
by John W
Dec 10, 2008
acceleration when i need it (it still has a kick in it considering its an 11 year old car)... braking is good... and handling is great (considering it is a more sportier car)
only 53K miles
the one problem ive seen on this model and year is rust under the gas cap door where the bumper meets the rear quarter panel
mine is a sweet red color (my red machine) black interior which is good.
the cost of ownership is fairly good it has i think a 14 gallon tank and i get anywhere from 250 to 315 mpt (miles per tank) 400 if i take highway to school everyday.
this car is fun to drive... b/c i know its limits
i would definitely recommend this car to anyone that loves sportier cars.Dec 10, 2008
by Richard B
Sep 04, 2008
- Silencieux et comfortable
- Consommation entre 10-12 litres/100KM
- Look assez neutre, mais des mags 17 ou 18 et une belle peinture rendera le char fancy assuré!
- 500 litres de coffre!!! =D
- Conduite: agréable luxueuse un peu flou (plus longue qu'une caravan...) Bonne acceleration et torque mais on oublie les curves avec ses suspension molles et son poidsSep 04, 2008
by Brian K
Jun 30, 2008
my 97 Monte Carlo will blow anything off the track if you give it time to do soJun 30, 2008
by Mike K
Jun 22, 2008
The bright red paintJun 22, 2008
by Travis W
Jun 16, 2008
it needs alot of work man thats all i can sayJun 16, 2008
by Mike S
May 15, 2008
it's a good car to mess around in and parts are cheapMay 15, 2008
by Anonymous
May 14, 2008
Right now I am having problems with it not started after it runs for a while than if I let it sit for awhile it startsMay 14, 2008
by Thomas W
Apr 06, 2008
Car loved when first got it but was my first car... now it needs all kinds of stuff. inside still great and motor is still holding out strong at 177 rounds but besides that needs suspension work.Apr 06, 2008
by Corbin S
Feb 23, 2008
alright car i bought for only $1,500 when i was 15. just needed something semi-des to get aroundFeb 23, 2008
by Brandon S
Feb 19, 2008
dropped, boosted, black head light covers, interior is done no pictures of it yetFeb 19, 2008
by Anthony B
Jan 19, 2008
decent car, average speed, handling, and acceleration. Jan 19, 2008
by Jim J
Jan 14, 2008
1997 green monte carlo z34. has a 3.4 liter V6 215hp 220ft tq. It has racing brakes and high perforamce all season tires. it works and goes pretty fast and has a nice ride.Jan 14, 2008
by Simone A
Jan 07, 2008
Very clean never missed an oil change has a few new things. Just put 4 new all season tires on it if there is any thing else just askJan 07, 2008
by Chad B
Dec 18, 2007
it was a great ride,,, i loved every minute of itDec 18, 2007
by Anonymous
Nov 13, 2007
Seems like I always have to fix it.Nov 13, 2007
by Anonymous
Mar 19, 2007
This is a hot car. The kids love it too. I think that it was a great deal for us.Mar 19, 2007
by Anonymous
Feb 24, 2007
It has been great driving, its fun, its fast. and its easy to handle.
I have had my car for three years and I have not had anything go wrong. Out of 8 cars it has been the best one yet.Feb 24, 2007
What users have asked
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How do you disable daytime head lights?
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1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Pricing
Original MSRP
$17,995 to $20,495Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent