1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Overall impression: I have had this car for 5 months now and love it! The main reason for buying it was that it had all the practical features I wanted, but yet could be a sporty 2 door. I was looking for a Bonneville of similar year and features, but was pleasantly surprised at the Monte Carlo. Another main part was that the '98 and '99 Z34 models have the infamous 3800 V6 that has been known for excellent gas mileage, power, and reliability. Performance: The 3800 V6 and heavier-duty 4t65e transmission provide effortless acceleration and smooth, prompt shifts that seem almost telepathic. According to Motor Trend, the '98 Monte Carlo Z34 3.8 does 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds and the 1/4 mile in 15 sec. flat, and this is no surprise. After looking at 3800 V6 Bonnevilles, this motor in this Monte is quicker. Even after looking at a '98 Bonneville SSEi supercharged, this feels about as fast---I would like to see what the 0-60 time on mine really is! A big squawking burnout is only a toe-tap away--this car has no problem showing off when called upon. Besides the performance aspect, this motor also delivers excellent fuel economy--usually 27mpg on 75mph 300 mile trips, which can be done on one tank of gas with no problem. The "ride and handling" suspension included with the Z34 model is a nice balance of sporty firmness, nice road manners, and a comfortable ride for highway cruising. Between the comfortable ride and comforable leather seats, I have already had at least 4 instances that friends have fallen asleep in my car. As for handling, this is no small, firm riding car like my Saturn SL2 I used to have, so it does have some very mild body lean around corners, but still feels sporty and holds fast corners without protest and with no tire squeal. 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS are a nice feature, not offered on other similar years and models of American cars. However, the omission of traction control is rather odd, being that it was offered on the Regal, Grand Prix, Intrigue, which are all on the same platform/chassis as the Monte Carlo. A "low-trac" light will light up upon startup, but there is no traction control that I know of? Many other V6 powered mid and full size GMs have that feature. Another additional note is that the Z34 Monte comes with twin tip dual exhaust, which both looks very cool (especially with my aftermarket tips) and has an agressive growl at high rpm. It is never loud, but makes itself known at full throttle--I have had at least 3 passengers comment on how they liked the growl of the motor. Speaking of which, I am regularly surprised at the 3800 V6 for its smooth, torquey nature and yet, despite its old-fashioned OHV pushrod design, it revs quickly to its 6000 rpm redline at full throttle. It's sure nice to be able to go around town moderately briskly while keeping the rpm's at 2500 or less. Merging with freeway traffic and passing on two lane roads is confidence-inspiring, with a smooth, quick-thinking transmission and a torquey motor that requires little revving to accelerate. Quite often, accelerating moderately briskly onto a 70mph freeway can be accomplished with revving the engine not much higher that 3000 rpm. Styling: The styling is well-done on this Monte Carlo. While at times pretty generic and vanilla, it is also nice and clean while sporty. I personally like the style of subdued sportiness. The Z34 package includes some subtle differences that add up to a nice package, such as: red bowtie emblems front and back, black chrome trim on the lower rocker-panel level of the car (all the way around), special alloy wheels (16" 5 spoke machined Impala SS style wheels on the '98 and '99's--Z34 specific with red bowties) and blackout grille. Interior style is okay, very practical, with controls placed very nicely, higher on the dashboard. However, the styling is just okay, but nothing spectacular. The factory wood trim that is prominent in the cabin is rather dumb and dated looking in my opinion. My car has been redone with red leatherette upholstery where the wood once was, which really makes the interior look great. Comfort and practicality: The leather seats are comfortable and look great in black leather, but the front buckets could use a little more bolstering, since they don't hold you very well on fast turns. Many convenient features are throughout the cabin such as a large center console, good size door map pockets, a large storage area for CD's under the radio, and a small cubbyhold left of the steering wheel on the dash. Also, other convieniences include, power windows, locks, mirrors, seat, AM/FM CD with steering wheel controls (that are even lighted at night time, along with all the door mounted switches), remote keyless entry, and dual-zone climate control (seperate temperatures for driver and passenger.) There's also a large lighted glove box. In addition, there's a power glass moonroof which works nicely and can be tilted or slid back. (I love that feature!) Another nice thing is the HUGE trunk--It's the same size as my friend's Buick Park Avenue. It also has a split-folding rear seat, which is very convienient. Speaking of back seats, the back seat is not expansive, but is comfortable for 2 average size adults with fine room, not very common for a 2 door car. There's seat belts for 3 back there, but that third passenger had better be small! In conclusion, I would recommend this car to anyone, even those looking for a sporty, practical 4 door car like I was. This is a very fun to drive car that is yet practical and reliable. Dec 01, 2007