The 2004 Monte Carlo saw the re-debut of the SS, which featured a supercharged 3.8-liter V6 rated at 240 horsepower and 280 lb/ft of torque. The LS and (non-supercharged) SS rounded out the trims for the 2004 Monte Carlo.
The LS standard engine was a 3.4-liter V6 rated at 180 horsepower, while the standard SS was a 3.8-liter V6 rated at 200 horsepower. Mileage for the three trims reflect their power levels: the LS gets 21 city/32 highway, the SS 20/30, and the SuperCharged SS 18/28.
By the way, why don't they call the Supercharged SS the SSS? Or the SCSS?
Anyway, styling has been called "clumsy" by some, but all drivers of the car seem to agree that the strength of the various engines makes up for any styling flaws.
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.
Luv these cars just bought my 3rd one. Good looking cars great 3.&8 motors best 6 cly Chev ever made. Lots leg room and head room. I’m tall loaded all SS ‘ s are. Next one for me will be the V8 versions. Jan 12, 2024
by Anonymous
Mar 10, 2023
I love my car although I have an 04 intimidator series but my car looks like the 02 Ive seen an 04 and its all black well mine is an 04 and it has the red and gray on the bottom it actually was running a little rough and was missing and dying on me we changed an O2 sensor we changed an injector and then finally they unplug the mass air flow sensor and it stayed running and was idling a little low but it stayed running when they plugged it back in it started dying and the mechanic told me that a lot of times The mass air flow sensor will not show up in code unless it is completely bad we changed it and now it runs like a dreamMar 10, 2023
by Jeffrey C
Aug 27, 2021
For the money Sporty but comfy plenty of power and great on gas ! Has to be my favorite car I had. Aug 27, 2021
User rating:
by Anonymous
Jan 12, 2024
Luv these cars just bought my 3rd one. Good looking cars great 3.&8 motors best 6 cly Chev ever made. Lots leg room and head room. I’m tall loaded all SS ‘ s are. Next one for me will be the V8 versions. Jan 12, 2024
by Anonymous
Mar 10, 2023
I love my car although I have an 04 intimidator series but my car looks like the 02 Ive seen an 04 and its all black well mine is an 04 and it has the red and gray on the bottom it actually was running a little rough and was missing and dying on me we changed an O2 sensor we changed an injector and then finally they unplug the mass air flow sensor and it stayed running and was idling a little low but it stayed running when they plugged it back in it started dying and the mechanic told me that a lot of times The mass air flow sensor will not show up in code unless it is completely bad we changed it and now it runs like a dreamMar 10, 2023
by Jeffrey C
Aug 27, 2021
For the money Sporty but comfy plenty of power and great on gas ! Has to be my favorite car I had. Aug 27, 2021
by Anonymous
May 05, 2021
The Monte Carlo has been a classic from its inception, to have found one with only 35,000 miles in absolutely pristine shape was both a surprise and a great blessing. Thank you Car Gurus!May 05, 2021
by Beverly W
Oct 06, 2020
Monte Carlos are great cars. They have enough room to be comfortableOct 06, 2020
by Beau B
May 21, 2015
This car has never failed me once, little things here and there but nothing mechanically wrong. It has some style to it but lacks the power off the supercharged SS. It does however have a lot of the same options as the supercharged SS which is a huge plus. Overall this is a great car for anyone who wants a sporty V6 with some very decent options for the year.May 21, 2015
by Anonymous
May 12, 2015
I love my car! It's fast, reliable and sporty all in one. It can be used for more than just a sporting event - it can hold all your son's baseball equipment in the trunk and your cooler! It's a WIN.May 12, 2015
by Rickey R
Apr 18, 2015
I love the color the way it sounds, i only lost one race. Its one of the best Chevy cars ever built. The ladies love two doors an 2 seaters. Buy one if your into speed. Color Compitition Yellow. ThanksApr 18, 2015
by Anonymous
Mar 03, 2015
I loved the overall beauty of this car and everything it stood for. It would get it to great speeds and you would hear the engine roar. This car most definitely described all American Muscle. Dale collaborated with GM and only made 3,333 of the sweet babies.Mar 03, 2015
by STEPHEN H
Oct 31, 2013
like the sporty appearance, and good firm handling, fun super charger driving, good hi-way economy of 30MPG plus. comfortable driving and riding, best for a couple or small family because its a two-door. decent power for a V-six. has surprisingly good luggage volume, which is good for trips. must fill with premium fuel because of supercharger as not to damage engine when or if you use its good passing power.Oct 31, 2013
by Anonymous
Jun 30, 2013
This car has been a great one. Only a couple problems, hazard switch, transmission solenoid and dash stepper motor. Gets great mileage and I love the looks of this era Monte Carlo. I would buy another one if they made them.Jun 30, 2013
by Frank B
Jun 22, 2013
Just Love this Car All the way Around!! Great Looking, Sporty, Handles Great almost like my former Corvette in turns at higher speeds grips the road nice, but definitely gets way better gas millage 23+City / 28+Highway.. Weather your Young or Old these are great vehicles to own.. One of the Best Vehicles I have ever owned, Hands Down a Keeper..Jun 22, 2013
by Charles J
Sep 05, 2012
Powered by the Series II 3.8 supercharged V6, had good power but not overpowered. Handled almost identical to a stock SS, decent but not great, remember this was a big car. But still very fun to drive, comfy upfront, great looking car, probably best of the whole 2000's Monte Carlos.Sep 05, 2012
by Alex C
Oct 24, 2011
Great car for school. It has decent horsepower and handling for such a
large couple. The driver is very comfortable with the space around the
driver. There are some rattles that accompany any Chevy model car. It is
very well styled, however you see a lot of them. The gas mileage is
outstanding for a V6 and maintenance costs are minimal. It's not going to
get your adrenaline going.Oct 24, 2011
by Robert M
Aug 03, 2010
Big system, clean lines. solid and pretty fast. it does seem to find peace with 115mph very comfortably. The car is a blast to drive, but its been getting fixed for the last month or so because of the crash... Aug 03, 2010
by Anonymous
May 09, 2010
My 2004 Monte Carlo SS Supercharged 3.8 V6 is the nicest car I've ever owned. It rates as much fun to drive as it is to look at standing still,(which isn't too often) with it's shiny yellow sporty paint job and beautiful black leather interior. I've owned it since September 2007 at 28,000 miles put on by the lady who leased it from the dealer for 3 years. It has better acceleration by far than the three Corvettes I have previously owned. ('75, '78 and '79) and is every bit as much fun to bend around a sharp corner as it is to unleash the 13 psi Eaton Supercharger out on the open highway. It has easily kept up with much more powerful V8's pushing 390 HP such as the Toyota Tundras and Nissan Titans in the passing lanes, even though it only pushes 240 HP! The styling is great and really attracts a lot of attention. I've had compliments from both young and old everywhere I go. The interior is as nice as any leather interior I've seen in any luxury car and still has that "new car smell" every time I open the door. The CD sound system blows away any standard system I've had in any car before this one. It is a 6 speaker amplified "Monsoon" system that came with it and it ROCKS!!! The Bass just jumps out at you even at low volumes. The heated seats are a blessing on those cold mornings and evenings and the HUGE trunk comes in so handy when shopping at Costco. The collapsible rear seat is a real handy item, too! Ladders and longer items fit easily into this car. The 4 wheel disc brakes work effortlessly even at high speeds and the stability in high speed cornering is impressive to say the least. There are no rattles, squeaks or other annoying noises that most used cars seem to develop. The engineers at Ward Engineering have done an admirable job in designing a sports car that has all the features and advantages of a big solid car combined with a race car feel. Not an easy thing to do!! I've noticed that switching to Castrol Syntec 5W-30 oil has made a big difference to my gas mileage. Well worth the extra money for the high-end oil. I'm now getting an extra weeks worth of driving before a fill-up. About 28 mpg around town and easily 35 on the highway. As far as power, I've had it up to 120 mph numerous times on long trips, and it feels as if I am going 60 mph, it's that smooth a ride with no steering wheel bounce or front end shimmy. A very solid and responsive machine, indeed! The "fun-factor" is off the scale with this car, as I look forward to driving to work each day, unlike most of the cars I have driven in the past. It has every imagineable option you can desire in a car, and some I was surprised to find. Also, due to the front wheel drive, this car is incredible in deep snow! It is a big, heavy vehicle which helps trememdously in slippery snow. I remember back a few years ago, when I lived on a terribly steep hill, just how easily and effortlessly the Monte Carlo plowed right up the hill. I took only a short run at it as there was a sharp corner at the bottom, and it made it all the way to the top! This was a road that all the neighbors were afraid to use and were parking their Ford trucks at the bottom!! Another bonus to owning this car! Peace of mind in the worst weather conditions Canada can throw at it!! An update as of April 22, 2012...I have just purchased a "G-Force Performance Chip" for this vehicle and am astonished at the difference it has made to my gas mileage, acceleration and overall performance! I have gained at least 30 HP, my gas mileage has dramatically improved and acceleration is now instantaneous. The G-Force website is easy to find on the Internet, and I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND anyone and everyone to make the $69.95 purchase for their vehicle A.S.A.P. Why give your hard-earned money away to the oil barons when you can cut your trips to the gas stations by installing this little gadget. It takes less than 30 minutes to install it, and will virtually pay for itself in the first month after you get it. I noticed a huge difference almost immediately and am very impressed with this product! It does EXACTLY what it says it will do. ( Reprograms your onboard engine computer to optimize horsepower, fuel / air mixture to 14.5 to 1 ratio, reduces emissions and betters engine overall performance.) I now buy gas once a month instead of every 10 days! This product really works! Buy it!! It's the best $69.95 you'll ever spend on your vehicle!May 09, 2010
by Molly G
Apr 12, 2010
Build Quality: It's been a fantastic car that is both fun to drive and comfy for long road trips. I still love it as much as the day I bought it.
Car Comparisons: I considered both small suvs and other sportier cars such as a Nissan 350Z but the overall package of this car sold me.Apr 12, 2010
by Jesus M
Feb 03, 2010
It is big, roomy, and a nice car to ride around in., Performance is great for a big car, that 3800 series v6 gets up and goin, at the moment suspension sucks though. Otherwise a nice looking car with sleek looks.Feb 03, 2010
by Anonymous
Dec 30, 2009
I bought this car new. And from day one, it was a blast to drive. Acceleration is smooth and linear. When the supercharger kicks in, it feels like you are being catapulted from behind. Speed ceases to go beyond the indicated 112 mph (due to the limiter), but the car feels composed and solid at speed. The supercharger maintains speed easily with the cruise control engaged. I see the complaints about gas mileage, but using synthetic oil in my beast since the first oil change, I got better than 28 mpg highway driving with speeds averaging 70 or more. I easily got 30 mpg driving sensibly (which admittedly, is hard to do). So I have ZERO complaints about gas mileage. I'll take zero to sixty in under seven seconds and nearly 30 mpg any day. And though it isn't the prettiest car (nor the fastest) on the street, mine always draws compliments. Fit and finish is better than expected for a Chevy. Perhaps the Canadians can teach the Yanks a thing or two about quality. Nevertheless, very few demons have shown their faces in my SS. The tire pressure monitor had a hiccup in the first 2000 miles, and the moonroof decided not to cooperate at approximately 15,000 miles, sticking partially open. But Chevy fixed everything under warranty and the only costs incurred in the first 2 years of ownership were the typical oil changes and tire rotations you would expect. Nothing out of the ordinary. I traded this car after 2 years and 36,000 miles. And I still miss this car. I had no regrets buying this car and would have bought another, had Chevy continued to build them. But no. Only used Montes are now available. With any luck, you can find a well cared for supercharged model that will give you loads of fun miles as mine did. Dec 30, 2009
by Anonymous
Oct 02, 2009
Nov23,2011 - 242,000 miles and still the best car I ever owned.
Bought my brand new Blue SS in 2004, today Oct 09 I have 174,000. So far its been the best and most reliable car I ever owned in my life. Yea ... it could have used more power, but the gas mileage would have suffered, And yes it could have been rear wheel drive, but would it have got me home during a snow storm? The best part ... best heated leather seats ever made! I travel for my job and I choose to drive then to fly and this is first class all the way!Oct 02, 2009
by Brandon C
Sep 09, 2009
0-60 est low 5 secs.Best 1/4 13.74 at 99.4 mph. Pulls 55mph in 1st gear. Motor pulls strong up to 110 or so, top end not the best. Blower whines like none other. Cons--- ITS FWD. No traction, but once it catches, it pulls pretty damn good. Not the best in the corners. But for the most part an overall good car.Hope to keep on modding it up.Sep 09, 2009
by Dave K
Aug 26, 2009
The 3.8L isn't as robust as I'd really like, but acceleration is adequate - not a barn burner but gets me there / braking with ABS is sweet / handling is great most of the time ; mpg is low at 22 but satisfying for my tastes
aluminum plenum and cooling system had some flaws but fixed, they haven't been a show stopper
would pimp my ride if I had the bread
styling is to die for but needs larger rims over the 16" stock / just luv the black on black with leather seats and the instru cluster is rad
Aug 26, 2009
by Luke B
Aug 04, 2009
Appearance is good all around - inside and out.
Performance pretty good - Could have a LITTLE more pep
A family member bought the car for half the going rate.
The car is fun to drive. It's for all ages and types.Aug 04, 2009
by Andy J
Jul 09, 2009
Loud when getting on the throttle. "Acceptable"
performance for a somewhat small V6. No mechanical
problems whatsoever. Sleek shape looks good and
keeps wind noise down on the highway, which
contribute to a consistent 30+ mpg on the highway.
Fun isn't the first word that comes to mind, but to me,
it's very nice looking for a GM vehicle.Jul 09, 2009
by Thomas W
May 24, 2009
The car is just absolutely beautiful! Just by looking at it, you wouldn't think it was powerful, but it is EXTREMELY powerful! The car is just so fun to drive!! Not only is the car powerful, but the gas mileage is GREAT!!May 24, 2009
by Cory P
Dec 26, 2008
I've owned my 2004 Monte Carlo LS for about 8 months. The car has 35,000 KMs, but already has a problem with the steering. GM use's faulty Intermediate Steering Shafts in these and many other vehicles. They only last around 35,000 kms before needing replaced. There is also a known issue with the intake gasket melting allowing anti-freeze into the oil, thus seizing your engine. There are a lot of rattles and vibrations in the cab. Most notably in the drivers door and the dash board. At times it sounds like the dashboard is going to rattle itself off. But nitpicking aside, it is a seemingly reliable car. Not the fastest, only having 170 hp and 205 lb ft of torque. It is excellent on the highway, as long as you are going a reasonable speed it will not rev higher than 2000. Normally it will be at around 1500 at 100kmph. Excellent fuel economy for a car of its size. Also, lots of leg room front and back. You can comfortably fit 4 adults in the car. It comes with a 4 speaker sound system, which isn't anything special. Good sound quality, but could use some tweeters. Very smooth ride, power when you need it. Overall I would give the car a 70%. I payed $11,000 Canadian and think it was worth every penny. Warranty would be nice, but this is GM we're talking about. Can't expect too much.Dec 26, 2008
by Creighton C
Sep 02, 2008
The 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS has the strongest V6 I have seen. Unfortunately it is only a V6. That means when you get on it (For whatever reason) it's like driving a restricted engine. Of course they do offer a supercharged V6 and I can only imagine how much more power that would give you. One more thing on the downside and then I'll talk about something good about it. Who invented the front-wheel-drive? I would like to ask them what the point in that was, then I would like to ask Chevrolet why they made the Monte Carlo a front-wheel drive. But other than those small details that only someone who likes cars would notice, the car drives great.
It is a couple of years old but in no way looks like it. It's only got 22k miles on it and has had no problems at all even though I've driven it everywhere. It's got great fuel mileage which is good in todays world. (I like to call it a fuel efficient racecar).
Great car, looks fantastic, (Inside and out) gets 30 MPG HWY, sounds great at about 5600 RPMs ;) I think it's safe to say. "I love my car!" Sep 02, 2008
by Brittany H
Jul 26, 2008
It is one of my most favorite cars. I was so happy when I got her and I still love driving her whenever I can. It's just so much! I love that I've got the power under the hood finally and someday I wanna take her to the strip and test out her true power! She's got the paint job I wanted, usually gets around 26 mpg, nice star wheels, got power, and she's got under 21,000 miles on her.Jul 26, 2008
by Kevin W
Jul 06, 2008
i love it. the performance is great and the cost is reasonable. Jul 06, 2008
by Anonymous
May 08, 2008
I love my 1994 Supercharged SS Monte Carlo! It's the best car I ever owned. May 08, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 29, 2008
Good all around car. comfortable interior, sleek exterior. No problems spining the tires.Apr 29, 2008
by Johannes N
Apr 23, 2008
this car is one of the best built cars, it looks great, good power, and great mileage for such a big powerful car. and has tons of space inside chevy made a big mistake discontinuing this car hope they bring it backApr 23, 2008
by Kelley J
Mar 27, 2008
this is a dale earnhardt jr signature series monte carlo superchargged ss. its number 33 out of 2, 883. its fully loaded, leather seats(heated) heated mirrors. cd player xm satelite radio. on star, power seats, windows, locks, sunroof. 17 inch aluminum wheels. 240 hp engine, supercharger adds another 20. dale junior signature head rests, floor mats, deck lid,and spedometer.and of course the number 8 is adorned on the side of car inside and on liscence plate cover. and the signature "e" graphics down the side of the car.Mar 27, 2008
by Anonymous
Jan 05, 2008
very good handling very good top end,10km slower than 2001mustang gt quarter mile-side by side seat comfey and lots of roomJan 05, 2008
by Anonymous
Dec 25, 2007
I've only owned this 2004 Monte Carlo Intimidator SS for a few months but have had more fun driving and more compliments on this particular car than any I've ever owned. I have to admit it's not as easy on gas as I hoped it might be, but I definitely enjoy driving it enough to overlook the gas milage. Some of that may be that being supercharged, I find it sort of hard not putting my foot into it a bit more than I have to, because I love the acceleration.Dec 25, 2007
How much would it cost to have a 2004 monte carlo ss transmission rebuilt. The transmission itself the price. Also the price of labor. When you ask trim below I know it's an SS but not sure on the difference between SS FWD AND SS SUPERCHARGED
Car never overheated until today. Pulled car off road when I saw the gauge go to 3/4. By time I shut down the vehicle it was in red zone and engine overheat light came on. Total time less than 2 minutes. Shop says I have blown head gasket. Is this possible? Car went from cold to overheat in less than 8 minutes. What is reasonable cost to repair?
Trying to figure out if I have a blown head gasket or blown lower manifold gasket no white smoke out the exhaust no signs of too much water mixture in the oil need help