As slick as it is aerodynamically, from an esthetic standpoint the Monte Carlo looks as if it were designed by a committee. Individual elements are quite attractive, but we're not quite satisfied with how they hang together as a whole. It's probably just how the final product came out when the engineers and designers emerged from the last wind-tunnel session.It may also be because this latest Monte Carlo tries to integrate elements from the model's past with an overall shape that's like nothing else on the road. Some will love it. But the droopy nose, the flat flanks, the bump in the deck lid and the radical roofline may not appeal to everyone. What you can't see is just as important to the integrity of the Monte Carlo and, in that respect, we have to give Chevrolet high marks. Compared to pre-2000 Monte Carlos, this one has been strengthened in the roof, doors, and floor pan. An aluminum front cradle isolates the engine, transmission, steering, and suspension from the main structure of the car. The interior features a cast magnesium beam, called a MagBeam, that fits behind the instrument panel to further increase chassis rigidity and provide a stiff mounting for the dashboard systems. As a result, the latest Monte Carlo is much quieter than any previous generation. Increased chassis stiffness also makes the car less prone to squeaks and rattles over time.
Overall, the interior is a nice design with a sporty flavor that reminds us of Corvettes and Camaros. One of the best things about Chevrolet design in recent years is the uniformly functional instrument layout that has been wrought throughout the product line, from the Corvette to the Silverado pickup. With black backgrounds, white markings and red needles, the look is not only racy in flavor, but also easy to read and scan, with the major and minor gauges placed on slightly different planes to add visual interest. Another really nice touch inside the new Monte Carlo is its cockpit-style dashboard/console that houses those new gauges and controls. It separates the driver completely from the front passenger and provides fingertip access to every system in the array. It's a nicely styled package, and it works. Monte Carlo comes with bucket seats, and we found them quite comfortable for around-town driving. Their shape makes it easy to get in and out of the car. Front-seat passengers appreciate the shotgun-side power seat option. Both seats are easy to adjust, and there's plenty of range for short and tall drivers. The ignition switch is conveniently located right on the dash, well to the right of the steering wheel; this makes it easy to quickly get in the car and get going, or quickly get out of the car after shutting it off. The tall center console is a bit intrusive for drivers who like to shift the automatic transmission manually, however, and the shifter itself looks dated. The stereo is easy to operate, but it doesn't take a lot of volume before the amplifier starts clipping. The trunk is large, but the opening is small, making it difficult to load big boxes. |
