1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Review

The first Chevrolet Monte Carlo debuted in 1970 as a slick, mid-size sports/luxury coupe with the longest hood ever put on a Chevy and a 360-horsepower V-8. It was an instant hit.

The latest Monte Carlo coupe doesn't have the pizzazz of that first model because it's essentially a two-door version of Chevrolet's mid-size Lumina V-6 family sedan.

But that's no bad thing because the Monte Carlo thus is solid, roomy and economical.

This Chevy also is bigger and generally quieter than smaller rivals such as the Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger and Acura CL--and thus offers more in terms of dollars per pound.

Although large, the front-wheel-drive Monte Carlo is no fuel hog; it delivers up to an estimated 30 m.p.g. on highways, which is a high figure for a big coupe.

The Monte Carlo's roofline makes it look racier than the Lumina. And, as with the 1970 model, this car is fairly luxurious.

Even the standard Monte Carlo LS has items such as air conditioning, AM/FM/cassette and power door locks and windows. Important standard mechanical features include anti-lock brakes.

The upscale, sportier Z34 model has separate driver and passenger temperature controls, which are in a $635 package for the LS. Such temperature controls once were found only in luxury cars.

You can even get leather front bucket seats for $695 in the $17,945 LS and for $645 in the higher-performance, $20,295 Z34.

A new option is General Motors' OnStar security system, which costs $895.

The Z34 really should be called the ``Z38'' because a 3.4-liter, dual-overhead-camshaft, 215-horsepower V-6 has been replaced for 1998 by a pushrod 3.8-liter V-6 that has a 200-horsepower rating but more torque.

The 3.4 was louder and costly to build--and thus didn't endear itself to General Motors accounting personnel or prospective Chevy customers in consumer car-buying clinics.

Despite its sexier design, the 3.4 actually didn't provide much more performance than the smoother, more-economical 3.8--a former Buick engine now used in various GM autos. This is the first time that a Buick motor--former or otherwise--has ever powered a Chevrolet.

The engine in the LS is a 3.1-liter, 160-horsepower V-6 that provides decent acceleration. But the 3.8 allows the Monte Carlo to be appreciably faster, with a 0-60 m.p.h. time of only 7.8 seconds and more effortless merging and passing abilities.

Both engines work with a smooth, improved four-speed automatic transmission that upshifts seamlessly and downshifts quickly to allow good vehicle passing times.

The LS delivers an estimated 20 m.p.g. in the city and 29 on highways, while figures for the Z34 are 19 and 30.

The Monte Carlo provides good room for four tall adults, or five for short trips. However, the car's long, heavy doors are a pain in tight parking spots, and it is difficult to climb in and out of the backseat.

The front seats look as if they would provide good side support during spirited driving, but their mushy sides don't allow it.

The no-nonsense dashboard has easily read gauges and large, conveniently placed controls that work smoothly.

But rear visibility is poor, because of a high back shelf, thick roof pillars and small outside rearview mirrors. Monte Carlo drivers should be especially careful when changing lanes or backing up, which is a silly drawback for drivers of a mainstream car.

Besides the more-powerful V-6, the Z34 model adds items including cruise control, steering wheel radio controls, remote keyless entry, four-wheel disc brakes and wider, 60-series tires on new machine-face alloy wheels.

A nicely integrated trunk-mounted spoiler costs $175 for both Monte Carlo models and provides a racier appearance.

The Z34 also has a sport suspension, with new four-stage valving in front struts for a wider range of suspension movement and better handling without compromising the ride.

The Z34 model has sharper handling than the LS, but is too big and heavy to feel very nimble on winding roads. An all-independent suspension helps give both models a generally smooth ride, although the Z34 gets too bouncy on bad pavement for a car with a stiffer sport suspension.

The Monte Cargo has vague power steering near the on-center steering wheel position, although the car tracks well down highways. Braking is good, and the pedal is easy to modulate during quick stops.

The trunk is long and wide, although not especially deep. It has a low opening and lid that pops up well out of the way to facilitate loading and unloading. The hood conveniently raises on hydraulic struts, which eliminate the need for a cumbersome, old-fashioned hood prop.

The Monte Carlo is more of a personal luxury cruiser than a sporty coupe. But then, so was the first, now-classic model.