Used 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Coupe Consumer Reviews
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My first car!
My dad bought the 02 MC SS in bright red for me with 74k miles. had it for half a year now and still love it! handles beautifully, and has some power in the 3800cc engine!! trust me, this car can really book on the highways. interior feels like you're sitting on a really comfy couch, and i love the dual zone climate control. sound system is great too! my friends all love my car. they're always complimenting how its fast and attention-grabbing. my friend has an 02 MC LS and everyone prefers mine to his, so only look for SS when buying. after 76k still no problems! I plan to have this car for a long time to come.
You don't meet yourself every day!
My "02 Monte Carlo SS was two years old when I bought it. I'm an old school hot rodder, with the need for comfort. This car has taken me all over the east coast. It has never let me down, ever. The back seat lays down and has made for some fine sleeping in Key West and worked well as a spare room the night before going to the Atlanta Motor Speedway. This is the most comfortable car I've ever owned. The acceleration is surprising for the engine size. When I start to pass, consider it done. Wouldn't mind finding another with low mileage. Fourteen years and still fine.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Love my bright yellow Monte Carlo SS
I saw this car in bright yellow on a dealer's lot over an 1/8th of a mile from the street. It was so hot looking, I had to check it out. Before I knew it, I bought it. It rode way better than the Mustangs, was as quiet and road as well as a Cadillac, mine has every option except a power passenger seat or heated seats (which I don't really need where I live, and I usually drive alone anyway). This car has given me no problems since 2002, in fact, other than tires, I haven't spent a dime on it, and here it is 2008, the way car dealers count age, the car is 7 years old and has NO problems. I can't say enough about how good a buy this car was, best car I've had since 1969 Cougar Eliminator
Unhappy with Cheverolet company
I purchased this car new. The first week of ownership I received a recall notice for the intake bolts due to them running hot. At 23000 miles I started having brake and rotor problems. Noticed a noise and took to the dealer and was told the steering shaft needed replacing. This seems to be a problem with these cars according to consumer reports magazine. Also with the brakes, rotors, and calipers. At 27000 miles I had all the rotors replaced. GM did nothing to help me with the latest problem of the steering shaft due to the car being out of warranty and being a 2002. I reminded them that this car has only 28000 miles on it and they need to correct their faulty parts by having a recall.
Love the car but too many problems
I love my monte ss however there has been a lot of problems with wiring flickering lights, paint issues after only having the car for 3 years the paint was bubbling and now just peeling off. Gm told me they would do nothing, also catalytic converter problems and most recent oil pan completely rotted out.
great car!
I bought this car new in Oct. of '02. I have since given this car to my son with over 120K miles. Other than normal maintenance I have not spent a dime on this car. Great ride, excellent in the Ohio winters, and 30+ mpg at 70mph on the interstate. Solid feel to the car, nice stock stereo, and it handles very nice for a large coupe. I would definitely buy another one of the same year if I could find it with lower mileage. A great car for the money!
"Competition Yellow" paint competed w/my wallet
I bought my yellow Monte Carlo SS used in 2007 and owned it until 2012 when I threw it on my bankruptcy with only 3 payments left (I had good reasons). When I 1st bought the car it was a blast! so much fun to drive, so much get up n go, so roomy for being a 2 door car, decent gas for a supercharged V6 etc. Then the issues started. I went through 3 catalytic converters which were NOT covered by warranty and there was no explanation as to why they kept going out. Then I had issue after issue with the cooling system. A radiator, 2 temp sensors, 2 cooling fans, water pump, hoses later, it STILL ran hot. Then driving home one day I heard a POP and there went 3rd gear. This car was unreliable...
Disappointed
Beautiful, fun car to drive. Very disappointed in the resale value. Have had catalytic converter replaced (under warranty), PassLock security system failed, BCM unit went bad, power steering and brakes needed replaced, cooling system problems, and ignition system had to be replaced, all within the first 60,000 miles. Now the windshield fogs up, no cause detected by 2 certified mechanics. Fuel mileage is better than normal with 26 city, 35 highway.
Dont be fooled by its looks
I was in the army and this was my first car coming out. I now sell cars. Don't get the 3.4 Monte. It's no good. At 45K new tranny. At 60K intake leak. Now I've got lifter noise. But can't afford to have it fixed. I mean this car looked OK. But far from the best. I would rather have my old '89 Honda Civic again. At least I knew it would run everyday.
GOOD BUT NOT GREAT
Bought car used with 34000 miles.First thing i did was,replace front rotors and brake pads,second thing i did was flush the GM antifreeze from engine and went back with regular green anti freeze.I did this because the GM antifreeze will damage the cooling parts in engine and has a gum building inside cooling system.The third thing I did was replace the turn signal device on the steering column.The original broke one night and I could not dim my headlights.Cost was over $500.00.
2001 Monte Carlo SS
Coming from a sunfire GT, the Monte Carlo is a bit huge and takes quite and adjustment in driving attitude. The size and weight requires some adaptation for parking and braking with the extra momentum. I feel the SS gives adequate acceleration, but I would much adore a V8 and perhaps even RWD.
still styling and smiling
I have a Dale Earnhardt edition and have been pleased. 95k miles and still goin. other than routine maint.and cat.converter.Recently had to change the t-stat,but after 94k, no problem. Haven't changed brakes or even wiper blades, don't know what's up with that, crazy. Peppy and still stops on a dime. I really don't drive aggressively. But nice to know I could when I need to. My girl loves the seat warmer. When she's washed and polished,well it's Black!More than I expected.
The Fast and the Luxurious
A very good balance of performance and luxury. Unfortunately my catalytic converter clogged, shot-up my EGR pipe and melted my intake manifold. Completly covered by the warrenty. Otherwise, very, very reliable. And the aftermarket is making some very affordable, as well as reliable go-fast goodies(!) for this 3800 engine.
Best Car I Have or Will Ever Own
This car is my baby! I have had only one problem in 4.5 years which is a problem I have heard is very common in GM cars with this engine and that is the intake gasket. They really need to recall it and fix it. Other than that, no problems whatsoever and I have almost 90,000 on mine. I love it and will drive it until it literally falls apart. Then, I'll retire it and buy another!
Fantastic car
I bought this car new and took it on a trip down the east coast to Florida and back. Had a Lincoln Town Car prior to this one. Loved the way the car rode and handled especially through the mountains. Averaged about 29 mpg for a 3500 mi. trip. I also have a heavy foot, I'm an old racer and still like to go fast. Buried the spedo coming out of Winston Salem about 3am. Hard to believe for a six! I would have liked a little more HP to blow off the Mustangs. I'm 69, I've raced drags, stocks, motorcycles. My scooter has 145HP and weighs 525lbs. I know about performance and power and I love this car! I can't believe GM discontinued it. All you had to do is drive it and you'd buy it.
Monte
I purchased a Monte Carlo When GM offered 0,0. What a deal. The car has been good so far. Not exceptional, but good. The only complaint I really have, is that it needs more power(should have gotten the SS). The interior is roomy and practical. I got a fair amount of equipment, including On-Star, which I think is great. Do I think this is the best car out there? no, but for the money, and the fact that it's an American car make it a great choice.
Monte Carlo Rocks!
I bought the yellow competition package Monte as it caught my eye and I couldn't pass it up! I loved this car! Everything was well placed and within reach. My only complaint is the small cupholder in front of the shifter. I was always spilling something. I traded this in for a minivan as I was tired of getting the kids in and out of their carseats in the back seat. Now I am kicking myself and going to get a 2003 Jeff Gordon Monte Carlo. If you want the best car you've ever owned, buy a Monte! Chevy Rocks!
Better than Expected
I am quite surprised, for the amount I spent (~$24,000, includes 2002 cash back, fees, taxes, & tags) for my Black SS with every option except the High Sport Appearance Pkg. Car handles better, rides better, performs better than I hoped for, except for the gas mileage. I had the widows tinted to cut down on the interior heat after "she" has sat in the sun. The ABS works so well I am often worried about the vehicle behind me stopping in time! If you want a two-door coupe, you really need to consider this vehicle. I expect this car to go the distance (10+ years) with minimal problems, and No I Do Not work for Chevrolet or their affiliates/dealers/allies!!!!
No wonder GM went bankrupt!
Traction Control/ABS issues, crank position sensor, starts when it wants to (passlock issues)... It's never ending problems with this car with just over 100,000 miles. Last GM product I'll ever buy.
Worst Car Ever to Come Out of GM
This car is the worst ever to wear the Chevy bowtie. Shame on GM for releasing such a POS to an unsuspecting public. This car literally went to hell in the short time I owned it (and my maintenance was second-to-none, so it didn't even help). During the time I owned it, I ended up having major problems with the 3800 V6 engine, transmission, struts, catalytic converter, wheel bearings, plus a myriad of other little problems, including poor body/trim integrity. After my experience, I will never again buy a General motors product. It's no wonder they are in the shape they are in. If you are thinking of buying a Monte Carlo (any year post 2000), you had better think again because it will destroy your wallet. I have since gone to Ford because they make a car that is light-years better in reliability than anything offered by GM. Update: my 2009 Ford Mustang has continued to provide reliable service and has been in the shop only for maintenance. Buying Ford was the best decision I ever made. I understand the new GM cars have improved. I would certainly hope so!!!
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- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Finally Got Muscule
WOW! I finally have a car that spins it's wheels if I punch the pedal!
Disappointed for many reasons
This was my first brand new car ever! and I have some doubts if I will ever buy a Chevy product again. At 6000 miles the belts had to be replaced. At 12000 miles the steering shaft cracked and had to be replaced. by 16000 miles the water pump along with rotors/calipers had to be replaced. Around 22,000 miles it was the rotors again. 28,000 miles it was rotors/calipers and the A.B.S modules again. The car has 40,000 miles on it and rotors again. i live in chicago and im sure some it has to be city driving, but i really dont abuse this car at all. The interior design has improved over the previous model but mechanical it much worse.
Lots of show with a little go
I found this car while looking for a Mustang. I probably should have kept looking because the performance, although good for a V6, just isn't what I really was looking for. It's not a bad car at all though, well appointed, plenty of room and quite reliable to date. Looks great from the back and side and since the popularity of coupes is waning, you don't see many of them on the street. The MC handles competently and pulls through corners well, although it certainly wouldn't be at home on an autocross course. If you're looking for a sporty looking car that won't set you back a ton of money with reasonable insurance rates, you couldn't do much better.
satisfied
very able auto. alot of features and safety for the money. rich look to the body
Cars that last
I bought my '02 MC with 11,000 miles on it in April of 2002. Since that time I have put on 318,000 on my own, putting my mileage at 328,000. The car looks and feels almost like it did when I bought it. I would buy another in a heartbeat!
SS= Severely Sucks
very unimpressive, nothing great about this vehicle.....gone are the days of the awesome Chevrolet Monte SS that were fun to own and drive. This vehicle is nothing more than a larger Cavilier. The Yugo has been reborn, it is now called a Monte Carlo. Purchase price 10 months ago 29K, current trade in value 15K. I guess their reputation has spread.
no more g.m for me!
i only have had this pice of cr~p 5 weeks. first -jerky trans [computer problem]. second- trunk won't close. third-just quit running at 40 m.p.h. forth- all kinds of interior rattels.this car is built very cheap and flimzy. sound system stinks.i,m going back to ford fit and finish way above g.m with better quality materials ouality is job 1.
Great Car
I owned a 2000 Mercury Cougar and Ford took it back under the Minnesota Lemon Law. After that whole experince, I wanted to purchase something that would be reliable. My mom has a Monte Carlo and she loves the car, never any problems. I love my car. The white really looks sharp with the black moldings and the red SS detailing. I recommend this car to anyone looking for a great car with performance, great looks and a great reliability record. If you are thinking about purchasing this car, go to JD powers website and compare other vehicles. That's what made me make my decision. Don't count this vehicle out until you have researched and TEST DRIVE.
Still love it after all these years.
I got my Monte Carlo LS brand new in '02. It had 48 miles on it, and shined like a new Penny. The car now has 140,000 miles on it. I've had little to no problems with the car till it had 100,000 miles on it. The problems came in waves. When I had trouble, it wasn't just one thing, it would be 2 or 3 things go bad about the same time. I'd get them fixed, and it would be fine for a while. At this point, the BCM went bad. I'm still working with that problem. It has 140K, it ain't perfect. I still like it, and still like driving it. I'm going to run the wheels off of it.
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- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
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- Reliability
The Best Car I've Owned
I bought this car feeling a little nervous about getting another two door due to the fact that I had a 10 month old at the time. This car has proved to me it's reliability, safety, comfort, roominess, and everything else. I am very happy with my decision and I know who ever gets it after me will be just as excited as I was.
Better than I figured it would be
Best performing car I have ever owned.3.4 engine is ok and it gets 30 mpg.Seats are not that great but ok.Handling is nutral with no bad traits.I have never reached the limit of this car at above average speeds.It starts and goes and I have had no problems other than a bad tire, Even the tires are covered by the factory but I paid for my replacement rather than mess with them. Great paint, There are no bad things to say about this car
Great Car
I have had a wonderful experience with this car. Excellent mileage, gets 29.9 on HWY, lots of power, and the comfort is beyond belief. Was never a fan of big cars but the comfort is well worth it. A lot of bang at a good price.
My Red Sexxy SS
It turns on a dime, and is very sporty...I have loved driving it for a while now, and the new still hasn't wore off in 1 year...my father has a 2000, and he told me he still loves to drive his....
Great except for the front brakes
Great except for the front brakes.
monte lover
this is my 3rd monte, i traded in a 99 with no problems and the 02 has been trouble free also! fun to drive and sporty, i love these cars!
WET ROADS
The performance of this vechicle is terrible on wet roads I wrecked mine while doing 45mph. Seats need more padding. Back seats need more leg room.I hate the milage I get 21mpg. This car use to be fun driving, but now I am afraid of it since hydroplaning across 4 lanes of traffic. The exterior is good looking but could use a few improvements. The build of the car is very sturdy after wrecking the only injuries I had was a cut on my finger. As far as reliability, this car has been hard to handle on wet roads since I purchased it. I owned a 2001 SS before the 2002 and never had this problem.
Monte Carlo SS
none
2001 Monte Carlo
In the 18 months that I owned this car, Other than replacing the seat material on the driver seat{It pulled away from exposing the side airbag} The only work done to the car was routine matinance
Highs and Lows
I have had my montel carlo ss for one year now. I am pleased with the car. Im a big and tall guy and its very comfortable. I have taken several road trips in the car. I have had only one problem with the car in that the battery went dead after only one year. It was most likely just a lemon. Overall this is a great car to own. I have decided I wanted a truck and I am stuck with this car for awhile because I paid 27k for it and trade in value is 16k. Great car, just doesnt hold its value.
Love my Monte Carlo
I love the full-size feel of the Monte Carlo. It feels very substantial and is a great cruising car. Handling is good for a car of this size, and gas mileage is actually quite good for a 3.8L V6 engine. I also love the roominess of the interior. I get a lot of compliments about my Monte Carlo. I highly recommend this vehicle for its sporty performance, outstanding styling, aerodynamic design, large interior, and decent handling. The trunk is very spacious as well as the rear seat.
Yellow SS
I've had my SS for two weeks now, and love it to death. Coming from my 1999 Honda Accord, this car has more pickup, and better handling. It is also very roomy inside for a coupe. The trunk is spacious enough for me to add my subs, and still have access to the spare tire.
bad experiance
the monte carlo is a nice looking car, but I have encountered a great deal of trouble. The paint is defective, My hood had to be repainted three times for them to finaly replace it. my abs modulator has gone out. the car has been worked on three times for having a hard start, and the problem still exists. the dash has been repaired and/or replaced at least three times.
ss Monte
The SS Monte Carlo is superior all the way around. The handling, styling, comfort and performance is awesome. When you step on the accelerator you go without any hesitation and gas mileage is surprisingly good.
MONEY WELL SPENT!
I NEEDED A THIRD CAR,AS A SPARE AND HELP LOWER FUEL COST FOR IN CITY DRIVING,THAT WAS EASY TO PARK.I DID RESEARCH AND STARTED LOOKING FOR THIS CAR.PAID $13500.WITH 34000 MILES.3.99% INTEREST RATE.IF YOU HAVE THE TIME YOU CAN SAVE THOUSANDS.BUT YOU HAVE TO DO YOUR HOMEWORK.
one grreat car
I love this car. lots of room inside. great looking outside. bright red paint is perfect. plenty of power.sound system rocks. driver friendly controls. verry comfortable,quiet ride
A Kick To Drive
I bought my Monte Carlo having never owned a GM product. I must say that I am VERY pleased. The performance is great even though its not an SS, the fuel economy is awesome for the 3.4L V- 6. I had to put a set of spark plugs in it to correct hesitation. Otherwise, very solid car. I put my own after market stereo in, so if you're wanting to do that, be aware that the wiring adapter was $80. Very nice car, i feel very safe and it is a very fun car to drive. hndles very well around corners at high speeds. Would buy again, and again, and again, and again.
Great Going GM
Great handling a very comfortable ride. A chevy man for decades, a few year ago swithed to Jeep. Back to Chevy, will never own a Jeep or Chrysler product again.
No more GM cars for me!
I was very disappointed by this car. I've always bought North American, but no more. First, the interior console peeled and had to argue with dealership to replace. Now, paint is peeling in large chunks in wheel wells (hear this is common), taking side body paint with it. It is covered in paint "pops" (paint popping from underneath, not ships as dealer is trying to claim). I am a former paint chemist who knows coating failure when I see it. GM should be ashamed in this day and age of putting this quality on the road. That they do nothing about it says volumes about a car manuf. that I will no longer trust.
My SS is awesome!
If you buy this car, you get a lot for the money. Leather, sunroof, super sound-system,OnStar, heated seats, information center etc... You get a lot for your money compared to smaller 2dr cars like the Mustang or Sebring. I traded in a 96 T-Bird w/V8-rwd and I feel the Monte has more power. My favorite is that it's big and comfortable. I'm a big and tall guy and I feel very comfotable in it. Very safe too, rated highest in front collision safety.
Pontiac Man Gone Chevy
Very happy with the handling package of the Monte Carlo. My last car was the Grand Prix GTP from Pontiac and I must say I would pick the Monte Carlo over the Grand Prix for ride and handling any day. The 3.8 L engine in the Monte Carlo cannot compare with the supercharged GTP when starting from a dead stop but at the high end ( over 55 mph ) I can not see a difference. Excellent stereo system option and for the price would suggest you take.