[center][b]Kelly Blue Book Editors' Overview
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There was a time when the Monte Carlo was a symbol of prestige and performance for Chevrolet, but a front-drive platform and no available V8 engine took that reputation down several notches. For 2006, Chevrolet has cleaned up the Monte Carlo, giving it a more sophisticated interior and adding a much needed V8 engine to the SS trim level. The Monte Carlo should do better this year, as two of its biggest competitors, the Dodge Stratus and Chrysler Sebring, are no longer offered in coupe form. Rising fuel costs and a move away from SUVs and toward more personalized vehicles may also bode well for the Monte Carlo.

You'll Like This Car If...
If you'd like a big two-door car with a long hood and short deck, the Monte Carlo is one of only a handful still in production. The V6 gives good performance and fuel economy, and the front-wheel drive provides good traction in the snow. If you need a coupe with a usable back seat, the Monte Carlo's got your name written all over it.

You May Not Like This Car If...
If you are looking for a performance coupe that really lets you get involved with the drive, the Monte Carlo may be too tame for you. There is no manual transmission, the seats are a bit soft and wide and the steering feel is not as accurate as found with the Honda Accord or Toyota Solara.


What's New for 2006
The Monte Carlo gets a major overhaul with new sheetmetal, a new interior and a set of improved V6 engines now featuring variable valve timing. The SS model gets a 303-horsepower V8 engine.
Interior
The Monte Carlo gets a new dash, door panels and seats. The upscale look features better quality plastics than the previous model. The seats are made more comfortable with firmer foam and larger side bolsters. Side-impact airbags are now available and the SS model receives a race-inspired instrument cluster. Though it is a squeeze to get into the rear seats, they can accommodate up to three adults in relative comfort, a claim other competitors will have a tough time matching.


Exterior
The GM crew did a good job with the Monte Carlo's front end, replacing the oddly shaped headlights and bulging hood with symmetrical lenses and a handsome new grille. The awkward side sculpting is still in place, as are the wide rear pillars and rear spoiler. New alloy wheels help improve the Monte Carlo's profile, especially on the SS trim, but the old Lumina-like styling and proportion is still evident and lacks the visual punch of the new Mustang.

Notable Standard Equipment
There are four trim levels; LS, LT, LTZ and SS, in ascending order. In addition, within the LT level are three subdivision: 1LT, 2LT and 3LT. This rather confusing state of affairs results in, essentially, six different levels of what may be considered standard and optional. The LS is nicely equipped, with cloth bucket seats, air conditioning, four-wheel disc brakes, keyless entry, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, tilt wheel, AM/FM stereo with CD and full wheel covers. All versions of the LT have dual-zone air conditioning and numerous other interior features. The 3LT and LTZ receive a larger, 3.9-liter engine, 17-inch alloy wheels and antilock brakes (ABS). The SS package adds a 5.3-liter V8 and 18-inch cast aluminum wheels. Notable Optional Equipment
Options, depending upon trim level, include automatic-dimming rear-view mirror, front-seat-mounted side airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated power mirrors, power glass moonroof, remote start, driver's information center, anti-lock brakes, satellite radio and steering wheel-mounted touch controls.

Under the Hood
The Monte Carlo's standard 3.5-liter V6 is more than sufficient for most drivers, though the larger 3.9-liter V6 (optional on the LT and standard on the LTZ) provides brisk acceleration, is quieter and r

 

Good article Space....I have to say... I drove the 2006 SS when it first came out and I wasn't too thrilled. The stock tires, although sitting on 18" rims, lacked the performance I was looking for, and I was able to break them loose pulling out of a driveway with the dealer sitting shotgun. I also wasn't too happy with the 95 lumina-esque front end, I LIKE the large hood and bulges and oblong headlights, it makes the Monte far more unique than other "round" coupes in it's class. The 303 HP engine was deffinitely an improvement over the 3.8L, and did well both low and top-end of the powerband; however, I was almost amazed at the amount of torque-steer I felt while driving, and not just off the line, even from a rolling start the torque-steer was almost un-bearable. I also wasn't too impressed with the gauge cluster, they took what used to be a good American Muscle car and are attempting to turn it into a family sedan....this angers me. I like the gauges on my 2004... gives me plenty of information (including volts) in a simple easy to read package, whereas with the 2006, the gauges are too shiny, and clumped together for my taste, they also decided to forgo the voltmeter, which was quite upsetting. I did like the seats though, they were a little more comfy than mine, but all in all, I was far less pleased with it than I had imagined, and for ME...the cons deffinitely outway the pros. I am happy with my 04 SS.