2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS: Excellent Performance, Poor Execution

For decades the Monte Carlo has been an American staple, especially to the racing crowd. When I think NASCAR, I think Monte Carlo. When I think street-rods, I think Monte Carlo. When I think all around classy fun, I think the Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Of course a car with a following like the Monte Carlo will have a high performance version, which for 2007 is the Monte Carlo SS. It's certainly powerful, and plenty fast, but as a sports car enthusiast, I was not pleased with the total package this car brings to the table.

As always, let's start with the exterior. The body is exactly what you'd expect, and that's a good thing. Stylish, but at the same time carries itself like a car with a powerful eight cylinder engine should. The choices of paint are all very good looking, but what sets the Monte Carlo apart from others is the option of two-tone factory paint. The two-tone look really gives it that classic muscle car look, and truly sets it apart from any other cars on the road. Unfortunately, you're limited in choices of two-tone factory jobs, but the fact that there are any choices at all should be commended. Of course, you should never judge a book by its cover, so let's hop inside and take her for a spin.

This is where I think the Monte Carlo SS fails - both performance wise, and in stylization. Sure, there is a leather option package, as well as a few other neat little bonuses you can have installed. It doesn't take away from the stereotypically awful General Motors interior. There is simply just too much plastic, and the fact of the matter is that plastic interiors eventually start to develop an annoying rattle; a rattle that you cannot remedy. If the distinct lack of interior styling weren't enough, there is a major problem with the cars performance. Why are there no manuals? When I attempted to build one online, the automatic transmission was the only choice available, and every dealership I contacted only had automatic versions in stock. I'd understand such a lack with the stylish but underpowered V6 versions of the car, but the SS is traditionally supposed to be the powerhouse performer. A car that's marketed toward a racing enthusiast crowd that lacks a manual transmission is a terrible mistake, and hopefully such a mistake will be avoided with the 2009 Chevrolet Camaro. Of course, this isn't to say that the Monte Carlo SS is a bad car - it isn't - it's just severely lacking for a car of its potential.

When it comes down to it, the 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS is a cool car. It's got a lot of things going for it; speed, style, and a classic name. It's just that the lack of performance options on what's supposed to be a high performance car are really disappointing. The plastic interior I've learned to expect from General Motors, but the lack of stick shift was both surprising and upsetting. If you want a Monte Carlo for the sake of having a fast Monte Carlo, the SS is for you. If you're looking to blow away that local 3000GT VR4 driver at the next red light, perhaps you should wait for the Camaro.