The Detroit News's view

For once, our harping seems to have fallen on receptive ears at General Motors. Regardless, we’re delighted that GM planners finally saw fit last year to separate the Chevrolet Lumina and its two-door look-alike, the Monte Carlo, and give the latter model distinctive new sheet metal – a design that vividly recalls classic Monte Carlos of the 1970s.

The all-new 2000 Monte Carlo now shares many of its underbody pieces with the new Impala sedan. Thankfully, the two cars look nothing like each other. With its ample performance, abundance of equipment and under-$20,000 base price, the Monte Carlo LS seems like a good value. We also like the even sportier Monte Carlo SS. But by the time you add even a handful of options, like the equipment on our test vehicle, the $25,000 sticker doesn’t look like such a bargain.

He: The first Monte Carlo I can remember seeing back in my home town was driven, appropriately enough, by a local guy whose nickname was Hot Rod. He had a dark blue Monte Carlo, probably a 1969 model, and it was beautiful. I’m not sure how big the demand still is for a sporty coupe this size and price. But I sure enjoyed the time we spent testing the new car. I just wonder what Hot Rod would say if he knew Chevrolet is using the dopey Tasmanian Devil as the cartoon mascot for the 2000 Monte Carlo.

She: I kept thinking about the female Taz with the lipstick and the bridal veil.

He: The one I married?

She: OK, Pepe LePew. My point is a Tasmanian Devil is still a Tasmanian Devil. And a Monte Carlo is still a guy car. Here’s my experience with the car. I drove it up to northern Michigan and back by myself – eight hours of intense driving in one day – and it felt like I was five years old and wearing my mother’s high heels. I suspect the Monte Carlo is going to be a poor fit for most petite women – literally. I found the steering wheel was too thick, and the seat bottom was too long. The Monte Carlo feels like it was made for a big man. The problem is, nobody seems to be able to build a universal one-size-fits-all car. I was all set to recommend this vehicle to my friend Connie, but I didn’t. On the other hand, her husband would love it. That’s why I’m giving it three stars.

He: Because her husband would love it? Isn’t that a little sexist, dear?

She: No, it’s honest.

He: Gee, I actually enjoyed driving the Monte Carlo. I was pleasantly surprised by the ride quality, which is a function of the car’s all-independent suspension, dual stabilizer bars and 16-inch Goodyear Eagle RS-A performance tires. On the SS, the suspension is tuned a bit more aggressively, so the ride is firm, but it’s also still compliant enough to soak up those Michigan-size potholes. The power rack-and-pinion steering is also quicker and more responsive than we’ve encountered on previous Monte Carlos.

She: I want to go back to my “guy-car” spiel. GM says 55 percent of Monte Carlo buyers are male. That sounds low t o me. Especially on a vehicle that they’re constantly linking up with stock-car racing. I know some women like NASCAR, but I still think it’s mainly a male sport. NASCAR, Tasmanian Devil – I get the subliminal message. Just don-t start talking about torque, OK?

He: Let’s talk about torque. The Monte Carlo SS gets the 3.8-liter V-6, which makes 200 horsepower and 225 pounds-feet of torque. Chevrolet fits a four-speed automatic with a 3.29:1 final drive ratio, which gives you decent acceleration off the line and at mid-range speeds, but still enables the engine to return nearly 30 miles per gallon on the highway. That’s exceptional considering the size and performance of this car.

She: You haven’t mentioned safety. Four-wheel disc brakes with antilock are standard, and you get traction control as an extra on the SS. Surprisingly, you can’t get side air bags on either model, which seems like an inexcusable oversight on Chevrolet’s part. I had one other thought, too. If you nk about the marketing tie-ins, with the Tasmanian Devil and NASCAR, the Monte Carlo seems to be aimed at a blue-collar audience. Isn’t it odd then that Chevrolet named it after a famous playground for the rich and famous?

2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Anita’s rating: above average

Paul’s rating: above average

Likes: Distinctive styling recalls classic Monte Carlos; adequate, if not overpowering performance; decent list of standard equipment includes air conditioning, power windows; SS package adds even more goodies, including traction control and dual-zone temp controls; firm, yet smooth ride, even with Goodyear Eagle RS-A performance tires (Paul).

Dislikes: All-black interior is bland and male-generic; no side air bags; how many women can’t live without a rear spoiler, dual exhaust outlets and Goodyear Eagle performance tires? (Anita); looks like less of a bargain when options push sticker price over $25,000; steering wheel too chunky, seat bottom too long for petite drivers (Anita)

Type: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, five-passenger coupe.

Price: Base, $21,735; as tested, $25,004 (inc. $560 destination charge).

Engine: 3.8-liter V-6; 200-hp; 225 lb-ft torque.

EPA fuel economy: 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway.

12-month insurance cost, according to AAA Michigan: $1,125 (Estimate. Rates may be higher or lower, depending on coverage and driving record.)

Where built: Oshawa, Ontario