DecodedCars2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe FWD Ls/Lt, 2dr Coupe FWD Ltz/SS
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.9L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- FFV, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 196.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,373–3,490 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints23 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 89 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (3.5L 6-cyl, 3.9L 6-cyl and 5.3L 8-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 197 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,373 lb (2dr Coupe FWD Ls/Lt).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 29 highway), 7% better than the 2006 midsize car average of 20.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2006
- Engines added: 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.9L 6-cyl and 5.3L 8-cyl
- Engines dropped: 3.4L 6-cyl and 3.8L 6-cyl
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Monte Carlo →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe FWD Ls/Lt | 196.9 in | 72.8 in | 55.9 in | 110.6 in | 62.2 / 60.6 in | 3,373 lb | 63/37 |
| 2dr Coupe FWD Ltz/SS | 196.9 in | 72.8 in | 55.9 in | 110.6 in | 62.2 / 60.6 in | 3,490 lb | 63/37 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monte Carlo FFV | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 29 / 22 | +7% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Monte Carlo | 3.9L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | +2% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Monte Carlo | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 26 / 19 | -7% | $4,350 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Ford Mustang | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Honda Accord | 26 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2006 Chevrolet Impala | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Toyota Camry | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Dodge Charger | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 24 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (1)
Electrical System › Ignition · Jun 23, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V355000 · 3,141,731 vehicles
- Problem
- This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- Risk
- If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.
Not every 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 7 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 87,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Monte Carlo years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 Monte Carlo | 22 | 196.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
| 2005 Monte Carlo | 22 | 198 in | Not rated | 1 | 22 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →