2004-2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Supercharged SS

Pros :
- Tons of torque.
- Roomy interior.
- Improved handling.
- Somewhat of a head-turner.
- Decent value for money.

Cons :
- Confused styling details - that's what turns heads.
- Only comes with an automatic.
- Fuel efficiency not the best.
- Below-average braking performance.
- A front-wheel-drive V6 NASCAR stock car?

Interior :

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Press Coverage :
With a supercharged V-6 engine and enhancements to ride and handling, the Chevrolet Monte Carlo Supercharged SS will take spirited performance to a higher level in 2004. Chevrolet announced the upgrades to the Monte Carlo SS mid-size coupe during the 2003 Chicago Auto Show.
The 2004 Monte Carlo Supercharged SS is designed to achieve a balance of enhanced power and handling with a 240-horsepower 3800 supercharged V-6, four-wheel independent performance suspension and high-performance Goodyear tires with 17-inch diamond-cut cast aluminum wheels. The Supercharged SS also will feature a race-inspired spoiler, bright stainless steel dual exhaust tips, fog lamps, a six-gauge cluster including boost gauge and "SuperchargedSS" exterior and interior badging.
Along with the performance and handling enhancements, the 2004 Monte Carlo Supercharged SS also will continue to offer features that set it apart from its competitors: racing-inspired aerodynamic styling, solid structure, a comprehensive safety package, spacious interior, extensive level of standard luxury features, and a track record of outstanding quality, reliability and durability.
Chevrolet is working with the GM Performance Division to develop the Monte Carlo Supercharged SS and other SS vehicles that feature strong acceleration, enhanced handling and uncompromised driveability.
The Monte Carlo Supercharged SS will feature the 3800 Series II supercharged V-6. This award-winning engine boasts a torque curve that is consistently high over a broad operating range, providing instant, off-the-line acceleration and ample power for highway merging and passing. The 3.8-liter engine generates 240 hp at 5200 rpm, and an impressive 280 lb.-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm.
The 3800 SC features a compact, 90-cubic-inch supercharger. Performance has been enhanced over the years by refining software in the Powertrain Control Module. As a result, the engine delivers power in a smooth, linear fashion – with virtually no supercharger lag – by adding boost at predetermined points along the power curve.
Among improvements for 2004, the 3800 SC will be outfitted with a direct-mount air-conditioning compressor that reduces vibration for an improvement to noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels. In addition, powder-metal connecting rods replace cast-iron rods for increased durability and reduced weight.
In the Monte Carlo Supercharged SS, the 3800 SC will be mated to the Hydra-Matic 4T65-E four-speed electronically controlled heavy-duty automatic transmission.
Monte Carlo’s body structure provides the foundation for superb ride and handling. A unique extruded aluminum engine cradle helps isolate engine noise and vibration, and the overall tautness of the Monte Carlo’s body structure allows chassis components to be finely tuned to enhance performance. A front strut tower brace, similar to that used in NASCAR Winston Cup race cars, helps create a precise steering response. Monte Carlo Supercharged SS also continues to feature four-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts at all four corners, variable-rate power rack-and-pinion steering, electronic traction control, and large-diameter four-wheel disc power-assisted braking with ABS.
Chassis and suspension enhancements will provide the 2004 Monte Carlo Supercharged SS with sportier ride and handling capabilities. Spring rates will be stiffened in both front and rear, and the rear ride height will be lowered by 10 mm. The combination will help reduce body roll in cornering and improves the driver’s "feel" of road conditions. Monte Carlo Supercharged SS also will receive enhanced suspension components, such as 34 mm front and 19.5 mm rear stabilizer bars (compared to 30 mm/17 mm in Monte Carlo LS), along with refinements to the rear trailing link and rear strut mounts. Goodyear P235/55R17 H-rated tires mounted on 17-inch diamond-cut cast aluminum wheels will provide Monte Carlo Supercharged SS with excellent road-holding and cornering capabilities along with a smooth ride.
Unique styling cues will help set the aggressively styled Monte Carlo Supercharged SS apart from its siblings and establish a link with other Chevy SS models. Monte Carlo Supercharged SS will be available in eight different colors including Black, Competition Yellow, Victory Red and Galaxy Silver, with a monochromatic or two-tone theme including color-keyed bodyside moldings, full-perimeter ground effects and integrated fog lamps.
Other SS highlights include a race-inspired spoiler and dual bright stainless-steel exhaust tips. Inside, the Monte Carlo Supercharged SS will feature a six-gauge cluster with boost gauge, full door-width kick plates featuring the Monte Carlo nameplate and "Supercharged SS" badging.
Gm.com

With black background, white markings and red needles, the instrument layout is not only racy in flavor, but also easy to read and scan, with the major and minor gauges placed on slightly different planes to add visual interest. Another really nice touch inside the new Monte Carlo is its cockpit-style instrument panel that houses those new gauges and controls. It separates the driver completely from the front passenger and provides fingertip access to every system in the array in a nicely styled package that works.
The Monte Carlo comes with bucket seats, of course, and we found them quite comfortable for around town driving. Their shape makes it easy to get in and out of the car. Front-seat passengers appreciate the new shotgun-side power seat option. The seats are easy to adjust and there's plenty of adjustment for short and tall drivers. The tall center console is a bit intrusive for drivers who like to shift the automatic transmission manually. The shifter looks dated. The ignition switch is conveniently located right on the dash, well to the right of steering wheel; this makes it easy to quickly get in the car and get going, or quickly get out of the car after shutting it off. The trunk is large, but the opening looks small, making it difficult to load big boxes.
Nctd.com

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History:
2000-2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
3,791 cc / 200 hp / 225 lb-ft / 3391 lbs / 0-60 mph 7.5 sec.