GM's popular 3800 engine is probably the most highly developed overhead-valve V6 in the world. With all the refinements that have been baked into it over the years, in terms of valvetrain friction, bottom-end strength and friction, and electronic engine management and fuel injection, this is about as good as it gets for an overhead-valve V6. Couple this engine to GM's excellent four-speed automatic, add all-speed traction control, and you've got yourself a really solid power unit that offers fun as well as decent fuel economy.

The 3400 V6, on the other hand, is a solid unit, but this car isn't quite the same with the smaller engine. In fact, it seems to miss the point entirely. If you're after practicality, maybe you should look at the Impala.

But the SS model's Sport suspension works with fat P225/60R16 Goodyear Eagle RSA tires to provide really surprising levels of grip. As a tradeoff for the bite they yield, the tires are a little noisy. The steering is over-assisted in a lot of situations and does not provide as much feedback from the front tires as we would like, but it is tight and accurate. The Monte Carlo has the widest front and rear track in its segment. (The track is the distance between the left right wheels.) Coupled with the tires and suspension, this makes for a platform that is good fun to drive through the backwoods as well as on the boulevard or Interstate. In short, the Monte Carlo is stable and responsive.

If you're gonna run with the fast guys, you'd better have good brakes. Larger, more powerful antilock brakes were fitted to this new Monte Carlo and they are up to the job. They have the largest calipers and rotors in the class, and we punished them mightily on one of our favorite stretches of twisty road, without a whisper of fade or grabbiness.