This is an easy car to operate. Turning on the headlights feels like a step back in time: Just pull the big knob on the left. The steering wheel in the SS features well-designed audio and cruise controls. The cruise control works well, though you may have to look at it initially to position your thumb. The cockpit-style dashboard separates the driver completely from the front passenger and provides fingertip access to every system in the array. It's a nicely styled package, and for the most part is works, although the tall center console is a bit intrusive for drivers who like to shift the automatic transmission manually.
The instruments are straightforward, well-laid-out and easy to read. The gauges were redesigned last year but still feature black backgrounds, white markings and red needles, which make them not only look racy but also easy to read and scan.
Audio systems on the 2007 Monte Carlo feature new, simple-to-operate radios that are compatible with the OnStar system. The base setup comes with six speakers and CD/MP3 capability. A Bose system with eight speakers is available. Order XM Satellite Radio and you get a two-line, 32-character reconfigurable display and the capability to select between AM, FM and XM stations without having to reset the frequency. An in-dash six-CD changer is also available. All radios include a standard auxiliary input for external devices, such as an iPod or MP3 player, to be played through the vehicle's audio system. The input is located in the lower right corner of each radio.
The trunk is large, but the opening is relatively small, making it difficult to load big boxes. Next Page