And if the front end is a little less distinctive, well, there's still no mistaking the Monte's silhouette when you move around to the side. Even here, however, Chevrolet has cleaned up the design, with a wider and more subtle protective molding mounted lower on the body; and better-integrated sill extensions. Around back, too, much of the fussy detail of the old design has been shaved off for a cleaner, more grown-up appearance. Gone (and good riddance!) are the frilly air slots in the lower bumper extension, replaced by a solid black panel that nicely frames the SS model's dual exhausts. And the reverse lights, which before looked tacked on to the bumper at random, now extend in elegant oblongs from either side of the license plate opening.
New flat-blade windshield wipers provide consistent pressure on the glass, which helps eliminate streaking and wind noise. And in a reversal of typical Detroit practice, the re-styled 2006-07 Monte actually measures 1.2 inches shorter than previous model.
The Monte Carlo SS is distinguished by a black-diamond crosshatch grille, and a purposeful rear spoiler that emphasizes the car's NASCAR heritage. Corvette-inspired bright exhaust outlets also are standard on the SS, and a new Rally Stripe package is available. Next Page