2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Few, if any, vehicles today can claim they offer a dual personality. For more than three decades, however, Monte Carlo has successfully portrayed such a character, offering both sophistication and race-inspired styling. The net result? It's known as being 'classy with a wild streak.'

Styling heritage is two-fold

The strengths of today's Monte Carlo make it one of America's best-selling cars in the midsize coupe market and the most successful NASCAR Winston Cup racer.

Buyers continue to recognize Monte Carlo's styling as a key reason for purchase. Monte Carlo's styling cues, such as the long sloping hood, short rear deck, distinctive 'C' pillars and athletic stance, recall previous generations, yet the design is unmistakably modern.

The aggressive profile was also influenced by the need for aerodynamic efficiency to achieve better fuel efficiency and for NASCAR's fast tracks. Such concerns led to the addition in '02 of a front license plate filler cover as standard equipment.

A Sport Appearance package Optionalion for the LS includes five-spoke sport aluminum wheels and rear spoiler. An Optional High Sport Appearance package on the SS model features specific ground effects, unique wheels, a race-inspired decklid spoiler and stainless steel exhaust tips.

Monte Carlo's new exterior color choices for 2002 are Medium Green Pearl, Bright Red and Competitive Yellow.

Heart and soul of a champion

Monte Carlo delivers an impressive vehicle structure, excellent power and fun-to-drive performance.

Its chassis and body architecture provide remarkable rigidity and stiffness. A unique extruded aluminum engine cradle helps isolate engine noise and vibration, and a magnesium cross-car beam (MagBeam) spans the entire width of the instrument panel, ensuring vibration-free mounting points for heating, ventilation and audio systems.

Power is provided by two proven engines: the 3400 V6 and the award winning 3800 V6. The 3400 V6 is standard on LS, and provides the most standard horsepower and torque, at 180 hp and 205 lb-ft, among primary competition, along with unsurpassed highway fuel economy (estimated 32 mpg). The 3800 V6 in the Monte Carlo SS generates 200 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque.

Sporty ride and handling are the result of a four-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts at all corners. Specific to the SS are larger stabilizer bars calibrated to allow more spirited driving without giving up excellent ride quality, and aggressive P225/60R16 Goodyear Eagle RSA tires.

Comfort and convenience abound

Monte Carlo has as much as seven more cubic feet of interior room than any non-GM competitor in its class. Even with the roominess and appointments of a luxury vehicle, Monte Carlo owners get a racecar-inspired interior feel.

Standard equipment on all Monte Carlos includes a climate control system with individual driver and front passenger temperature settings and electric outside rear view mirrors. A standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat makes Monte Carlo's 15.8 cubic feet of trunk space very versatile.

Among the variety of entertainment systems for '02 is a new Enhanced Premium Sound Optionalion featuring an improved amplifier for greater listening pleasure.

Safety and security

Attention to safety and security is also key to Monte Carlo's success. For example, all models offer such standard features as a tire-inflation monitoring system, a passive theft-deterrent system and ABS disc brakes.

Monte Carlo's standard safety story has several new additions in 2002. A three-point (lap and shoulder) belt is now included in the center rear seat position. A LATCH (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for Children) attachment system now enables secure installation of a child seat without having to use the three-point belt system.

Since the 2000 model year Monte Carlo has met all 2003 government occupant protection standards, and recently received a 5-star rating (the highest rating possible) for driver and front passenger protection in frontal crash tests. Remote keyless entry, a driver's side-impact air bag and the technology of OnStar are standard on the SS model. A driver's side-impact air bag and remote keyless entry are available on the LS. For more information on OnStar, see the 'OnStar' section in the 2002 GM Corporate press kit.

Source - GM Corporation