• Chevrolet first introduced the Monte Carlo in 1970 to compete with muscle cars of the era. In 1988, however, the automaker discontinued the Monte Carlo and replaced it with the Chevrolet Lumina. It then reintroduced the Monte Carlo in 1995 and produced it until 2007, sporting more fuel-efficient components and a smaller frame. The 2003 Monte Carlo, part of the vehicle's sixth generation, came in LS and SS models.
  
  

Engine and Fuel Economy

• The 2003 Monte Carlo LS came with a 180-horsepower, 3.4-liter V-6 engine capable of producing 205 foot-lbs. of torque. The SS model came with a 200-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 engine capable of cranking out 225 foot-lbs. of torque. The LS was a bit more fuel efficient, achieving about 21miles per gallon (mpg) city and 32 mpg highway compared with the SS model's 19 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
  
  

Transmission and Drive Type

• Both models of the 2003 Monte Carlo came with a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Overdrive allows the engine to achieve greater fuel efficiency with less wear. Both models had front-wheel drive with four-wheel disc brakes, front and rear strut suspension and rack-and-pinion steering.
  
  

Dimensions and Safety

• The 2003 Monte Carlo was a two-door midsize coupe with a length of about 198 inches, width of about 72 inches and height of about 55 inches. A wheelbase of 111 inches allowed for a turning radius of a little more than 18 feet. Safety features included four-wheel antilock brakes, driver and passenger front airbags, available side airbags and center high-mounted brake light.