New Sedan Review - Long-Term Update - Chevy Monte Carlo Z34

'95 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34
Our Monte Carlo Z34 has proved to be a competent American coupe that's a big step forward in quality and design from the Lumina two-door it replaced. However, its overall inoffensive nature also leaves it devoid of the character embodied by its name. While the 3.4-liter DOHC V-6 engine is peppy enough for passing and effortless mountain driving, it doesn't have the kick of the big 454-cid V-8s-but it produces more horsepower than the previous-generation V-8-powered Monte Carlo SS. The Z34's ride is stable and comfortable, but doesn't encourage enthusiastic driving. Despite its healthy size, the Z34 feels fairly nimble on curvy roads. One editor wrote, "The more I drive it, the more I like it." Staff nitpickers were hard pressed to produce a list of dislikes; the short roster includes door locks that don't clearly indicate if they're locked, large doors that are reluctant to stay open, and a passenger seat that when empty flops forward under braking. The engine went through a brief stalling phase, but our dealership couldn't detect a problem, and the trouble hasn't recurred.