What was the last year they made a Chevy Chevette?
The last Chevette built for the North American market was the 1987 model year. Globally, the nameplate persisted into the early 1990s in some regions, with Brazil being the most widely cited long-running example.
North American end of the Chevette era
The following points summarize when the car ceased production in the United States and Canada.
- The Chevette was produced in North America from 1976 through 1987 (model years).
- The final North American model year was 1987.
- Discontinuation in North America came as GM shifted focus to newer subcompact designs and updated small-car lineups.
In North America, 1987 marked the end of the Chevette's era, as GM phased in newer small-car options to replace the aging subcompact lineup.
Global variations and the wider picture
Outside North America, Chevette variants lingered longer in some markets, though dates varied by country. Brazil is the most commonly cited example where the model remained in production into the early 1990s.
- Brazil: Chevette production continued beyond 1987, with end dates commonly cited around 1993 or 1994 depending on the version and updates.
- Other markets: In several regions, Chevette-based hatchbacks stayed in production into the early 1990s before GM shifted to newer subcompact designs.
Overall, the Chevette’s North American run ended in 1987, while the nameplate enjoyed a longer life in select international markets, illustrating how a model’s lifespan can vary by region.
Context and legacy
Introduced in the mid-1970s as an affordable, fuel-efficient hatchback, the Chevette helped Chevrolet meet growing demand for practical subcompacts during an era of price shocks and changing consumer preferences. Its U.S. lifecycle overlapped with GM’s broader product realignments, and while production ended in 1987 in North America, the car remains a reference point for late-70s and 80s automotive design and culture.
Summary
The last Chevy Chevette made in North America was the 1987 model year; globally, the name persisted in some markets into the early 1990s, most notably in Brazil. The end of the Chevette era reflects regional differences in GM’s product strategy and the evolution of small cars from the late 1980s into the 1990s.
What is the rarest Chevy ever made?
The rarest Chevy ever made is the 1969 Corvette ZL1, with only two units ever built. This ultra-limited production car featured an all-aluminum 427 cubic-inch engine and was a factory-built race car disguised as a road-going Corvette.
You can watch this video to learn more about the rarest Chevrolet Corvette, the ZL1: 55sAmerican ClassicsYouTube · Apr 6, 2025
- Ultra-rare production: Only two were ever manufactured due to the high cost, with the ZL1 option alone adding thousands of dollars to the base price.
- Powerful engine: It was powered by a special all-aluminum 427 cubic-inch V8 engine, a more powerful and lighter version of the L88 Corvette's engine.
- Purpose-built for racing: The ZL1 was essentially a street-legal race car, making it a highly sought-after and significant model for collectors.
- High value: Today, these cars are considered "unicorns" and have sold for millions of dollars at auction.
How much is a Chevette worth today?
Q: What is the lowest sale price of a Chevrolet Chevette? A: The lowest recorded sale price was $5,800 for a 1981 Chevrolet Chevette Scooter on Apr 27 2022. Q: What is the average sale price of a Chevrolet Chevette? A: The average price of a Chevrolet Chevette is $15,663.
How much was a 1987 Chevette new?
Documentation in the car shows it had a starting price of $4,995 back in 1987. This Chevette just sold at Mecum's Kissimmee 2025 auction for $33,000. Apparently, someone really wanted a final-year Chevette in new condition. There's a problem though.
What year did they stop making Chevy Chevette?
1986
The Chevette's price was also dropped to $4,995. Sales fell to just over 46,000 units, and production ended on December 23, 1986.
