What year did they stop making the Chevy Chevette?
In the United States, Chevrolet stopped making the Chevette after the 1987 model year. Globally, the Chevette nameplate persisted longer in some markets, notably in Brazil where production continued into the mid-1990s.
The Chevette was a small, affordable subcompact introduced by General Motors in the mid-1970s. Its production run varied by market, reflecting differences in demand, regulatory environments, and GM's overall product strategy during the era.
North American timeline: US and Canada
Key milestones for the Chevette in North America help explain why the end date often cited is 1987. The car debuted in 1976 and remained in production in the United States and Canada through the 1987 model year, after which GM shifted focus to newer subcompact models and platforms.
- The Chevette was launched in the United States and Canada in 1976 as a value-oriented subcompact option.
- Production for the North American market ended with the 1987 model year, making 1987 the final year for US/Canada-built Chevettes.
In summary for North America, production ceased after the 1987 model year, marking the end of the Chevette era in that region.
Global variations: where else it lasted longer
Outside North America, GM’s Chevette nameplate persisted in several markets longer, with Brazil being the most prominent example. The Brazilian Chevette originated earlier and remained in production into the mid-1990s, long after the North American market had moved on.
- Brazil: Production continued from the early 1970s and lasted until around 1994, when it was replaced by newer GM models such as the Corsa/Classic line.
- Other markets: Some Latin American and Caribbean markets used Chevette variants into the late 1980s or early 1990s, with end dates varying by country and model updates.
Why did production end where it did?
The Chevette’s decline in most markets was driven by shifting consumer preferences, increasingly stringent safety and emissions standards, and GM’s response with newer, more efficient subcompact platforms. In markets where the design remained popular, updates or replacements eventually superseded the Chevette lineup.
Summary
The short answer is that the Chevette ended in the United States and Canada after the 1987 model year, while in Brazil it lingered on until about 1994. Globally, end dates varied by market, reflecting local demand and GM’s evolving product strategy during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
