When did Chevy Beretta come out?
The Chevy Beretta first came out in 1987 as a 1988 model year, with production beginning that year and the model remaining in production until 1996. This article traces when the car was released to the public and how it evolved through its run.
Release chronology
To understand when the Beretta entered the market, the following timeline highlights the key milestones from its introduction to the end of its production run.
- 1987: Chevrolet publicly unveils the Beretta for the 1988 model year, with manufacturing kicking off in late 1987.
- 1988–1996: The Beretta is sold in dealerships as a 1988 through 1996 model year, undergoing styling and feature updates over its lifecycle.
- 1996: Production ends, marking the conclusion of the Beretta’s eight-year model run.
In summary, the Beretta’s release began with an unveiling in 1987 for the 1988 model year, and production continued through the 1996 model year.
Context and design notes
Chevrolet positioned the Beretta as a compact, front-wheel-drive two-door sport coupe built on GM’s J-platform lineage. It represented a shift toward modern, sporty styling in Chevrolet’s lineup during the late 1980s, aiming to appeal to buyers seeking a tool-and-tuneworthy daily driver with a coupelike silhouette.
Key release details
The following points provide context for what the release signified for Chevrolet and the market at the time.
- The Beretta was developed to expand Chevrolet’s sporty offerings beyond traditional sedans, targeting the growing two-door coupe segment.
- It shared a platform with other GM compact models of the era, emphasizing front-wheel drive and contemporary styling cues common to late-1980s GM vehicles.
These release details illustrate how the Beretta fit into GM’s broader strategy and the competitive landscape of the period.
Summary
The Chevy Beretta first appeared in 1987 as a 1988 model year and continued in production until 1996, marking Chevrolet’s entry into a more modern, compact sport coupe segment during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Its eight-year run reflected both the era’s design trends and GM’s platform strategies of the time.
How much is a 1990 Chevy Beretta worth?
The value of a used 1990 Chevrolet Beretta ranges from $723 to $5,579, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.
Was the Chevy Beretta a good car?
The Chevy Beretta was a good car for many, praised for its sporty appearance, reliability, and value, especially the Z26 and GTZ performance models. However, its overall quality was sometimes hampered by cheap interior parts and a suspension that could struggle on rough roads in non-performance models, and some base models lacked power features. Ultimately, whether it was "good" depended on the specific model and the owner's expectations.
This video reviews the performance and features of the 1990 Chevy Beretta GTZ: 52sMotorWeekYouTube · Jul 16, 2015
Pros
- Sporty and stylish design: The Beretta's styling was considered a strong point by many owners, holding up well even after production ended.
- Reliability and longevity: Many owners reported their Berettas lasting well over 100,000 miles, making it a durable and long-lasting vehicle.
- Good value: Owners found the Beretta to be a good value, especially for its price point.
- Performance (especially GTZ): Performance models like the GTZ were praised for their powerful engines, precise handling, and fun driving experience.
- Nimble and responsive handling: Even non-performance models could be nimble and responsive, making them enjoyable to drive.
Cons
- Interior quality: The standard interior was often criticized for cheap plastic parts.
- Suspension: The base model's suspension could fall short on rough roads.
- Lack of features: Some models lacked power windows and mirrors.
- Performance (base models): Some base models with 4-cylinder engines were considered underpowered for their looks.
- Safety features: Some older models lacked airbags and anti-lock brakes, though this was improved in later years.
The bottom line
- For a budget-friendly, reliable car: The Beretta was a solid choice, especially if you were looking for something affordable to maintain.
- For performance: The Z26 and GTZ versions are the ones to seek out, as they offered a much more engaging driving experience.
- For comfort and luxury: You might find the base model's interior and suspension lacking compared to its competitors, though some owners still found them comfortable.
When did Chevy stop making Beretta?
1996
In 1996, Chevrolet ended production of both the Beretta and Corsica after 10 model years. The Corsica was replaced by the Chevrolet Malibu in 1997.
How much is a 1996 Chevy Beretta worth?
The value of a used 1996 Chevrolet Beretta ranges from $488 to $1,587, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
