When did Chevy stop making the Chevette?
Chevrolet stopped making the Chevette after the 1987 model year in North America.
The Chevette was GM's compact entry built for the oil-shock era, introduced in the early 1970s to offer affordable transportation in the United States and Canada. Its production spanned most of the decade, with variations of the model appearing in other markets around the world. By the late 1980s, GM shifted its lineup toward newer subcompact designs, and the Chevette was phased out in North America.
Origins and role in the GM lineup
Born out of GM’s response to rising fuel prices and demand for economical cars, the Chevette helped fill the gap between economy and practicality. It was part of GM’s broader strategy to field affordable, small-car options across its brands, competing with rivals in the same subcompact segment. The Chevette’s simple, utilitarian design made it a common sight in showrooms and on used-car lots for more than a decade.
Global footprint and variations
Outside North America, GM used the Chevette name on various small-car derivatives built on shared platforms. In some countries, the model lineage continued under different branding or regional adjustments into the mid- to late-1980s, but the North American production of the Chevette ended in 1987. This reflects how automakers globalized platforms while tapering specific market offerings at different times.
End of production in North America
The final Chevette models for the United States and Canada rolled off assembly lines in 1987. GM then redirected its small-car focus toward newer designs that would define the late-1980s and beyond, marking the end of the Chevette era in these major markets.
Summary
In summary, the Chevrolet Chevette’s run in North America concluded after the 1987 model year. Its presence helped GM navigate a shifting automotive landscape in the 1970s and 1980s, and its legacy sits alongside the broader history of subcompact cars as GM transitioned to newer models in the ensuing years.
