When did they stop making Chevy Beretta?
The Chevrolet Beretta was discontinued after the 1996 model year, with production ending in 1996.
First launched in 1987 as a two-door coupe built on GM's J-platform, the Beretta carried through the early to mid-1990s before GM ended its production in the United States. This article traces the stop date, the model's brief lifecycle, and the wider market conditions that led to its retirement.
Production timeline
Key milestones that define the Beretta's lifecycle—from its debut to its retirement—are summarized below.
- 1987: Chevrolet introduces the Beretta as a two-door coupe on GM's front-wheel-drive J-platform.
- Early to mid-1990s: The model receives minor updates and new trim levels as GM refreshed the lineup.
- 1996: GM ends production; the Beretta's run concludes with the 1996 model year.
In short, the Beretta's production spanned about a decade and a half, with its official end in 1996.
Context and reasons for discontinuation
The decision to discontinue the Beretta reflected broader trends in the auto industry during the 1990s and GM's strategic priorities at the time.
- Market demand for two-door sporty coupes declined in the mid-1990s as buyers shifted to more practical four-door models and SUVs.
- GM sought to streamline its front-wheel-drive lineup and reallocate engineering resources to newer platforms and drivetrains.
- Cost and competitive pressures, along with the need to modernize interior features and safety standards, contributed to the decision to retire the Beretta.
With no direct Chevrolet successor in the two-door coupe segment, the Beretta's retirement marked the end of an era for GM's late-1980s sporty coupe lineup.
Legacy and what followed
Today, the Beretta is remembered by enthusiasts for its styling and as a symbol of a specific era in American front-wheel-drive performance cars.
Collectors and automotive historians often cite the Beretta alongside other J-platform coupes as examples of late-1980s design trends and GM's platform strategy.
Summary: The Chevrolet Beretta was produced from 1987 through 1996, with 1996 serving as the final model year. Its discontinuation resulted from shifting market preferences, cost considerations, and a strategic move by General Motors away from two-door sporty coupes in that period.
