When did they stop making the Chevy Chevette?
The U.S. production of the Chevy Chevette ended after the 1987 model year, while some international markets kept the model or its variants in production a few years longer. In short: North America halted the Chevette in 1987, but its global life extended into the early 1990s in other regions.
The Chevette was GM’s small-car staple of the late 1970s and 1980s, built to compete in a crowded subcompact segment. Its production spanned multiple continents and market versions, making the end date a tale of regional timelines rather than a single global cutoff. This article traces where and when those timelines diverged.
End of U.S. and Canadian production
Factors behind the end
Before detailing the timeline, it’s worth noting that North American buyers shifted toward newer front-wheel-drive small cars and updated platforms in the late 1980s. GM also faced rising regulatory costs, shifting consumer tastes, and the need to streamline its subcompact lineup, which contributed to phasing out the Chevette in the U.S. and Canada.
- 1976 model year: Chevrolet introduces the Chevette in the United States (and Canada) as GM’s entry-level subcompact.
- 1987 model year: U.S. and Canadian production ends as GM pivots to newer small-car platforms and updated rivals.
With the 1987 model year, North American assembly lines stopped producing the Chevette, marking the end of an era for GM’s budget hatchback in the region.
International life of the Chevette
Brazil and regional variants
Outside North America, the Chevette’s life continued longer in several markets, most notably in Brazil, where local production adapted the model to regional needs and continued into the early 1990s. The global story reflects a staggered sunset rather than a single shutdown.
- Brazil and some Latin American markets: Chevette variants remained in production into the early-to-mid 1990s, beyond the North American cut-off, before being replaced by newer GM small-car offerings (often based on evolving Kadett/Corsa platforms).
- Other regions: Certain markets kept a Chevette-based product or derivative for a few additional years, with end dates varying by country and model updates.
In broad terms, the Chevette’s U.S. retirement in 1987 did not end its global presence overnight; it continued in several markets where local manufacturing and branding extended its life into the early 1990s.
Summary
In the United States and Canada, the Chevette ceased production after the 1987 model year. Internationally, the car persisted in various forms into the early 1990s, with Brazil commonly cited as one of the markets where the Chevette name and design lingered longer before being replaced by newer GM subcompact offerings. The story highlights how a single model can have a different sunset across regions, shaped by local demand, manufacturing strategies, and branding decisions.
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.
What was the last year for Chevy Chevette?
It was ultimately built for model years 1976-1987. To no one's surprise, the Chevette was the best-selling small car in America from 1979 and 1980.
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 did a 1984 Chevette cost new?
At $4,990, the '84 Chevette was cheap and reliable.
