1990-1996 Chevrolet Beretta: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1996 Chevrolet Beretta and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes (1992-96)
- Value
- Acceleration (V6 and Quad 4)
- Handling/roadholding (GT, GTZ, Z26)
Cons
- Control layout
- Engine noise (4-cylinder)
- Acceleration (early 4-cylinder)
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
When introduced during 1987, Chevy's compact, sporty front-drive coupe and its Corsica sedan mate became hot sellers. By 1990, the original engines were gone, as Berettas adopted a larger 2.2-liter four and a 3.1 liter V6. Making 135 horsepower, the V6 was standard in the GT coupe. A sporty GTZ with 180-horsepower Quad 4 engine joined the 1990 lineup, replacing the prior GTU.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Chevrolet Beretta 3.1-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 42 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1996 Chevrolet Beretta. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1996 Chevrolet Beretta.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Chevrolet Beretta:
A driver-side airbag arrived for 1991, and the high performance GTZ could get a V6 engine instead of the standard Quad 4. Accompanying the airbag was a new steering wheel, plus redesigned gauges and controls.
1992 Chevrolet Beretta:
Antilock braking became standard for '92, as the base 2.2-liter engine added 15 horsepower. The 3.1-liter V6 again was standard on the GT and optional on base and GTZ Berettas. The GTZ continued to use a standard Quad 4 engine.
1993 Chevrolet Beretta:
Base, GT, and GTZ models again went on sale, but the V6 that had been standard on the GT was now optional for all Berettas. The GT's Quad 4 engine dropped five horsepower, due to stricter emissions standards.
1994 Chevrolet Beretta:
More-potent engines arrived, a Z26 with new Quad 4 engine replaced the GT/GTZ, and a 4-speed electronic automatic transmission joined the 3-speed. The new 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine made 120 horsepower (up from 110), and the available V6 gained 20 horsepower (now rated at 160). The dual-overhead-cam 2.3-liter Quad 4 engine, installed in the Z26 coupe, developed 170 horsepower. The new electronic 4-speed automatic was the sole transmission choice for Berettas with V6 power. Door-mounted front shoulder belts replaced the former manual seatbelts.
1995 Chevrolet Beretta:
Daytime running lights were added, and the Z26 got V6 power, deleting the Quad 4 engine. Automatic-transmission fluid and spark plugs now required no servicing for 100,000 miles under normal operating conditions.
1996 Chevrolet Beretta:
For its final season, the front-drive coupe showed few changes.
Our road test for the 1990-1996 Chevrolet Beretta includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1996 Chevrolet Beretta and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1996 Chevrolet Beretta is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
The V6 engines, standard on the GT, are more powerful than the noisy and anemic four. A GT, in fact, delivered the best mix of performance, looks, and value. In any model, an automatic transmission beats the imprecise 5-speed. Four-cylinder Berettas with base suspension and standard narrow tires furnish few thrills, even with the extra horsepower in later models. Weak in performance when connected to automatic, that 2.2-liter engine is noisy with either transmission. A V6 delivers lively acceleration and works well with the smoother 4-speed automatic transmission. Adding the GTZ in 1990 took performance a serious step forward. Even its sport suspension and 16-inch tires cannot prevent the GTZ from getting weak-kneed in really fast driving, but it offers quite a lot of driving pleasure for the money. On the other hand, the GTZ's unsupportive sport bucket seats and uncoordinated suspension detract from the fun on twisty roads. The Quad 4 engine in later Z26 coupes is quick but noisy, demands expensive premium fuel, and, like the GTZ, came only with the rough-shifting manual transmission. Front seats are roomy and the rear is passable. Average-size adults aren't likely to complain about brief rides back there--though getting in and out can be a challenge. Gauges are clearly marked, but cumbersome rotary dials for headlights and wipers cannot be operated without taking your hands off the wheel. Climate controls are too low to operate easily while driving.
Value for the Money
By its final years, Beretta lagged behind its rivals in style and image. On the other hand, a Beretta offers more interior space than most sport coupes and was among the few to offer a V6 engine option.
By its final years, Beretta lagged behind its rivals in style and image. On the other hand, a Beretta offers more interior space than most sport coupes and was among the few to offer a V6 engine option.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Chevrolet Beretta 3.1-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 42 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Chevrolet Beretta includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Chevrolet Beretta .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Engine noise:
Ticking noise from the engine after startup may be due to loose piston wrist pins requiring replacement of all six pistons and pins. (1994-95)
Engine noise:
A rattling noise on cold startups could be due to oil-pump starvation and cavitation in the automatic transmission. (1994-95)
Engine noise:
Ticking on cold startup may be due to excessive piston pin to bore clearance. (1994-96)
Transmission leak:
A revised transmission-oil seal (green in color) was created to correct a leak at the right front (drive) axle. (1992-94)
Water leak:
Water leaks onto the right front floor through a gap between the air inlet screen at the bottom of the windshield. (1991-94)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $590 |
| Alternator | $280 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $510 |
| Brakes | $225 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $625 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $500 |
| Exhaust System | $315 |
| Radiator | $375 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $505 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $255 |
Our price chart for this generation Chevrolet Beretta details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1996 | |||
| Beretta | $1,600-2,000 | $1,100-1,300 | $200-300 |
| Beretta Z26 | $1,800-2,200 | $1,200-1,500 | $300 |
| 1995 | |||
| Beretta | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Beretta Z26 | $1,600-2,000 | $1,100-1,300 | $200-300 |
| 1994 | |||
| Beretta | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Beretta Z26 | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Beretta | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Beretta | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Beretta | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| 1990 | |||
| Beretta | $0 | $0 | $0 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Chevrolet Beretta include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.4 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 187.3 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.9 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.0 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2756 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.1 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.2 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.6 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.4 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.6 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.6 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
By 1990, Berettas had three engine choices: base 2.2 liter 4-cylinder with 95 horsepower; 135-horsepower, 3.1-liter V6; and a new Oldsmobile-developed, dual-overhead-cam High Output 2.3 liter Quad 4 that put out 180 horsepower, in the GTZ. A 5-speed manual gearbox was standard; 3-speed automatic optional in all except the GTZ (unless a V6 was installed). For 1992, the 4-cylinder gained 15 horsepower. Two years later, it added 10 more. Also in '94, the 3.1-liter V6 gained 20 horsepower (reaching 160). A 170-horsepower Quad 4 was installed only in the new Z26.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv I4 | 2.2 / 133 | 95-120 | 120-130 | 5-speed manual: 25/27 3-speed automatic: 24/31 |
5-speed manual: 27.6 3-speed automatic: 22.3 |
| dohc I4 | 2.3 / 138 | 170-180 | 150-160 | 5-speed manual: 21/31 | 5-speed manual: -- |
| ohv V6 | 3.1 / 191 | 135-160 | 180-185 | 5-speed manual: 19/28 3-speed automatic: 20/28 4-speed automatic: 21/29 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: 21.9 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Chevrolet Beretta include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1993 Beretta |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1996 Chevrolet Beretta directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1991:
Steering-wheel nut may not have been properly tightened, allowing steering wheel to separate from column, causing loss of control and potential for crash without warning.
1994-95:
Reinforcement panel was omitted from right-side rocker assembly, reducing occupant protection in a side-impact collision.
1996:
Interior lamps might come on unexpectedly while vehicle is being driven.
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