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Used 1996 Chevrolet Beretta Consumer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars
41 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 Beretta, so we've included reviews for other years of the Beretta since its last redesign.

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Pros
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4.38 out of 5 stars

A Great general use Vehicle

Michael, 09/25/2010
1995 Chevrolet Beretta Z26 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A fairly "cool" looking vehicle with performance capabilities and good fuel economy! Handling is great and on the last road trip, was getting 420 miles a tank (16 gal) doing 80+ mph. Fairly Large trunk space and comfortable bucket seating. Excellent Braking System and restraint system for high speed driving and safety!

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Good Car, but there are downfalls

Mikedonalds, 04/10/2002
1996 Chevrolet Beretta 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great car mechanically, I have 121,000 miles and the engine is still strong and peppy. Transmission has been a dream. I have gunned the engine far more than a few times and can outrun (w/ my V6) any Saturn, any neon, or 90's mustang (base model). Downfalls: The paint/primer are of poor quality - very poor. The daytime running lights are a major annoyance, prior to dusk my headlights turn on and off simply by entering and exiting a shady area. Driver side left foot space is crampy and there is no comfortable place for it. Floor carpeting in front and back sucks, ex. staining and fraying. Doors are heavy, actually too heavy. They will start to drag slightly and squeak

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4.13 out of 5 stars

96' Z26

Chevymuscle218, 12/16/2008
1996 Chevrolet Beretta Z26 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought this Z26 off my brother and have owned it for about 6 months now. The car currently has 220,000 + miles and it runs great. Never burns oil. Steering is getting stiff. The cup holders in the car are not that great. There is no room in the back seats when there is two people up front. You have to have the seat (for me) all the way back so you have some decent leg room, problem is it takes away from the rear passenger space. The 3.1 motor seems to be very reliable athough blown head gaskets seem to be a common problem with them I have yet had this problem. Even though its a Z- 26 I beleive the car has a sporty apperance, but is far from a sporty car and acceleration is not the greatest.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

The Good Cheap Car With Problems

Bobbyz26420, 04/02/2010
1996 Chevrolet Beretta Z26 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I owned my 1996 Beretta Z26 model for about 7 months. It was a great car, real sharp and it raced decently, (once beating a 2000 Camaro). She ran beautifully for the first three months, but after that I started having oil pressure problems. I ended up having to replace the radiator, ignition switch, engine timing chain set, water pump, belt tensioner, and an oil sending unit, totaling out to a whopping 1350 just for parts, not including labor. I finally decided to give up on her when the engine bearings and rods ended up wearing out to where the engine needed replacing, and the transmission was already slipping and a belt was rubbing off in the transmission oil. Great car, doesn't last long.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

I miss my Beretta!

Andielion, 10/21/2010
1996 Chevrolet Beretta 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I had my Beretta as a first car for about 8 years until it was just recently totaled. It was an incredibly smooth ride and had very little maintenance issues. It leaked water into the car the whole time I had it, but that did not matter because it's reliability easily canceled out that minor problem. I would suggest a Chevy Beretta to anyone!

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4.25 out of 5 stars

nice first car

ki, 05/08/2002
1995 Chevrolet Beretta Z26 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

very reliable car, i love it for a first car

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Great Car

floridacats, 01/19/2008
1995 Chevrolet Beretta 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my Beretta slightly used. Have had it for 12 years now and have 213,000 miles on it. Yes it needs a new engine but It has given me little trouble and I wish too Chevy would make them again. It has good space inside for tall drivers. I'll be sad to see her go.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Great car

Drew, 03/11/2010
1995 Chevrolet Beretta 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've had my beretta for a little less than a year now. i have had all kinds of things go wrong with the car but i dont care, i still love it and since im a mechanic i plan to keep it until the rust takes out the floor and i gotta use it like a flintstones car. The engine is strong and the comfort is great for a compact car, the only thing that should be different about the car is the fact that the car isnt made anymore

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4.75 out of 5 stars

My best car yet.

James, 05/04/2010
1995 Chevrolet Beretta Z26 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the best car that I have ever had. Rides great and I have not had to put money into it. I get average fuel mileage with it.

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2.38 out of 5 stars

Unreliable vehicle

Lulu, 08/18/2002
1995 Chevrolet Beretta 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Nothing but problems from the beginning when pruchased NEW! Brake problems constantly, ABS problems, cloth seat covers not holding up at all, "plastic" console cracked, replaced and cracked again! The elastic on the visors wore out in no time. Door lock broken. Hood latch cable broken. Gas gauge works intermittenly. Defroster vents on dash board loose. A/C lost it's cool! Original tires lasted 30,000 miles.

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5 out of 5 stars

Sweet Ride

g2thet, 08/27/2002
1995 Chevrolet Beretta Z26 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Very good car if you like a car that fast but not to fast.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

fun cur

bobski, 09/13/2002
1995 Chevrolet Beretta 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have this car for almost 7 years and I love it. Can't Imagine another car, and I hope Chevrolet will come up with another Beretta in the future, of course I had few problems with the car but what do you expect for 145000 and still running great....very fun to drive driving it to work every day, 70 miles a day.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Very Nice Car

Havoc55, 10/29/2002
1995 Chevrolet Beretta Z26 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love this car, I'm 6 foot 5 inches tall and i fit in this car good. The car drives great and the engine sounds great for a 1995, I haven't had to replace many parts, just some lights and new brakes when they went that about it. It is a good reliable car,and it looks really cool and has a good size engine in it.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Fast but not catching the cop's eye

KTCat, 11/17/2002
1995 Chevrolet Beretta 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the 2nd Chev. Beretta that I have owned, and I have put them to the test. Beretta's are very dependable cars. They have the fast get up and go without the very fast obvious look. It is so much fun to have a Mustang or another sporty type car to pull up beside you, thinking they can show off, and without any real effort you leave them in the dust.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

fun to drive and very reliable....

aozdemir, 01/03/2003
1995 Chevrolet Beretta Z26 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my first car, this '95 Beretta, last summer. Although I replaced many items, I am happy to drive it. Back left part of the body is wrecked but I am not concerned because of the quality engine noise . This makes you feel you are in a great American car.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

a great used car

Sal Writer, 01/27/2003
1995 Chevrolet Beretta 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After 6 1/2 years as a used car, the Beretta still rocks. It's been reliable, sturdy, and with standard maintenance has held up very well. The ABS are a great safety feature, I will never buy another car without 'em. The upholstery is the only thing that hasn't held up that well. But mechanically this car is solid. Too bad Chevy never bothered to update the car and discontinued in '96. If you have one, it's a classic. The car a nice line to it.

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3 out of 5 stars

bad car

jmm22, 01/26/2003
1995 Chevrolet Beretta Z26 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car thinking it would last em for a long time, but that was not the case. I've had this car for 7 months and have put close to 900 dollars into it. You name it's been replaced, such as the heater coil, fan belt, battery, alternator, powerwindor, power lock, egr vavle, spark plugs, radiator. This final straw is a cracked block and blown head gasket.

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5 out of 5 stars

JUST PLAIN AWSOME

benjamin, 08/09/2003
1995 Chevrolet Beretta 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is just plain awsome, the handleing is awsome, accel is awsome,sound is awsome, the seats r confortable , great for a long trip!!!! THE 3100 V6 WILL LAST FOREVER!!!! the speed will last forever 2

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4.88 out of 5 stars

My First Car

Foo24Z26, 03/22/2004
1995 Chevrolet Beretta Z26 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It was very sporty looking for a 1995. I love the acceloration and quickness of the car, it's easy to pass with on the highway, nimble and agile in the city. I bought it with 38,000 miles on it, and now have over 150,000; and I still love it. I've only ever had minor wear and tear items be replaced on the car and it's been extremely reliable.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Has its Days

Bilke, 05/11/2004
1995 Chevrolet Beretta 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my second Beretta so that says a lot. I bought a Z26 new and a coupe used. It has over 125,000 miles and it still runs pretty good. The handling is great. My Z26 was very fast. My coupe is just so-so.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Nice car

bigdan3, 08/19/2007
1995 Chevrolet Beretta Z26 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have worked on cars for 35 yrs now, and this is a well built ride. My z26 has 181,895 miles on it and i plan on getting a lot more out of it. it still looks new and drives like new. 30mpg not too bad.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Good car!

sillygirl, 01/18/2003
1995 Chevrolet Beretta 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is a good car. I haven't had to many problems with it and have owned it for almost eight years! The only main problem i had was i had to replace the engine, but other than that, it's very reliable. A very comfy car to drive in. There aren't that many goodies with my car, just the basic radio, no tape player or cd player. But it's a good car that will get you were you need to go to!

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3 out of 5 stars

Its alright. But Im ready to get rid of

Benja, 05/24/2003
1995 Chevrolet Beretta Z26 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I haven't had the car for even a year and it seems like day after day the car get weaker and weaker. Im not saying the car is bad in any way, but I prefer excellent performance and I am not getting that in my Beretta. After I purchased this car from Dinacolas, aka signature in Spencerport, Ny. My only dislike about the car is how easy it rusts, and the fuel economy. I could drive 20 miles and i would lose 3/8's of a tank of gas. Other than that I loved the car, but its time for something new...

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5 out of 5 stars

Very Strong Running Car

1996Berettaguy90, 08/27/2008
1996 Chevrolet Beretta 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had this car for 3+ years now, and it is running strong. Has the typical engine knock that all 3100 SFI V6's make, most of them come like that from the factory. This car has made it through 3 minnesota winters, and has come with minor repairs done, mainly to the cooling system. Have gone through an alternator, that is a typical repair in 3100's. This car is constantly put under torture due to my lead-foot driving, and it still runs great. Bought this with 167,000 miles about 4 years ago, and $850 for a car that lasts for 20,000 miles and still runs great is definitely worth it. Perfect first car. Low maintenance costs. I plan to drive this car until it gives up, then rebuild it.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Great Car!

Jardaz, 01/31/2009
1996 Chevrolet Beretta 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Awesome car. I have had mine for 3 years. I haven't had any huge problems just the basic maintenance. The car has gone from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia to the outskirts of NYC more times than I can remember. Gas mileage is good and a very dependable car. I wish Chevy still made them. If you come across one and you're looking for a used car, consider it. It's the best car I have ever owned

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4 out of 5 stars

Hey mikey i think he likes it

Z-26 Addict, 06/30/2002
1996 Chevrolet Beretta Z26 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I do likes it i likes it alot. This is the second Beretta z-26 that I have had. I crashed/ totalled the first one. I really like this thing. It can keep with and beat a lot of cars and it resonably disguised as a small coupe with not a lot of but when you want it the power is definatley there. The car it self is just too heavy if they found a way to ligthen it by about 500 too 1000 pounds the thing would be a lot better.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

nice car

franky kiko, 08/04/2002
1996 Chevrolet Beretta 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

its a nice car

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4.5 out of 5 stars

nice ride

Slash, 01/07/2003
1996 Chevrolet Beretta Z26 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Nice sporty ride. Very reliable. At 52,000 miles and counting.

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1.38 out of 5 stars

It smells like a sweat sock

callAAA, 09/28/2003
1996 Chevrolet Beretta 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought the car a few years ago at 88000 miles. Since it rolled onto 90000 there have been thousands in repairs. A strange leak has also appeared that from my research is common in all beretta and corsica models. It will be years before I EVER buy another chevrolet. American cars be warned ... keep putting out crap and you will lose customers.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

excellent first car

foozler, 03/01/2003
1996 Chevrolet Beretta 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

AT 79,000, the engine and trannie are very strong. Its small appearence is misleading. It does have power. SOund system is great. excellent control of the road. Great for a fist car!!!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Love my beretta but...

AG_47, 01/08/2006
1996 Chevrolet Beretta Z26 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my Beretta. It gets through the snow really well - something useful in these Minnesota winters. It has 182,000 miles on it and nothing big has gone wrong with it. I have to sell it because I need something newer. If I could keep it and afford to buy another car I would. It gets great gas mileage - only $30 to fill the tank. It is a little small but it feels a lot roomer than a caviler or a cobalt. The trunk is huge - I recently moved and only had to make a few trips. If you are looking for a great, reliable, dependable car then think about getting a Beretta!) Also, it is really sporty and fun to drive.

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1.63 out of 5 stars

Stressed

jan, 07/12/2006
1996 Chevrolet Beretta 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car was awful. Problems with the headlights. The alternator went out three times while I had it. The ABS system, continued to have problems squeaking, and grabbing. The road noise so bad, I was glad when I reached my destination just for the silence. Issues, issues, issues. I was so very stressed waiting for that moment I knew was coming, she died in an intersection, with me by her side, glad she's gone

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5 out of 5 stars

i like barettas

berettagurl, 06/07/2004
1996 Chevrolet Beretta Z26 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

barettas are cool cars,

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3.5 out of 5 stars

'96 Chevy Beretta Still rolling!

Jinx01, 09/07/2004
1996 Chevrolet Beretta 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I got my chevy before I got my wife, and it has seen both of us go through some major changes. It helped me move her stuff little by little into our first shared apartment. Carried the two of us to the hospital and the three of us back twice!( Shout out to Ayanna 12/10/98 and Aliya 12/09/2000) Saw us through moving into a house and still managesa to carry myself to work and my daughters to school every day! If I get another car, It will have to meets some high standards. But I plan to drive my beretta until it falls apart, and with 101000 plus miles, it hope that isn't soon.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

First Car

Franklin, 08/14/2006
1996 Chevrolet Beretta 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This was my first car in 2001 and it still is my only car. I wrecked it once (my fault), but I got it repaired and I have never had a problem other than normal wear. I live in a small town of 8,500 and most older cars (not classics) are the Caviler, the Corsica and the Beretta. Practically everyone who has ever owned one of those three say that they won't die. I don't want to ever get rid of my Beretta.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

SWZ26's review

SWZ26, 09/05/2007
1996 Chevrolet Beretta Z26 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Excellent car! And I have owned 4 in the past. Now I own a 1996 Z26 and it is beautiful car. I recently lost my 2002 Chevy Cavalier in a accident and it was a total lost. This car rides so smooth and the seats are so comfortable. I would recommend this car to anyone. It is a well made car and stands the test of time.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

96 Chevy Beretta

Rev Mackey, 08/16/2007
1996 Chevrolet Beretta 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Overall a great car for dependability. I have had repeated problems with the brakes (three times to Midas for front and back) and it took a little time to get used to front wheel drive. Not a good car for winter driving.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

148K and still going!

Joel, 05/29/2008
1996 Chevrolet Beretta Z26 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My Z26 has 148K miles on it and it keeps going. She has every options available. I bought my Beretta from my son for $600 with 140K on it. He bought for $450 and changed the upper intake gasket. We changed the water pump before I started driving it. I keep an eye on the coolant level still because it still leaks. I drive it 60 miles one way for work. I have been averaging 30MPG with mostly hwy driving. This car is quick, reliable, and is giving me great MPG's. Gas is at $4.10 a gal in IL now and you can't beat getting that kind of gas mileage out of a sporty and well appointed car. I will drive her to the ground.

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2.5 out of 5 stars

It's OK, not great

shado, 02/25/2009
1995 Chevrolet Beretta Z26 2dr Coupe
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Now, I've had mine for about 4 months and compared to my first car and my second car the Beretta is a family car, yes, even the z26. All my other cars are faster off the line and down the track. The only good thing I can say about the Beretta is that it does get good mileage for a V6 and it does get me from point a to point b with out any problems. I would get this car for a young driver but not for the thrill seeker

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4.5 out of 5 stars

"MY BABY" !!!!!!!!!

Jennifer DeArmitt, 03/03/2004
1995 Chevrolet Beretta 2dr Coupe
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

NO REGRETS FOR THIS PURCHASE! BOUGHT IT 2 YRS AGO, DRIVE IT ALOT; NEARLY 1000 A WEEK SOMETIMES & IT HAS NEVER LET ME DOWN DESPITE SLOW OIL CHANGES (LAST ONE WAS OVER 10000 MILES AGO). I DON'T LIKE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL BEING A ROTATING, ROUND KNOB AND I REALLY DON'T LIKE NOT HAVING A DELAY FOR WIPERS BUT THOSE ARE MINOR COMPLAINTS CONSIDERING THE DEPENDABILITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE VEHICLE. WITH DARK TINT, BRA FROM MANUFACTURER AND REGULAR WAXING IT IS AN EYE CATCHER YOU WON'T SEE BROKEN DOWN SOMEWHERE. I'D ADVISE ANYONE NEEDING A RELIABLE CAR THAT IS A PLEASURE TO DRIVE AND EASY TO INDIVIDUALIZE VISUALLY TO BUY ONE!!

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1 out of 5 stars

Horrible first car

Joes, 07/09/2019
1996 Chevrolet Beretta Z26 2dr Coupe
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I see a lot of positive reviews so maybe I had a lemon.but I had one it was a 96 z26 my mom gave it to me as my 18 b day gift the car had like 60?something thousand miles so not a lot this was back in the early 2000s.it was a cool looking car other then the teal paint and pink z26 stickers every 18 year old boys dream color combo lol...anyway to many issues to list frankly the majority were electrical also like an earlier post alternator issues a plenty but many other electrical issues.it got very very pricey specially for a young guy with not a lot of money. Couldn’t really Cruz with friends due to the back seat being all but pointless maybe you could get one person in the back if they put legs across the seats.a positive though was t was a quick little car and like again in an earlier post it could heat the v6?mustang witch was cool.when it ran though.that car left a very expensive bad taste in my mouth

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
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