1993 Chevrolet Beretta GTZ from North America - Comments

I bought this car, fully knowing that it was 7 years old at the time of purchase and I was expecting the problems that I've had.

- My head gasket blew at 82,700 miles.

- My alternator died.

- My Quad 4 motor has internal problems and is being replaced.

As I said, I bought this car knowing it was a high maintenance car. I don't like the repair bills, but when the car is running, it is incredibly fun.

With its strong 180 HP engine and 5 speed manual transmission this car can EASILY outrun and out maneuver many of the cars on the road.

The interior is pretty comfortable and is aging well.

Since my motor has now died, I'm replacing it with a race built Quad4. I plan on keeping this car for a long time!

I have a 1990 Beretta GTZ, mint condition, 235,000 km, yet the engine has a loud knock on start up, I know that this engine is a very complicated one.

I am 100 percent it's not the bottom end, she runs smooth, not a splutter. That leads me to my question - drove it one day, stopped parked it, came back and sure and behold, knock not tick, but knock knock, I can feel it when I place my hand on the top of the the cover.

IMO, the Beretta GTZ is poor quality. Other high specific output small FWD cars (mainly Honda and Toyota) have better performance and longevity.

IMO, so what. These cars all have reliability issues (GM cars from the 80's-90's) and are of lower quality. That doesn't mean they're not worth owning. If you know something about cars and don't mind doing your own maintenance (I like working on my car), these are cheap and enjoyable cars. Parts are readily available and cheap. I'd like to see a toyota bought for $1600 take my car (a 1990 Z24, just as problematic, if not more). You can't even find a 90's corolla for that much! The point is, so what if GM slacked off in the 80's 90's? As long as you pay attention and spend time on your car, it will last. And if it costs you a few thousand less and is that much more unique, more power to you.

My quad 4 will out run all the honda and toyota on the road and my quad4 was built right so it never breaks so what then.

About the "shoulda got a japanese car" comment. Consider this. I have a 1988 Z24. I take care of it, and maintain it, and it is reliable as sunrise. Coincidence? Oh, and it can outrun and outhandle any economy car toyota or honda built in 1988. :)

Expensive? WHAT??!?!? A BERETTA?!? If you think a Beretta is expensive you must not live in the real world!! Its one of the cheapest cars ever made!! All PLASTIC just like every other American Made "quality" car. I'm 100% American and I will tell you first hand, we can't build cars. Stick to Nissan, Honda, Toyota baby!