1988 Chevrolet Beretta Base review from North America

I replaced a head gasket about a week after I bought it at 150,000 miles ($300). I also replaced a coil pack twice, the entire exhaust system cat back, 2 or 3 sets of brakes, the front struts, and alternator and a computer (which was due to the original replacement alternator overcharging the electrical system) A/C has never worked since I bought it. Cruise control just recently stopped working at 225,000 miles.

This is one bad ass car. It's 15 years old now and I've had it for 5 of those years. It has never ever left me stranded. The car is starting to look pretty worn, the paint is peeling bad and faded, and the dash is really busted up. However it has also spent 13 harsh years in Minnesota and North Dakota winters and has very little rust on it, unlike most 88' Honda's and Toyota's I've seen. I love this little car to death though and I'm obsessed with driving it until it dies even though I have a new 97' Grand prix GTP. I can't stress how reliable this car is, it's been all over the state of Minnesota, Colorado, made trips to Texas and back, trips to California and back to Colorado, etc. The acceleration is still pretty brisk once it warms up, but I'm not going to win any races. With 230,000 miles and 15 years old on the original motor and tranny though you have to accept some power loss. The only thing I've fixed on the engine or transmission is the head gasket 5 years ago which didn't cost all that much. Chevy really needs to bring this car back or at least a car as reliable as it to build a loyal customer base among young consumers. This car has left a great impression on me of what great economy cars America can build. My Ford Tempo died with 160,000 miles on it and only lasted 6 months, after I had put an average of $250 a month into it.