During its production, the Beretta was assembled alongside the Corsica and Pontiac Tempest sedans (the latter sold only in Canada) in GM facilities in Wilmington, Delaware, and Linden, New Jersey.

Base model Berettas were equipped with the same powertrain as the Chevrolet Cavalier, the 2.2 L OHV 4-cylinder engine and the 3-speed automatic transmission by default, or the 60-degree V6.

It came standard with Oldsmobile's 2.3-liter, high output Quad 4 inline-four, which produced 180 hp (134 kW) and 160 lb⋅ft (217 N⋅m) of torque, giving it a 0–60 mph time of 7.6 seconds.

Motor Trend's only complaint was the Quad 4's noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and noted it was one of the most raucous engines of its time.

The 1991 model year saw major interior updates, including a new dashboard and center console and the addition of a driver's side airbag.

In 1994, the GT and GTZ were replaced by the Beretta Z26, which put it squarely between the Cavalier Z24 and Lumina Z34 in Chevrolet's lineup.

A Chevrolet Beretta, fitted with a splayed valve, 4.5 liter 90-degree V6 engine, won the Trans Am Series championship in 1990.