Overview & Reviews

The Chevrolet Volt represents a voyage into uncharted waters for both General Motors and automakers in general. A so-called plug-in hybrid, the front-wheel-drive Volt is a four-door, four-seat hatchback that's motivated primarily by an electric motor good for about 40 miles of range. That's enough to get most people to work and back. Should you need to go farther, a gasoline-powered engine is aboard (it acts as a generator) to extend the car's range by as much as 300 miles and essentially turn the Volt into a regular hybrid.

Truly, the Volt represents a glimpse into the future of automotive propulsion. For those with a short commute, the concept makes a lot of sense, while the car's gasoline-powered engine gives it a notable range advantage over all-electric cars like Nissan's Leaf. Moreover, with potentially hefty government tax rebates plus a $5,000 price cut for 2014, a new Volt is more attainable than ever, with used values likely to drop accordingly. We encourage early adopters to give the innovative Volt a chance.

Current Chevrolet Volt
The Chevrolet Volt is essentially a plug-in hybrid, meaning it has the ability to run much faster and farther under electric power alone than a normal hybrid. In the Volt's case, this means up to 100 mph and anywhere from 25-50 miles without using a drop of gasoline.

Once you run out of battery juice, the gasoline-powered inline-4 engine kicks in, producing electricity for the motor and actually powering the wheels in some circumstances, stretching the Volt's range by as much as an additional 300 miles. A "Hold" feature lets you choose when to bring gas power online, allowing all-electric mode to be saved for opportune stretches.

The electric motor is rated at 149 horsepower (111 kilowatts) and 273 pound-feet of torque. Drive force is sent to the front wheels through a specialized planetary gearset.

Standard feature highlights include keyless ignition/entry, automatic climate control, a split-folding rear seatback, a six-speaker sound system and GM's MyLink system that includes Bluetooth streaming audio, voice controls and enhanced smartphone integration. Major options include low-emissions equipment so it can qualify for HOV lane access (certain states only), a rearview camera, leather upholstery, heated front seats, lane departure warning, a navigation system and a Bose sound system. Volt owners can monitor the car's status and set charging times through an online Web portal or a mobile phone app.

In our reviews, we've found that the Chevrolet Volt has satisfying zip at low speeds thanks to its electric motor, which offers abundant torque. Although the Volt corners surprisingly well due to its low center of gravity, the overall driving experience is as bland as one would expect from a car designed to maximize energy efficiency. But the Volt certainly isn't a laggard, and overall performance is similar to what you'd get from a normal four-cylinder-equipped family sedan. Acceleration is the same whether or not the gas engine is in use, but there is a noticeable (though not really objectionable) increase in noise.

Inside, the Chevy Volt features a unique dashboard layout that's part spaceship, part iPod -- and pretty darn cool. There's a high-tech gauge readout behind the steering wheel and a swoopy center stack that looks like an oversized high-end electronic device. Unfortunately, the touch-activated "buttons" can be difficult to pick out at a glance, and sometimes don't respond on first press. This is definitely an instance of form over function.

The rear seat is adequate for two average-sized adults, but there's no middle seat thanks to the T-shaped battery pack, which occupies this slot as well as part of the trunk. Cargo capacity is limited due to the Volt's rakish roof line and that hefty battery pack, though the rear seatbacks do fold down.

Used Chevrolet Volt Models
The Chevrolet Volt debuted for 2011. In this first model year it came standard with navigation and the Bose sound system; they became options the following year. Note that these early Volts had a potential battery fire issue after a particularly severe side crash. As such, you'll want to make sure any early 2011 Volt has received the needed fix.

Changes have been mostly minor since, though the 2011 and '12 Volts lack the optional low-emissions equipment and lane departure and collision warning systems found on the current model. Likewise, the "Hold" mode wasn't introduced until 2013.

User Reviews:

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  volt service issues - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By amped1 - October 12 - 11:04 am

  I love my volt. Couple of months old. Car is great. The issue is service. Here is a simple issue that the volt team and stingray chevrolet cannot fix. When you use the bluetooth, as the vehicle increases in speed the road noise above 40 mph with windows up etc. makes it impossible for anyone to hear you. The bluetooth cant hear anyone over the road noise in the microphone. It makes it impossible to use. The volt team cannot find a way to fix this issue. If service is an issue for you be wary, they can build a great imaginative vehicle but they cant figure out how to fix even simple problems with the car.

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  Love this Volt and the fuel savings - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By 53stephen - October 9 - 8:52 am

  I traded my BMW X3 for the Volt. I am thoroughly impressed with the technology and engineering of this vehicle. My wife and I primarily use this for around town driving with the occasional road trip. I love the fact that you will essentially not use any gas in city driving as long as you stay below the 38 mile range - so no C02 or carbon monoxide emissions at all. The car is comfortable (I am 63") and very quiet. The standard features are excellent. Chevrolet hit a home run with this car and I love buying American again.

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  A true bargain if leased....$299/month - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By jfkirk - October 1 - 3:47 pm

  My Volt replaced a 20ishmpg Lexus. Over the 36,000 miles of the lease the Volt will save me $7200 with gas at $4.00 gallon. (My commute is within the Volts electric ranged...so no gas.) The actual cost to me over the old Lexus with gas savings is about $99.00 a month for a very nice $40,000 car. Obviously if something drives gas past $4.00 the savings go up even more.

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  Great car at a great lease! Thanks Obama! - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By audi_b - September 30 - 1:37 am

  What a deal-low lease for this fantastic car and I no longer visit the gas station! Somebody needs to get us off the gas pipeline, why not the government. Thanks to lucrative incentives, I drive this car for less than my former gas bill.

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  Love our new volt! - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By bchidester - September 10 - 9:30 pm

  The 2013 volt is fun to drive, accelerates quickly, very quiet, fun new technology, low maintenance. We have used less than 1 gallon of gas in the last two weeks while driving it daily. Two carseats fit in the back seat and the trunk has room for our double stroller plus more.

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  love my Volt - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By utgotacoma - September 8 - 5:22 pm

  after 3 months, this car has won me over gas power car or hybrid like Prius. If your average driving a day is 45 miles or less than probably dont need gas for a long time. Plug-in is convenient, clean and fun to drive. I did went over 45 miles trip few times but gas kick in is quiet and still drive like EV car not like Prius. This is the best car plus zero interest on loan. loved it.

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  Great car - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By solcar - August 29 - 11:28 am

  We bought a Volt 2 months ago. If we had stayed around town we would have used no gas. Despite taking several trips over 200 miles to our second home, and multiple long commutes to work out of town, we are averaging 112 MPG, by plugging into 120 v charging at the destination. It beats our Prius for mileage on long trips handily, and rides much smoother. It gets over 40 mpg with the switch to gas Since we have solar the charging is carbon free. Very satisfied so far!

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  After 6 months - 308 mpg - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By igh - August 23 - 9:36 pm

  Currently at 4500 miles with 14.6 gallons spent. Have not visited the dealer once after buying. Oil life is at 96%. Looks like first maintenance will be after 2-3 years other than the tire rotation. Will buy one more pure EV soon. Bye bye Shell/Chevron/Exxon.

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  Amazing technology, fun to drive, but at a price - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By hsm - August 21 - 7:52 pm

  Great car... replaced a BMW 335I... this car isnt a bimmer, but its a very well built vehicle although there is a lot of plastic... fun to drive... but, you have to learn how to drive it... I drive mostly in low around town (not in the traditional sense as car is one speed), it helps regenerate the battery more efficiently... getting between 38-45 miles on a charge this way... when driving on open road, hold feature is outstanding... saves all the electric... Averaging 36 MPG when on all gas ... Overall MPG will depend on how you drive... the more you use it as an EV the higher the MPG... Car is pricey but so is all new technology... happy to buy American... dont miss the Bimmer...

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  Middle East Oil=0 USA=100!!! - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By dsinned - August 21 - 7:14 pm

  If you frequently drive short distances and/or have a minimal commute, this car is a definite WINNER!!! You may NEVER need to fill up on gas again! Technologically, the Volt is leading edge state of the art. Charging the high tech battery is effortless. I heard the Volts Lithium Ion battery can be recharged 5000 times before wearing it out if once per day, every day of the year, that means this battery should last at least 13 years. However, GM provides a 15year/150k warranty for good measure! Tax incentives are going fast. It is easy to get over sticker shock because a Chevy Volt is an OUTSTANDING investment!!!