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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  After one month... - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By mwfromva75 - August 5 - 1:20 pm

  I figured I would wait a little while before I commented on this car. I can not say enough how good it feels to drive this car right past every gas station where I used to keep such a close eye at the prices of gas. Now I dont care! I have yet to use one drop of gas, 500 miles all on electricity! Its a wonderful feeling! The car itself is nice! It rides VERY well for a small car and it is super quiet! If youre thinking about this car I advise you to go drive one - you will find it hard not to buy it after one drive! Its THAT impressive!

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  I LOVE my Volt - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By bdc1963 - August 4 - 10:35 am

  This car is so much fun to drive. I have 100% renewable electricity so "fueling" the car is truly environmentally friendly and what little I spend to do so stays in America. This car is very smooth and quiet with good handling and braking.

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  2 months/1600 miles- 10 gallons of gas- lots of fun - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By markgrogers - August 3 - 5:05 pm

  I have had this car for two months now and driven nearly 1600 miles in it. Not a single squeak, rattle or defect. I love the hatchback- plenty of room when rear seats are folded. Onstar works greatand its FREE for 3 years. Satellite radio is a blast. Great handling, very comfortable ride. I have spent only about $40 in gas for two months (and still have 5 gallons in the tank). Averaging more than 110 MPG when combining battery & gas usage (see voltstats.net for real world stats of more than 1500 Volts posted by owners-not by GM- many are doing better than me on mileage). Routinely averaging 45-50 miles on battery when driving carefully. Not a home run- a Grand Slam!

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  Best car ever owned - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By cody1943 - July 29 - 9:08 pm

  7 weeks, 1458 miles, 2/10s of a gallon of gas and $26.41 elect cost. If you drive less than 50 miles a day, wow what a great car. Winter may prove to be a challenge. Fun, fast and cheap to drive. Never in my life time did I think I would see a car that got over 100 + miles per gallon. Chevy hit a home run with this car. Did I mention FUN. Its expensive, but what other car can you get some of your money back buy not stopping at the gas station 4-6 times a month at 50 to 60 bucks a time.

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  happy volt owner - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By solarvolt - July 27 - 10:47 pm

  Writing this review after 5 months of volt ownership. I was waiting to buy a plug in hybrid/EV and researched all available models like the Leaf, Focus electric, C-max, prius etc. After evaluating the pure EVs like Leaf, Focus etc., I decided that the Volt range of 40 miles per full charge satisfied my daily commuter needs. I had not owned an American car for about 20 years now and was skeptical of the quality. But the rave reviews from Volt owners convinced me to test drive one. It was love at first drive. I was impressed with the way an electric car drives and how solid this car felt. The transition to gas when electric runs out is seamless and have to look at the gauges to realize.

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  RE-VOLT - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By revolt - July 27 - 1:54 am

  Being an auto enthusiast and race driver, I have one basic safety criteria for a car beyond the standard crash testing. This is collision avoidance and includes: handling, breaking, and acceleration. The Volt exceeds these needs. After looking at the available hybrids last year, my wife purchase a Volt. 6500 miles later and averaging over 250mpg, the car is great! She loves the car, averages 38mi/chg, has numerous places to plug-in on her daily routine and rarely uses gas. When I replaced my vehicle, I looked at what was available and purchased our second Volt. 1500 mi later, I have only used 3.1gal of gas, and average 42mi/chg 240V charger is a must have for multiple trips.

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  First 1,000 Miles in the Volt - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By mn_volt - July 23 - 3:02 pm

  After test driving pretty much every comparable hybrid, we traded in our Audi TT Roadster for the 2012 Chevy Volt. After the first 1,000 miles, we both love driving this car!! We were hesitant for a couple of reasons: the price tag was much higher than the hybrids we test drove (including the fully loaded versions of the Lexus CT200h, Prius, and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid) and, we were leary of the "technology" differences of this EV/gas car to that of the traditional hybrid. However, we are way beyond any of those potential buyer remorse feelings...this car is fun to drive, performs really well, and we didnt neccessarily give up any major creature comforts from our loaded Audi TT.

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  Why the Volt makes sense for me - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By palmbeachcpa - July 3 - 8:51 am

  I traded my 2010 Mazda 3 in for a 2012 Chevy Volt and couldnt be happier. I drive 14 miles each way to work so I can go the entire week without using gas. Had it for a month and averaging 105 mpg, and that includes two 150 mile trips to Miami. I was going to get a newer 2012 Mazda 3 but after doing some analysis, I figured that I would save $4K over five years by getting the Volt. How you may ask? Simple, I am eligible for a $7500 tax credit and I save $200/ mo on gas. So if you do the math, the Volt costs $8K more than the Mazda3 after the tax credit, but will save $12K in gas over 5 years. And that is taking into account increased electric, and an occational fill up in the Volt. Sweet!

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  Great car to drive - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By steve437 - June 26 - 7:01 am

  We recently bought a Volt and love driving it. We test drove a Prius at the same time, and the acceleration + handling of the Volt was much better. Its a really fun car to drive. With my commute (35 miles round trip) were getting over 160 miles per gallon.

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  More affordable than I thought... - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By pcain - June 18 - 3:14 pm

  Ive had my 2012 Volt for a month now, and Im confident in saying that Chevrolet has delivered on all of its promisies: This car is qiuet, quick, comfortable and cost effective. When I first saw the $40,000 base price, I wasnt sure that I could afford it. However, when I factor in the money I save each month on gas, this is actually the most affordable car Ive ever owned. The federal and state incentives are also a big help. Just like everybody else says, it feels powerful and solidly built. The on-board technology is delightful. I bought the base model, because the "standard" features on this car would be premium options on any other car. Technologically, the Volt stands alone.