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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  What a fantastic car - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By joesp - June 11 - 10:32 am

  I was in need of a new car after my 2003 Mazda6 S with over 200 K miles decided to call it quits. My driving style and commute requires a car with some power and great handling too. Also, I was also looking for something good on gas. I got a little frustrated with the options available out there after three weeks o continued research. The field was limited to compromises between smaller high performance cars or boring sedans but nothing really fulfill my taste and needs until I went to check out the Volt. I drove the car and was sold. Still went home and researched this car. After a month and 1400 miles and just $17 worth of gas, I am more convinced that I made the right choice. NO regrets!

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  Amped Up - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By volt47 - May 28 - 11:00 pm

  Bought a 2012 Volt after ordering a Prius plug in. When I heard my Prius was almost here I took a test drive in a Prius and a Volt no comparison! The Volt was more solid, better quality, more comfortable, higher tech, etc. Ive had it 3 months and love everything about it. Ive driven it 45 miles on a single charge and if I dont go on a trip I never put gas in it. When it runs on gas I get 40 mpg. Its a good looking car inside and out and the technology is amazing. Its training me to be a conscientious driver and doing it in style.

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  Review from a car enthusiast - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By quattro - May 8 - 11:25 pm

  I like cars that handle well, beautifully design and well put together.Been driving my volt for 3wks and Im glad to say the volt is all that.Never had GM b4 bc of the quality of cars I have seen.Volt is nothing like that.A technological marvel and very polished from its display, drivetrain, design, handling to how its put together.Doesnt feel like a first gen product at all.GM should be real proud. I have a gen 2 Prius, BMW x5 diesel. prius is light as paper,noisy,drives like a cheap economy car. Diesel rattles and its noisy.Volt rides like a luxury car and feels safe,substantial and quiet U get the most if your commute is ~ the ev range Got 41 miles on e Try it out u will be converted

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  EV1 Owner Waited 10 Years for the Volt - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By ev1_2_volt - April 20 - 10:38 am

  My wife and I had the privilege of having a 1999 GM EV1 when it was a prototype all electric cal with a range of 90-110 miles. Only 500 1999 EV1s were produced. We loved that car! When the EV1 was taken back by GM as part of the agreed up prototye lease agreement we kept waiting and looking for an alternative fuel replacement. I do not care for the Prius, although I appreciate the technology advancements and fuel economy - - To me it is still a 100% all gasoline car. I was waiting for a plug in electric like the EV1. I was hoping for a small SUV like the early edition all electric prototype Toyota Rav. Overall, I am very pleased with the Volt. It meets all my driving needs.

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  Awesome car! - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By volkerbradley - April 18 - 6:31 am

  Have had this car for about a month now. Topped off the gas tank when I bought the car and have not been to the gas station since. The styling is beautiful. In fact, I have been stopped by strangers on several occasions to discuss the car. The car is comfortable and has a solid feel while driving. The instrument panel is comphensive, the Bose radio sounds beautiful, having OnStar and the OnStar app on my phone is a real helpful feature.

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  Love it - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By alanlpa - April 13 - 8:59 am

  Have had the volt fdor 2 weeks now, gone 300 miles and not used a drop of gas yet The estimated milage is bogus, you get much more. this car is really built, i have had 2 Pirus prior to this a 2004 and a 2007, they are like tin cans compared to the Volt.

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  Fabulous Volt - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By farmedb2 - April 3 - 2:42 pm

  Definitely the best car I have ever owned.

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  You cant have just have one ... - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By flyguy15 - March 31 - 8:50 pm

  Our firrst Volt, a 2011, was my car for about a month. My wife - not a real car person - fell in love with it and took it over, leaving her Cadillac parked in the garage. I had to go out and buy a 2012 to repace it. I have owned over 50 new cars (Im really old) and the Volt is among the top. Im not in it for the economy - which is amazing - but for the "fun to drive" factor. In the 6 months of ownership of the 2012 I have only put gas in it once for a 400 mile weekend road trip, the rest is all electric. GM has done an awsome job with the Volt, hats off to the team that developed it!

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  Volt v. Prius: Volt Wins in California - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By johndhenry - March 23 - 12:41 pm

  I have a 2nd Gen Prius and a Volt (first American car I’ve owned) so I have some basis to compare them. To sum it up: TOTAL COST: Volt wins over Prius – The new Prius costs nearly $43K ($36K for car and options + 8.5% CA tax + $4K in 5 year loan interest), while the Volt costs $40K ($44 for car & options + 8.5% CA tax + $0K for GM 5 year loan @ 0% interest - $9K in Fed/State tax incentives). MPG: Volt wins over Prius – After several thousands of Bay Area commute miles I am getting 80mpg. Calif HOV Lane Acess: Priceless. It is no wonder that the Volt has won so many ‘Car of the Year’ awards and Consumer Reports super high marks

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  Volt performance excellent - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By craigrc53 - March 6 - 12:35 pm

  I live in North Dakota and have 4000 miles on my Volt in 2 1/2 months of ownership. I warm my car before leaving home in the AM and at night before leaving the office. It is nice and warm when I get in it for my drive to or from work. Of the 4000 well over 1/2 are highway miles. My overall mileage including warm up and highway miles is about 60 MPG. No other car on the market will perform at that level and certainly not with the solid ride, quiet interior, great sound system and at least to my taste, good looks. I expect my overall gas mileage to climb significantly as warmer weather approaches and I have fewer long trips and, as a result, will have a higher percentage of elecectric mi