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:

• 

  Fantastic car - best Ive ever had - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By dderamus - March 3 - 9:22 am

  I just purchased a Volt great car: great performance, really fun to drive, amazing torque, very high quality build, been running it almost entirely on electricity (like many Americans, radius of my daily driving is not more than 35 miles), the gasoline engine kicks in seamlessely to extend range to 300+ miles (at approx 40 mpg), and easy to recharge at night (at a small fraction of the cost of gasoline). Im 64", 2 kids, and we fit fine. Technology integration very well done - nav, backup camera, etc. all works seamlessly (incl hard drive dvd player easy ipod/iphone connect voice recognition). Electric really does make driving fun again!

• 

  Cold Weather Volt Owner - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By voltman - February 27 - 9:35 am

  I live in Minnesota and have 2 months of winter driving experience with my Volt. Like other owners I can say I love the car. Fit and finish and design are stunning. The heater works fine which was a concern of mine. There are 2 heater modes. Eco consumes less battery but doesnt heat as effectively. Regular is equivalent to other cars. When it is quite cold (less than 28 F), the battery will get you 33 miles but beware the gas engine will go on for about 5 of those miles to keep the battery and cabin warm. The best youll get is about 130 mpg for those 33 miles. Above 30 F, you can expect 30 miles per charge with no use of the gas engine. In general, I have gotten 37 mpg on gas.

• 

  No. 2392, 9 months, 26000 miles, OK - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By talbottsolar - February 18 - 11:19 pm

  The Volt is eerily quiet. I drove for weeks with the windows down just to understand what it was doing. It accelerates like an elevator, just tire noise and a stiff push from the seat. My wife was driving us up to Lassen Lodge, nice wide winding mountain roads not much traffic, listening to "Il Volo" on the Bose sound system, and chatting away at more than a mile a minute as it turned out! She was driving in her comfort zone, and was substantially over the speed limit! Its a really nice car. Ive been in for the free oil change at Maita Chevy, and to repair a flat tire. Mileage is 55 MPG. Fuel savings is $1K. With the tax credit. and fuel savings it has cost me zero to own this Volt.

• 

  Only 250 mpg - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By liftaddict - February 18 - 9:25 pm

  Traded in a 2010 german turbo diesel which only got 40mg for this. Electric motor with generator is way faster and more economical. My wifes commute is just over 40 mi round trip and the elevation gain is about 750 ft. She ends up using gas the last few miles. But the performance is better than most cars we have owned. Fit and finish are excellent . The electric motor responds intantly not like the other hybrids. This is a real car with the advantage of being able to take advantage of our solar panels.

• 

  Punchy acceleration and rides as smooth as butter - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By spazmataz - February 17 - 12:55 am

  This car is fantastic! -- Its as roomy as an entry level Mercedes Benz, zips around city streets like a sports car, handles like a BMW and is quieter than a Rolls Royce. When I first saw a Volt in person, I found it much larger than I thought. Dont let certain pundits fool you. In truth, the Chevy Volt is roughly the same size as a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 Luxury Sedan, both inside and out (compare specs). The Volt only seats 4, but in my case thats fine. The interior is sleek and comfortable, the exterior far nicer looking than other plug-ins in the same price range, and the 17" aluminum rims look great. According to my odometer, so far Ive driven 1325 miles on 0.2 gallons of gas.

• 

  Volt = Economical Commuter Entertainment - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By 2012knl - January 28 - 5:44 pm

  Ive owned a 2012 Volt for just over 2 months now and have put 6100 miles on it. I spend a ton of time in the car as I drive approximately 140 miles per day for work. Purchased the car due to the economical benefits and am extremely pleased with many other aspects of the car as well. Ive averaged just over 55 MPG total- which is above my expectations. On the weekends- the car is our family transport. With 2 kids- we are constantly coming and going to school events, sports, plays, dance, ect. During the times were driving around town- we use 0 gas. Costs approx. $1 to charge overnight - thats it. Come home and plug it in. Weve saved aprox. $350/month driving this car! Pays for itself!

• 

  I Love My Volt - 2012 - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By ampeater - January 26 - 1:17 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned. It looks good, handles well and is incredibly inexpensive to drive. 6,500 miles and 41 gallons of gas - only because I drove it to FL from MI. 42.5 mpg on the way down using gas. I drive it typically under 30 miles per day and usually have 39-40 miles of battery available when I start in the morning. So unless I need to go more than 40 miles, I dont use any gas. I plug the car into my 110v house system at 8:00 at night and its fully charged in 10 hrs (6 am). The price of the car is too high unless the tax rebate continues, but I plan to keep it as long as I can (8-10 yrs).

• 

  Beyond Electric - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By gaulfinger - January 25 - 9:12 pm

  I like my tag line better than Chevys "More Car than Electric" - it says it all so much more succinctly. Ive always enjoyed the smooth and quiet driving experience of an electric car. Volt delivers that in spades. It also goes beyond a mere e-car by having range extending gas for when the battery runs low. So its the best of both worlds. Even better, the transition from E to G is so smooth - way better than other hybrids Ive owned or driven. The total package is so well thought out - truly amazing.

• 

  Like no other car Ive ever driven... - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By ejecea - January 12 - 10:54 pm

  I have owned Volt #3219 since July 2011 and cannot say enough about it. It is the very definition of under promise/over deliver. I drove away in my Volt without previously having a test drive and I was immediately shocked at the sheer power and torque. It far surpassed my expectations. At 42 years old, Ive driven everything from a modified 69 Camero to a $250,000.00 Porsche GT2, and I can say that the Volt is just as much FUN to drive! Really! The instant torque is addictive. While driving it home through Wyoming, I simply couldnt keep the car under 90 mph. OH Yeah... the Bose sound system totally ROCKS, and the heater (which really matters in Montana) is awesome.

• 

  Fantastic machine - 2500 miles and smiling! - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By jeffthedccguy - January 11 - 10:10 pm

  Traded a 2011 Prius for the 2012 Volt and couldnt be happier with my decision. While I liked the Prius and would recommend the car in an instant, it does not have the driving dynamics or the fit and finish of the Volt. Its also not the most attractive car, whereas I find the Volt to be reasonably good looking. The Volt is faster than the numbers suggest, is quieter at normal commuting speeds than anything else on four wheels, has tons of tech that works quite well, and is actually fun to drive (the Prius never was). Even without the tax credit this car represents the future of automotive travel today and has no equal, so in my opinion the asking price is reasonable and the value solid.