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 rocks! - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By tdj1 - January 18 - 7:53 pm

  I have driven my Chevy Volt about 2000 miles so far. Ive used about 2 gallons of gas. The car handles well and has very good acceleration. This is my first American car. Previously Honda/Acura guy. I can honestly say that Im very happy with the car.

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  Purchased a used Volt - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By tdj1 - December 22 - 6:58 pm

  I have been driving Hondas and Acuras all my life. With the kids grown, I decided to look for a replacement for my Honda Pilot. I narrowed my choice between a Prius and a Volt. I test drove both. The Volt was more fun to drive and felt like it was built better. I was very surprised. I rarely drive much more than 40 miles a day. Im VERY happy with my Volt. I spent all day running errands and didnt burn a drop of gas.

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  I love this car - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By minyung - December 7 - 12:58 am

  I was a Chevy Suburban guy for the last 16 years until last May when my truck of 8 years needed some major work, I decided to buy the Volt. My gas bill every month went down very substantially in the last 6 months. My average gas bill with the suburban was about $1000 a month ans so far, I have spent about $1000 in the last 6 months. I have driven 17,593 miles since 5/28/2012 of which 8280 miles was EV miles (47% of the total miles). Every day when the Volt take me for a ride, I tried to squeeze out as much miles as I could in a single charge and the most that I was able to squeeze out was 51 miles before the gas kicked in. I just love this car.

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  Nice job Chevrolet! - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By katvolt - November 24 - 10:24 am

  Just purchased the 2013 fully loaded Volt for my wife. Its a great ride with a very high feel good factor of knowing you are helping be part of the solution to foreign oil dependency. (Im a Desert Storm Vet) But even more important is that its a no compromise ride - very responsive drive train and we do not worry about being stranded without a charge. Chevrolet got it right.

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  Fun to drive and comfortable - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By evowa - November 18 - 11:51 pm

  I agree with all the other reviews about how well built and technologically advanced this car is. The volt has been a pleasure to drive and I still cant believe how comfortable it is. I was commuting in a 2006 Lexus GS 430 which gives you a sense of how well the volt drives. This is my first American built car and I have to say Chevy did a great job!

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  Drivings fun again! - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By pruvit - November 16 - 9:41 pm

  Traded in ES Lexus, havent looked back. Car is a joy to drive, it WANTS to move. 3000 miles so far, visited gas station only once. Over 300 mpg. Love that the car is so fast and so quiet. Anyone who compares this car to a normal car to calculate payback on gas savings is missing the point. This is a premium car. Negatives: visibility is somewhat limited, holds only 4 passengers, Bluetooth issues with iPhone 5 (worked flawlessly with my iPhone 4). Im told this should be fixed in the the next couple of weeks. Theyll send out the update directly to the car wirelessly. This car is a marvelous piece of technology. If youre thinking about buying one, just do it.

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  Commuting and more. - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By timlange - November 14 - 1:56 pm

  Our daily commute is 15 miles so we use electric only while in town. Cost for a full charge (30-40 miles) is $0.62. Our last trip out of town was fine, 200+ miles, about 6 hours in the car and did not get uncomfortable. Rarely could tell when the gas engine came on. Edmunds mentions touchy brakes but ours seems fine.

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  2013 Volt - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By 11buster - November 6 - 11:18 am

  Traded in a C5 Vette for a 2013 red metallic Volt. Have driven about 400 miles in 10 days. Love the car - used 0.7 gal. Gas. Chevy had a $2,000 rebate, coupled with a $7,500 Fed tax rebate and a $2,000 state tax rebate, takes the cost down to $30,000. Factor in about $2,000 fuel savings per year, and the car makes economic sense. Build quality is excellent, as is integration of car operation, electronics and screen displays. Also right thing to do for the environment to cut emissions. With our local electric rates, cost per gas gal equivalent is about $0.70. Car is smooth and provides a pleasant driving experience, plus you are driving the future, not the past.

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  First 1,000 miles in a 13 Volt - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By sirboz - October 31 - 8:59 am

  I picked up the Volt as a daily commuter car. Work is 15 miles from the house, and hilly. During the round trip, I normally use about 2/3 of the battery power. Everything people are posting about how fun the car is to drive is accurate. The thing I didnt know about it, even after the test drive, was how much information is presented to you on the center stack display and the driver information center. I would recommend doing some research before buying the car. You can search for, and download, the two main owners manuals the basic one and the one for the infotainment system. The other place to look is www.myvolt.com where you can find excellent short videos of usage and systems.

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  Even form a guy who likes sports cars! - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By shmef - October 14 - 4:51 pm

  I own my volt for just a month now. What a blast it is to drive! In sport it is really neck snapping, not to mention it drives and handles like a dream. People ask me all the time about it, it gets so much attention.