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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  2012 Volt - Climb the Mountains, Enjoy the Turns - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By just_a_guy - October 23 - 2:04 pm

  I am EXTREMELY happy with the Volt. Lots of power up the hills. I live in the Colorado mountains and climb BIG "HILLS" every day and despite a great test drive, I was a little concerned (if an electric car had a problem it seems logical to me that the problems would be in climbing the mountains). I am over my concerns! The pick-up and power on the hills is great. Driving this car feels a little like a sports car. I think that the distribution of the battery adds weight (down low) which it turns, adds stability and handling. At present, I am at just less than 300 mpg. In summary, a SUPER BIG A+++++ to CHEVROLET AND THE VOLT. My first Chevy after 35 years of driving, and it’s a good one!!!

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  2012 Volt in the hills and mountains of North Georgia - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By jaycro - October 16 - 4:58 am

  For years I was a big BMW fan including an M5,M3,and 740iSport.The Volt replaced a 2011 Mazda3 Touring hatchback with leather and technology package and joins a 2001 CTS wagon,an Infinity G35s and a Siverado truck We have driven the Volt 781 total miles and 749 of these have been on the battery burning 1.3 gallons of gas The body panels fit is excellent,the crystal red paint is the best factory paint I have ever owned.The interior with black leather and dark accents is attractive and very comfortable but not quite as nice as the CTS or the BMWs I have owned .The Nav,backup camera are fantastic along with the Bose system .The car drives,steers and stops like a properEuro sedan

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  2012 Volt Experience - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By newvoltowner - October 11 - 11:36 pm

  Ive had my Volt for a week and a half and I am very happy with it. I want to share as much as I can for those on the fence about it, I sure spent a lot of time thinking about it and weighing the options before I made this move. I was also considering the leaf, but I went with the volt because of the extended range with the gas engine. I was I was sure happy that I did when I was driving to my parents house this weekend (47 miles away) and the gas engine kicked in. It takes about 8 hours to charge on 120v. So I can drive during the day, come home and charge. I do plan to get a 240volt charger but I would say it is not a requirement. Check www.spx.com/volt for free chargers.

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  I love this car - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By mholt9 - October 7 - 9:50 pm

  I test drove the Volt because I wanted to contribute to a reduction in our reliance on oil for 97% of our critical transportation needs. I bought the Volt because I loved everything about the car. The Volts battery life allows me to complete my 42 mile round-trip commute without using a drop of gasoline. But, I can also take long trips without any "range anxiety." I have driven 6,500 miles, including some interstate trips on which I used a total of 42 gallons of gas. Otherwise, its all electric. Either way, the car is a joy to drive because it is so smooth and fluid -- refined may be a better description.

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  Voltastic - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By hodad66 - September 25 - 6:45 pm

  Drove home a new, 2012 Volt the other day. Great car! I had been waiting for another EV but test drove the Volt when it became available in Florida. The interior is stylish and gives the feeling of being in a sports car. GM is currently offering an incentive lease that I just couldnt ignore.

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  10,026 miles later - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By wheresmyvolt - July 30 - 6:08 am

  After 7 months and 10,026 miles I have to say that the Volt bests even our beloved Prius. Over its life to date, I have used only 69.3 gallons of gasoline, or 144.6 mpg. I am getting between 42 and 48 miles of battery driving each day of my 72-mile commute. To fully charge the battery for those 42-47 miles it costs 82 cents. I am getting between 35 and 41 mpg when the internal combustion engine is recharging the battery.

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  Great Vehicle - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By flyguy15 - July 28 - 4:31 pm

  100% pleased. I bought this car for myself, but my wife loves it so much that I am ordering another one for her. Forget any negative press you may have heard - you have to drive it to appreciate it. I have owned sports cars, SUVs, sport sedans (BMW M5) and this car is the best all around car. The technology is amazing. I can charge at home and at the office and have only used about 1.67 gallons of gas in a month. It costs more to wash the car than put gas in! Go to a dealer and drive one. Im 62" and have plenty of room.

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  Car Snob Humbled by Volt - 2011 Chevrolet Volt
  By gtoernie1 - July 16 - 2:32 pm

  Im a car nut-- have owned everything from Bentleys to Hondas to Lincolns to Porsches. My partner wanted the Volt, and I was skeptical. I was wrong. After 1500 miles, it is the car we choose for family outings (our other cars are 11 Audi A8 and and a 10 Audi Q7 TDI, both of which we love). Why? The Volt is silent. It is quick. It has fun technology that works! It has a refined manner-- much more refined than our Lexus 400h hybrid was. Most of all-- it is versatile. Knowing there is a gas generator to keep you going after the battery is exhausted on long trips, takes the stress out of trip planning. Full recharge takes only 4 hours, but is unnecessary if its inconvenient.

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  My Volt after 3 months and 3100 miles - 2011 Chevrolet Volt
  By decibel1 - June 9 - 9:43 am

  I have owned my Volt since mid-March, and have used exactly 20 gallons of gas over 3100 miles. Most of my daily driving is done in all electric mode, but I did take one 80 mile trip and one 750 mile trip. On the long trip I did not recharge and averaged 41 mpg in charge-sustaining mode. I also own a Prius and feel that the Volt, though a bit smaller, is a big leap forward over that fine car. The Volt is quicker, handles better, is quieter, has much lower operating cost/mile (i pay only $0.10 per kWh), and has been totally glitch free. Its an astonishing achievement.

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  Volt - 2011 Chevrolet Volt
  By bigdvolt - May 10 - 9:03 pm

  My Volt is incredible. My lifetime mpg is 112 and rising. Ive driven over 1000 miles without any gas. I didnt buy any gas the first month I owed it. It has a sport mode that makes it fun and sporty to drive with speed to jerk your head back. Its as powerful as a V-6. Im loving it.