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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  I love my Volt more then my Ferrari... - 2011 Chevrolet Volt
  By ponsv6 - February 8 - 10:50 am

  As an enthusiastic car lover/collector/enthusiast, the Volt is about the coolest car I have ever owned, I have VIN 772. This thing has exceeded all my expectations in Quality, Styling, Ride, Acceleration, Efficiency. Chose to lease it for $350 a month and will most likely buy it at the end of the lease. My Lifetime MPG is 137 with a little over a 1k miles driven so far, which includes two 150 mile trips. Free Onstar for 5 years with nav downloads and hands-free blue tooth, this car is better then my old E class Mercedes, rides about the same. Wife and I literally fight over who drives it. It really moves out from a stop light in "Sport Mode" due to the E motors 100% Torque at 0-RPM.

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  Fun and Practical - 2011 Chevrolet Volt
  By evil_attorney - February 8 - 10:47 am

  The Volt is a great mix of performance, technology and practicality. The electric motor provides substantial torque which makes the car feel more powerful and responsive than most cars on the road. On a single charge I am able to drive about 38 miles (mostly freeway driving). Thats enough to get me to and from work with a little juice left over. However, the gas engine is a great backup if I need to take a longer trip. I have driven almost 500 miles and only used 1.3 gallons of gas so far. Charging is so easy. The Volt comes with a charger you can plug into any standard electrical outlet.

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  Best car Ive ever leased. - 2011 Chevrolet Volt
  By gcool - February 8 - 10:18 am

  I get in and out of leases all the time. Ive had the S4, X5, 550i, 335 coupe, and a few others. Nothing compares to this car. The others handled better and were quicker (except the X5) but overall the Volt hangs just fine. If you put it in power mode - it will really move. And the fact that Ive yet to burn any gas... wow. Its an amazing feeling. Oh... and I didnt see any increase in my electrical bill compared to last year. So far its been the same....

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  The future of the Automobile - 2011 Chevrolet Volt
  By jreason - February 8 - 7:18 am

  I have had my Volt for one month and am impressed with this vehicle. It is more refined than I expected. The ride and handling is very good especially for a 3700 lb vehicle. The seats are very comfortable. I like this car so much that I have ordered a second one.

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  This car is a winner, in every way possible. - 2011 Chevrolet Volt
  By jerry150 - February 7 - 10:39 pm

  This car could have been just another ho-hum electric/hybrid, but it isnt that. Instead, it continues to amaze and delight me in how well designed and constructed it is. It has excellent handling, power, and comfort. The sound system, nav system, and integration of bluetooth, USB, and Onstar are probably the best in the industry. The "feel" of the car is of a nimble, high end European sedan, and I would choose this as my daily driver, even if it didnt deliver better economy than any other car, which, by the way, it does, with the possible exception of the Nissan Leaf.

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  Used 2013 Volt still feels like the future :-) - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By Luk - September 6 - 1:08 pm

  Can a car be enchanting? This little marvel surely is to me. What can be better than a car that hardly burns any gas? (Smoking was banned in restaurants and bars a while back for humans, now the cars have to stop too!!!) This, and yet still provide a much smoother and more comfortable ride than any gas-based car? Sure, the car has its little quirks, mentioned in many reviews, but to me they seem minor, even charming. The backseats? Of course they are not very roomy, but my children like the bucket-style seats, and their middle console with their cupholders, USB ports (with adapter) and storage compartment. The touch sensitive buttons? Actually, they work really well, and look kind of cool (just dont try to clean them while the car is powered on). Electronics integration with phone, navigation, etc is excellent. I use it with a 240V charger (ClipperCreek ), which is a nice accessory to have for any EV. I am surprised that by now not every car works with an electric motor coupled to a range extender. Its just a much better design than a transmission and provides a much superior driving experience. I bought it used in Feb 2016 and driven 8000 miles, and been to the gas station only twice (last visit in June 2016, over seven months ago!).

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  my first electric car - 2015 Chevrolet Volt
  By Jim - April 26 - 6:56 am

  Ended up buying an electric car after being exposed to my sons leaf. The leaf was not considered as his is now 2 years old and he has already lost 20% of battery capacity. He has a 2013 which had the heat sensitive battery My least favorable experience was of course the buying experience. (How can they get you to pay more). Stickered at over $40000 as They had added $1700 for window tinting, plus car had navigation and premium bose sound system $995, premium trim package $1395 which included heated front seats, suede interior leather, rear center pass thru armrest, - crystal red tint coat $495, Cargo area cover $110 and cargo net $90. When I first saw the sticker i just told them i never pay for window tinting. So they came back with a new sticker of $38,800 (the $1700 for window tinting had disappeared). The end result was i got the car for $35000, about $3800 below the adjusted sticker of $38800. I probably would not have purchased this car had it not been eligible for the $7500 federal tax credit (which reduced my purchase price to about $27500.) I tried using the AAA buying service. He came back and said "you will pay at a minimum $35000 - they could not get a price lower than that". That being said, the volt is an impressive car. It was a good choice for us as the 45-47 mile range pretty much covers all of our trips. (factory estimate 38 mile range)- increase is due to 1) most of our driving is in ideal moderate weather 2) our driving is typically at 40-50 mph in suburban driving. 3) I also drive in "LOW". (This should be called economy as its purpose is to provide much more battery charging when U let up on the gas. It has no impact on gearing. 4)There typically are no more than 2 people in the car and we are both under 160 lbs. - less weight-longer battery range. (UPDATE DEC 20 CHG SHOW 48 MILE RANGE AVAILABLE BEST EVER!!!) Now for more good news.The volt is an impressive car!!! I love the volt. It drives beautifully, is quick, quiet, and reliable(based on others comments plus our experience so far). We purchased the car in October and have 8700 miles on the car. We are averaging just at 300 mpg!!!! and have used 29 gallons of gas) I just also read an article indicating that going back to 2010 there has pretty much been no battery degradation due to 1.the cooling systems and 2.not allowing the battery fully discharge. A great feature for us is that you can preheat or cool the cabin while the car is plugged in - this saves battery by getting the car cabin to a comfortable temp before you drive. Their are only a few items that I dislike most of which are minor. 1. the cabin is small and confining - We of course knew that when we purchased it and we can live with that. 2) the cars air dam will often scrape the curb when you park so need to be careful when pulling in to a parking spot. (did not realize this initially) 3)car is very low and visibility is less than I would like but again we knew that when we purchased the car. 4) the car has 2 levels of 120 volt charging , 8amp and 12 amp, you may not be able to get a full charge overnight using the 8 amp setting - especially if you need the car early in the am. The 12 amp level must be manually set each time you charge as the car always resets to the 8 amp setting. 5) By far the one feature that to me is most serious is the console controls for heat, cooling,radio etc.-they are absolutely terrible. There are no buttons,indents, etc. that identify by touch where each item is controlled, just a place in the center of the dash between the driver and passenger seat where you touch. Which means u must take you eyes off the road to do pretty much anything just to find the correct place to push on the console. 6)The malls in our area have electric chg. stations but they do not fit the volt so often can not chg. when out and about. Also, as a side note some interesting items re. the volt. (At least interesting to me) 1(the cars operating systems are complex- for example, it has several cooling systems, the car will also automatically run (but only for a few minutes)the ice if you run exclusively on electric as that is needed to maintain the ice components. 2) Car is to be kept plugged in when not in use as that maintains the correct battery temperature. the car will automatically run one (or more?) of the cooling systems if parked in a hot Phx. garage - our garage will get to over 100degrees in the summer. IT will also run the battery heater in cold weather to maintain the correct battery temp. 3)As an side benefit , Our power company now has a time of day program where we can pay only $.06 per kilowatt if we charge at night so we will be switching to that this month. 4) Car charging can be set to automatically charge only on off peak hours. All I can think of for now as I am not in any way techi and am learning as I go. Overall a wonderful car!!!!

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  Used 2013 chevy volt - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By Fred - August 24 - 10:02 am

  That its a great car. It is one of the most advanced vehicles on the road and you can buy a used one for a fraction of the original price.

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  Excellent upgrade to the original - 2016 Chevrolet Volt
  By mmalc - July 27 - 6:26 pm

  This is simply an excellent vehicle. For most people it should yield sufficient EV range that theyll never need to use the gas engine; for the remainder the occasional dip into the gas tank will get them wherever they need to go in comfort. For those who own one of the originals, the extra range will help to reduce that odd range anxiety that you get when even though you know you could go anywhere youd still rather not use gas. And the car is better, I think, in almost every way, than an already impressive forebear. Better visibility, more ergonomic, more powerful. And the "maximum regen" paddle on the back of the steering wheel a useful addition to avoid wondering exactly how hard to brake before engaging the discs. The only area of significant criticism is the iPod integration. For some reason its proving to be at best erratic. But overall a minor niggle in the enjoyment, and the CarPlay feature is excellent. The only wish is that GM had included a 6.6kW charger, but

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  Classy and Efficient - 2016 Chevrolet Volt
  By kelcam - March 22 - 4:23 am

  I highly recommend the Chevy Volt. The technology, efficiency and overall look of the vehicle is tremendous.