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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  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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  Amazing - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By bubikon - July 6 - 8:13 pm

  OK, it is not a vehicle to be reviewed like all others, i.e. zero to 60, handling, Corinthian leather, etc. It is just a completely different concept of driving a car. The thrill exists because it uses virtually no gasoline, unless you drive over 40 miles. Even then it seemlessly transfers to a 35 mpg Chevrolet. But the fun is keeping it in electric and Chevrolet has a wonderful panoply of buttons and dials for your pleasure to fiddle your way to quiet, electric bliss. The average person fills up about every month, and now I get 15 mpg in everyday use. This is the perfect car for the two car commuter family. Fit and finish are adequate and the style is Prius modern, but who cares.

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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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  Outstanding MPG!!! - 2011 Chevrolet Volt
  By sonata3times - June 6 - 10:01 am

  I bought the Chevy volt for one reason only. Im a business man who drives around 300 miles almost everyday. Driving both city and highway averages 104mpg. Im glad I got this and not the Prius.

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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.

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  Hats off to GM - 2011 Chevrolet Volt
  By flyguy15 - May 3 - 8:55 pm

  I have only had my volt #2499 for a week and am I impressed. The car, the concept, everything about it is game changing. My other car is a CTS-V and it has been parked ever since I got the Volt. The only problem is that my wife wants to trade her SUV and get one too. Saving gas $$ is not my objective - using the cutting edge technology and proving it in everyday use is the fun part. What a tribute to the team that put this vehicle together and brought it to market. Lets hope to "Halo effect" spills over and helps all of GM.

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  My Black Volt - #1712 - 2011 Chevrolet Volt
  By mrrizzo - March 13 - 7:48 am

  The Volt is my first American car, ever. I currently also have a VW and SAAB. The ride and handling to me are very much like a European vehicle. The Volt is smooth and firm, with some heft to it, but is also comfortable with a compliant ride. It absorbs bumps very well and exceeded my expectations when I test drove it. The acceleration in "normal" mode is adequate. In "sport" mode, it is a blast to drive. The car is also eerily quiet in EV mode. The fit and finish are impressive. This is an extremely well thought out vehicle. The change over to extended mode is absolutely seemless. Other than the display on the dash, there was no way to tell that the gas engine engaged.

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  A Home Run! - 2011 Chevrolet Volt
  By sgc114 - February 9 - 6:08 pm

  I purchased my Volt and took delivery on December 18, 2010. Ive gone about 1500 miles so far and burned about 20 gallons of gas, mostly due to a few long trips [200 miles each]. Even on those trips, my mileage was in the 40-50 mile range. My overall mileage is about 75mpg. But when I was not taking those trips, I could easily drive around town, to work, etc, on the 40 miles or so range, using all battery and electric drive. There is nothing better than that! The car drives solidly, crisp turning, and more than decent acceleration. The best acceleration is in LOW using SPORT mode. Seats are comfortable, and the fit and finish is quite good.

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  Meets All Expectations...and more - 2011 Chevrolet Volt
  By tjc79 - February 9 - 12:19 pm

  Now in my second month and still have not used more than 2 gallons of gas. The car is surprisingly responsive, feels solid and has had no bugs, defects or annoyances that sometimes accompany new purchases. My average battery range is about 42 miles, but with the range extending on-board generator, there is no anxiety whatsoever about "getting there" as the range is essentially the same as a traditional gas powered vehicle. Moving from my prior Mercedes S 430, I find the Volt to be a remarkably well engineered product. Clearly someone is paying attention to the quality at the end of the production line.