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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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By mcgoody - January 7 - 12:41 pm

  Bought this car brand new on New Years Eve 2012. After 2 years of ownership I am nothing but impressed. Ive owned many different makes and models and this is by far the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Lifetime MPG is 228, with over 39K on the ODO (33K+ Elec. mi.). Service has been minimal oil changes and tire rotations. Im over 6 feet tall and have no issue in the drivers seat. Those behind me are snug, but its doable. Car is designed well, solid inside and out, and is extremely reliable. Being in the mtns I was concerned for weather. No problem. The centered weight of the car makes it phenomenal in snow and great on ice. I really dont work for GM, I promise. :)

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  Best car I ever bought - hands down! - 2014 Chevrolet Volt
  By kflannery1 - October 19 - 5:19 pm

  Purchased my Volt in May. Currently have 4,500 miles - 97% electric - still have 200 miles left on the tank of gas from the dealership. My commute to work is 37 miles and I average 45-50 miles per charge driving conservatively. Myvolt website & Onstar app work great. Acceleration is very good, ride is very nice, build quality seems excellent and crash test scores are great. Back seat passengers have no complaints - no its not a limo, but fine for average sized passenger. Little touches like automatic door lock as you leave the car just add to the great experience. If your commute is 20-100 miles this is a great choice. Purchased many cars - Volt beats them all - not even a close 2nd.

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  New Volt Owner - 2014 Chevrolet Volt
  By dodman1 - October 14 - 3:52 pm

  My son recently bought a new Tesla which prompted me to consider an EV. The Tesla is fantastic, but its out of my price range and I dont really need the 270 miles of range offered by the Tesla. I researched the current crop of EVs quite extensively and decided the Volt made the most sense for me. I am retired and generally drive less than 30 miles a day. I ended buying a 2014 equipped with just the heated seat option. I didnt want NAV, Cameras, and other high tech options. Been driving for 50 plus years and have gotten really good at using my rear and side mirrors! The Federal Tax Credit, State rebate, and liberal Dealer discount was too good to pass up.

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  Love the Volt! - 2014 Chevrolet Volt
  By mannix6 - September 13 - 6:25 am

  Just added our second new Volt (2014) after enjoying our 2013 for one year. We were skeptical on buying the 2013 at first, having previously owned 6 Prius models (including the Plug-In). Many of the reviews claim the car is no better than a Prius, but this is ridiculous. The Volt is more comfortable, faster and has amazing technological features that still arent available on the Prius. The dealer service network is also better. We drive on electric all week and use the car for 250+ mile trips on weekends with an overall average of 194 mpg, consistently. No Prius could come close to this. (Exact same use with the Prius Plug-In netted a consistent 63 mpg.)

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  Why would you buy a Prius? - 2014 Chevrolet Volt
  By natefair - June 23 - 9:50 am

  This car is a great deal and a great car. Here is the math: $34,000 price, minus $10,000 back (CA pays $2500 of that), minus the gas savings which is about $100/month for me (all-electric mode means I often go 900 miles on a tank of gas and electric power is equivalent to $1.50/"gallon"). So after 10 years this car will have been far more economical than a Prius. Hybrids always use some gas (47 mpg-ish) but the Volt uses none for the first 40 miles (100 mpg equivalent). After that it gets at least 37 mpg.

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  Perfect carr for both Electric and Hybrid driving... - 2014 Chevrolet Volt
  By itsjoeybear - April 29 - 5:36 pm

  I absolutely love my Volt…I was looking for a car that could get me to work and back on all electric power, but still have the ability to do road trips without relying on the battery. The Volt is perfect for my daily 40 mile round trip commute to work. I charge the car at home and have plenty of power to drive to work and back. The Volt is fun to drive and has plenty of power to maneuver the LA freeways. In full Hybrid mode, Im averaging about 38 to 40 actual miles per gallon, which is good for a lead foot like me. I rarely use gas though, but if I do its on the weekend or trips out of town. The car keeps track of your gas and EV mileage separate, so its easy to calculate.

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  2014 Volt Rocks! - 2014 Chevrolet Volt
  By havityourway2 - February 19 - 4:08 pm

  We purchased a new Volt after careful contemplation and evaluation of alternatives available. We have never owned a hybrid or electric car. We havent purchased a new car from a US automaker in over 20 years. We have owned this car for about a month now. So far, it has exceeded our expectations in all regards: comfort, performance (it is quick- particularly in "sport" mode), energy efficiency, build quality.

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  Highest Owner Satisfaction Two Years In.A Row - 2014 Chevrolet Volt
  By davidsvolt - December 30 - 4:09 am

  My current overall milage is 69.8 mpg and climbing. I expect my overall milage will be over 100 mpg after a few more months of driving. With my current commute of 56 miles daily I typically drive 42 miles on a charge, then it switches to gas, seamlessly, for the remaking 14 miles. Its range is well over 300 miles per tank. It currently takes 10 hours to charge the car using the charger that comes with the car. It plugs in to any standard wall outlet. It cost about $1.50 to charge completely. You can buy a 220 volt charger that cuts charging time down to less than 4 hours. I paid $31,900 -$7,500 Fed tax rebate - $1,500 Ca rebate = $22,900 + tax/ license. That is a total steal.

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  First month impressions - 2014 Chevrolet Volt
  By epguy - December 27 - 10:17 pm

  I have had our 2014 Volt for just about a month. Its been very impressive. My only disappointment is that in very cold weather, below 15 degrees, the gas engine is programmed to come on instead of just using the battery all the time. As I have gotten to know more about the car, it continues to amaze me with all of its technological features, from the remote start from your smartphone, to the car turning the seat heaters on when you sit down, and automatically reducing the seat heater temp when they warm up. I like being able to drive an electric car, with no range worries that is sharp looking and truly fun to drive.

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  2013 Volt - Nice Small Csr - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By mcrat1 - December 11 - 9:32 pm

  I like big cars, fast stuff, and trucks. So Im jaded. First off, all the reviews that say the Volt is ugly are lame. It has yet to make any small children cry or make the cows milk sour. It looks good. The interior is nice, and well appointed. Navigation is in the speedo area where it belongs. Rear seating is for kids. A 6 foot man will hit his head and knees, but will fit. Handling is tight. Feels nice. I have a Vette and a CTS-V, and race alot. Car feels lighter than it is. Acceleration is OK. Im used to big power, but it is as quick from a light as a Crown Vic. Not bad. Braking is excellent considering the tire size and weight. Use L in city driving.