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 commuter, fun - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By Dave Vollmer - February 5 - 3:41 am

  Great commuter, constant 50 mile summer range, 35 miles in winter, best 59.3 miles. Bought with 48k miles, now 64k, still less than 80 gallons of gas used, 200 mpg o/a. Overnight charging runs $0.75 per completely discharged battery (35-50 miles), gas ICE backup, 35 to 40 mpg. Nice looking, quick acceleration, low maintenance. No repair issues. Quiet.

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  My first electric car - 2016 Chevrolet Volt
  By Zacattack - November 7 - 10:47 am

  Just got the car yesterday, to soon to evaluate some of the questions. Very excited to see the economic savings. Will review in three to six months

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  drivers seat uncomfortable - 2016 Chevrolet Volt
  By deaconbluz@sbcglobal.net - July 10 - 10:18 pm

  There is no adjustment for lumbar support. I got such a good deal on the car, I convinced myself the seat would be good enough, but with any extended drive I Notice the lack of lumbar support. Also , in the position I am most comfortable, the steering wheel blocks the digital readout for speed, so I have no idea how fast I am going. Visibility is poor in all directions. The ride is smooth and quiet, acceleration is decent, and I love not using gas.I ordered a small inflatable pillow for my back, hope that solves the comfort problem. I take my dog to the beach a lot, so I like having a hatchback and folding the rear seats down.

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  Had it for 6 months now and love it - 2015 Chevrolet Volt
  By Jim H - July 10 - 2:35 am

  This is amazing. I have spent 23 dollars in gas for 6 months. I just went in for my service and free tire rotation. Great car fun to drive. Love not using gas. I drive 15 miles 1 way to work and another 15 miles back, and dont have to worry about running out of electric power.

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  Its a VOLT - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By gardwi - April 15 - 7:22 am

  Its electric

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  The money I save on gas is more vs car payment - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By Joe Bakalar - April 13 - 11:18 pm

  I purchased this vehicle back in April of 2017. It was 3 years old with 29,000 miles on it. I traded in my Chrysler 200 and applied that towards the $14,500 cost of the vehicle. I was attracted to the leather seating, the bose sound system, and most importantly the fuel economy. I am not someone who has ever been attracted to a hybrid vehicle, the irony of all of this is that I was originally interested in a truck. The car did not feel like a traditional hybrid vehicle : flimsy, light, no features, small, etc. It felt like a luxury vehicle with many options inside the car. I drive an average of 80 miles a day for my commute. I use all electric on my way to work, and then one gallon of gas on my way home. At times I may drive more depending on what location I may be working. I used to spend over $320 a month on fuel. Each time I filled my tank in my old car I would spend $80 a week, sometimes more. With the Volt I spend an average of $20 a week because I dont use anywhere as much fuel. There are other savings, too. I have no had an oil change on the car since I purchased it because the mileage I accrue is half electric / half gas. I only need an oil change when Ive used 7,000 miles on the engine. I would recommend a used Chevrolet Volt to anyone because the price is half of what you would spend buying a new one, and the payment will pay for itself, and youll still save money while driving in a very nice car. It has a statement when driving it. Only concern I have is that it does not have a spare tire, so I purchased my own spare tire and keep it in the back.

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  I love my Volt! - 2016 Chevrolet Volt
  By Rafael - February 14 - 12:52 am

  I have had the car for 3 months and Im really happy with it, when the weather is cold I preheat the car and is very comfortable and the heat on the steering wheel is a plus. It has great acceleration. I do plug the car every other day since one charge is enough for me to commute to work 20 miles per day.

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  I love my new Volt! - 2016 Chevrolet Volt
  By Lucy Yen - March 3 - 8:26 am

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  Amazing technology in a small package - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By Derek C. - December 26 - 4:11 pm

  The 2013 Chevy Volt is a small car with a big package! The interior is well made with many features. The drivetrain is the best in its class (PHEV). Its the only PHEV that can use full acceleration without the gas engine coming on until the battery is used up (avg 40 miles). Battery range is less in cold weather. Driving it is still enjoyable after 5 years of ownership and 70K miles. This is the most flexible EV on the road - 30-40 miles of all-electric range with a fully capable gas backup for unlimited travel without waiting for a charge - just fill up with gas in 3 minutes like everybody else and keep on driving!

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  Volt component went cheap - 2016 Chevrolet Volt
  By Joe Bockrath - May 25 - 4:55 pm

  They went cheap on the pumps that make the whole thing keep running.