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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  My review after 3 years of ownership - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By Jason - August 6 - 2:49 am

  I purchased my 2013 Volt Premium off lease with 14k miles. Then drove it 85% of the time in electric mode for over 3 years to 65k miles. During this time, the ONLY issue was a passenger seat airbag. This car was super reliable and from reading on GM volt forums was “over built”. Meaning GM could not afford to let this car fail. I have since sold the volt and thinking of purchasing a newer generation or Bolt. I feel confident in GM battery technology and from what I have researched these cars are designed to handle 100,000 charge cycles. At 38-40 miles per charge = 380-400k miles on these batteries. Love the comfort of this car, could be quicker. Tight handling and smooth driving car.

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  20 year Toyota/Lexus buyer converted by the VOLT. - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By Ben Alexander - March 30 - 1:34 am

  This car is the future, and the future is pretty great.

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  There is nothing to not like - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By R ivey - February 14 - 2:30 am

  Every fellow Volt owner I have ever talked to loves their car. Additionally I drive for several months without stopping for gas

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  Really happy we went for the Volt - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By Yolanda - October 21 - 5:03 pm

  I bought a used 2013 Volt 3 months ago and drive it every day for errands, running the kids around, etc. Im super happy with how it works as far as the electric charging, hybrid engine etc. The way it charges is just as advertised. The time to charge is spot-on for the different amperages. At a full charge it shows a 38 mile range on electric (EDIT: that was in the winter; in summer its 48-50 miles). When its cold out (30s) it shows about 33 miles. It also runs the engine for about the first 5 minutes "due to temperature," so it does use a little gas when its cold out (< a gallon). Also when its cold I have to run the heater to be comfortable, which decreases the electric range even more. Thats no big deal though, just sharing my experiences with cold weather in case anyones curious. As far as driving it, I test-drove a Prius and a Leaf to compare, and enjoyed driving the Volt the most. The visibility is fine. The pickup is totally sufficient. The switchover from electric to gas is unnoticeable. The only thing that bugs me about this car is the design of the center stack, which has the climate, music, and other controls. I find it to be unnecessarily involved and not intuitive. After 3 months I still have to look kind of closely in order to do what I want, and it seems to take too many button presses to accomplish what I need, which is too bad when youre also driving the car. The only problem Ive had with it so far is on one drive, the screen wouldnt turn on (so no climate or music). Looking online, I see this is an occasional problem with the Volt, and can often be solved by turning the car off and on again, though thats the one and only time it has happened to me so far (Edit: after 10 months, this has never happened again). Anyway, in summary, Id highly recommend the car for someone who wants to use electricity to power their car but also wants the flexibility of having a backup engine, and a compact car. EDIT Aug 2017: Weve now owned the car for 10 months. Still love using/driving it. We had to take it in to the shop because of a brake fluid leak, to the tune of $1,600, which was annoying. According to the internet its something that happens to Volts here and there. Id owned Hondas for years before the Volt and almost never had to take them in to be repaired. I was expecting/dreading something like this with an American car. Anyway, hopefully we dont get repair bills like this too often.

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  Volt Sucks Never buy - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By Sravan - September 24 - 8:29 am

  I had 2013 Chevy volt leased from Mark Christopher Auto Center in Ontario, CA for 39 months 48,750 miles. Im at 46,600 miles all of sudden got message Engine Heating up turn off AC, followed by engine oil life 0%, turnoff engine and change the oil immediately with check engine light. Had got it towed with AAA & took it for oil change. Even after oil change when I switch to engine keep getting message engine heating up turnoff the car. I took it to the dealer but he says warranty for the car is either 3 years or 36K miles only on Bumper to Bumper. Even the the powertrain has warranty for 5 years/100K dealer says Hose is broken and powertrain is damaged so cannot cover it under warranty. If you look at onStar reports its well managed car and always got serviced from dealer also has only 18K on powertrain. Not sure how would Hose even break or powertrain fail on such low mileage. Now the dealer asks $1400 authorization to bring down the powertrain and repair might go anywhere upto $6000 on their finding. This sucks cause you buy $40,000 car that can only run 36K miles without issues and will end up paying thousands of dollars more than what you saved on gas.Also look at depreciation value on this car is valued $10,000 on this mileage in good condition. I had taken this upto manufacturer but still no proper response so left out with sharing my experience in social media so atleast few people that read can think before they buy these kind of cars in market. Apart from the cars they sell you can also look at the kind of service you get buying such cars from them.

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  RIP combustion engine - 2016 Chevrolet Volt
  By Alex - May 22 - 1:48 pm

  I switched from BMW 328 to this car and never looked back! The concept of a plug-in hybrid car is absolutely a great idea. And Volt 2016 is an excellent implementation of this car category. When it runs on EV mode (for about 40+ miles), you get a fantastic feeling of speed and serenity. When it switches to hybrid, it drives just like ordinary car. My last gasoline fill-up was 1500 miles earlier. I use ordinary 110/120 outlet to charge it. Since my commute does not deplete the battery completely, I get a full overnight charge. But if the battery is completely empty, it takes about 10+ hours to charge on 110/120 volts outlet. I have a higher level trip so the car comes with all sort of electronics. All around sensors and backup camera work perfect. The acceleration is pretty good (but not at Tesla level), however it does give you a good sensation of high electric engine torque. Coming from BMW, this was one of the important selling points for me. I don’t have quality problem so far. I cannot judge this aspect of the car yet. But I assume since the combustion engine rarely kicks in, at least in the engine department, it should be trouble free. My wish list for improving the car includes rear window wipers, better visibility through A pillar (a major design oversight) and electric seat adjustment.

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  Worth a look - 2016 Chevrolet Volt
  By Bob Loblaw - February 15 - 11:19 pm

  This is a surprisingly well-made car. Quiet, smooth ride...with a comfortable drivers position. Rear seats are tight but comfortable. I have been exceeding 50 miles on a charge since taking delivery about 6 weeks ago, and have only used about 3 gallons of gas in my first 1000 miles. Lots of low-end torque ...this car really moves out from a stoplight. All the latest active safety features are available if you get the Premier version. You owe it to yourself to give this one a look if youre in the market for a compact, near-luxury vehicle. Price paid in this review is before the $7500 Federal tax credit.

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  Smoooth - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By BurritoJ - January 25 - 2:52 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. First electric vehicle and I will not go back to a gas engine. Smooth linear acceleration and barely a whisper of noise. Good torque makes it peppy to drive and fairly agile for its weight. Saves me $150 on gas every month during a 30 mile commute. Saves me $100 a year in oil changes. More importantly saves me the time and hassle of going to the gas station or oil change shop. Better than a lot of cars in its class in the snow because of its weight. Leather suede interior is luxury and durable, not like my wifes junk Prius with the plastic falling off the doors. Not to mention the sound insulation on the volt is waaay better than the prius (like the difference in driving with your windows down or up on the highway). Only trouble in 3 years of owning it was covered under a recall for bubbles in the battery coolant, and cost me nothing.

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  2016 review - 2016 Chevrolet Volt
  By Jim - January 1 - 4:52 pm

  Do not expect a great deal on prices as you will not get it. Do not expect to achieve the electric engine mileage advertised as this mileage was calculated at the 45-50 mph driving and probably on a level road. After charging to a full charge, you probably will see 44 to 48 electric miles available in lieu of the 50+ advertised. The charge time on an empty electric battery is too much time....10 hours or so and for the price of this vehicle, one would think GM would sell the 240 charging setup but they do not. Overall, despite all this, we like the car as most of our driving is within the 50 mile range of home. To date, we have about 700 miles on the car and still a half tank of gas remaining. If you buy, do not forget your electric auto tax rebates as it brings down the price to a more reasonable price.