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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  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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  uncomfortable seat - 2014 Chevrolet Volt
  By bocity - July 8 - 7:24 pm

  drivers seat is to small for a person that sits with a wider berth. left leg tends to rest over the seat bolster, there is a seam in the top of the bolster that presses into my thigh. I find it difficult to find a comfortable way to place my leg. this is my only down side feeling of this car.

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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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  5K miles 2 CELs and 12 days in service bay - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By hwy1volt - May 23 - 6:16 pm

  Day one, test drove the vehicle all was good paid for said vehicle, 2 miles from dealership CEL comes on, I call OnStar they report a charging cooling system not operating properly. I take it back to the dealership immediately they cant get to it until the following day. They put me in a rental I then head home. Couple days later the car is ready for pick up and I was told it was an over use of brakes. 5K miles new CEL, I call OnStar they report a charging cooling system not operating properly, I take it to a different dealer. Nine days later they replace 5123 drive motor battery coolant cooler, as per DTC P5034.

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  It pays for itself - $5500 so far - 2014 Chevrolet Volt
  By johndhenry - May 8 - 5:51 pm

  I just crossed the 40,000 odometer reading on my Volt. With my average mpg being 84, Ive saved approximately $5500 in gas over my previous 24 mpg SC430 Lexus . Said differently, at this rate, the Volts gas savings alone will have paid for the car in 5 years. Add this to the HOV Lane sticker and great reliability, and I have to say this is the best car Ive owned (and its the first American car Ive had).

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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 VoltÂ…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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  Leased for 2 years. Loved every minute. - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By cargirl88 - March 12 - 8:31 am

  I jumped on a 24-month lease deal that my Chevy dealer was offering to promote this car. Im coming up on my 30k mi limit and will be turning the Volt in come May. I will miss it. At the end of those 30k, I will have averaged about 110mpg - saving me around $2500 in gas alone from my previous cars 28mpg average (VW Jetta). This was about 7 months worth of payments ) I dont know of any other car that can offer this kind of gas savings. I didnt buy because the concept is so new (and expensive), but for the 2 years I had it, it was a pleasure. In a few years, after consistent production and refining, I will most definitely consider buying.

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  Stand By your car GM - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By ronmaf - March 9 - 2:09 pm

  I cannot believe I have had so many issues with my Volts. I bought two Volts in 2012, and both of them were bought back by GM due to major issues (One would die with no power at all, and another had a Regen Drivetrain Bearing failures) . One of the two I accepted a 2013 Volt thinking they worked out the Bugs...they did not! I could not recommend any GM product after the way that they have treated me. The director for Chevy after sales told me they would not fix my car. I have been in and out of the dealer way too much for a then $45k car! Buyer beware, read the Volt forums and look up Bearing issues in the drivetrain. You will be happy you did before pulling the trigger on this crap!

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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.