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:
Showing 31 through 40 of 219.00-
First 1,000 miles in a 13 Volt - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
By sirboz - October 31 - 8:59 amI picked up the Volt as a daily commuter car. Work is 15 miles from the house, and hilly. During the round trip, I normally use about 2/3 of the battery power. Everything people are posting about how fun the car is to drive is accurate. The thing I didnt know about it, even after the test drive, was how much information is presented to you on the center stack display and the driver information center. I would recommend doing some research before buying the car. You can search for, and download, the two main owners manuals the basic one and the one for the infotainment system. The other place to look is www.myvolt.com where you can find excellent short videos of usage and systems.
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volt service issues - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
By amped1 - October 12 - 11:04 amI love my volt. Couple of months old. Car is great. The issue is service. Here is a simple issue that the volt team and stingray chevrolet cannot fix. When you use the bluetooth, as the vehicle increases in speed the road noise above 40 mph with windows up etc. makes it impossible for anyone to hear you. The bluetooth cant hear anyone over the road noise in the microphone. It makes it impossible to use. The volt team cannot find a way to fix this issue. If service is an issue for you be wary, they can build a great imaginative vehicle but they cant figure out how to fix even simple problems with the car.
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Middle East Oil=0 USA=100!!! - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
By dsinned - August 21 - 7:14 pmIf you frequently drive short distances and/or have a minimal commute, this car is a definite WINNER!!! You may NEVER need to fill up on gas again! Technologically, the Volt is leading edge state of the art. Charging the high tech battery is effortless. I heard the Volts Lithium Ion battery can be recharged 5000 times before wearing it out if once per day, every day of the year, that means this battery should last at least 13 years. However, GM provides a 15year/150k warranty for good measure! Tax incentives are going fast. It is easy to get over sticker shock because a Chevy Volt is an OUTSTANDING investment!!!
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RE-VOLT - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
By revolt - July 27 - 1:54 amBeing an auto enthusiast and race driver, I have one basic safety criteria for a car beyond the standard crash testing. This is collision avoidance and includes: handling, breaking, and acceleration. The Volt exceeds these needs. After looking at the available hybrids last year, my wife purchase a Volt. 6500 miles later and averaging over 250mpg, the car is great! She loves the car, averages 38mi/chg, has numerous places to plug-in on her daily routine and rarely uses gas. When I replaced my vehicle, I looked at what was available and purchased our second Volt. 1500 mi later, I have only used 3.1gal of gas, and average 42mi/chg 240V charger is a must have for multiple trips.
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Volt v. Prius: Volt Wins in California - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
By johndhenry - March 23 - 12:41 pmI have a 2nd Gen Prius and a Volt (first American car Ive owned) so I have some basis to compare them. To sum it up: TOTAL COST: Volt wins over Prius The new Prius costs nearly $43K ($36K for car and options + 8.5% CA tax + $4K in 5 year loan interest), while the Volt costs $40K ($44 for car & options + 8.5% CA tax + $0K for GM 5 year loan @ 0% interest - $9K in Fed/State tax incentives). MPG: Volt wins over Prius After several thousands of Bay Area commute miles I am getting 80mpg. Calif HOV Lane Acess: Priceless. It is no wonder that the Volt has won so many Car of the Year awards and Consumer Reports super high marks
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Everything I expected and more - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
By nyvolt - January 6 - 11:58 pmNot using gas makes me happy. Not being limited by the battery makes the car practical. The car does exactly what GM says it will do.
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Battery Memory - 2011 Chevrolet Volt
By drydoc - December 31 - 9:11 pmIn love, at first, several trips to the dealer during the first six weeks for "unexplained" engine error messages", almost made me invoke the "Lemon Law". Life settled down after a computer upgrade...until early in the 5th month that I owned the car. At that point, a full charge became less and less miles. I began at 38 - 40 miles ev per charge and now I am at best, 23 -24 miles ev. The Chevy Volt team and my local dealer state that it is the weather and the way that I drive it. First of all...the way I drive it should not change the battery capacity. Secondly, it is not even cold yet...average temp approx. 42 degrees. Thirdly, I charge it in a heated garage.
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Cold Weather Issues - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
By voltguy - December 28 - 11:39 pmThis car has great potential and I really like it, but reconsider getting one if you live in an area with cold weather. When I first got the car in the first week in November I was getting the 35 miles GM claims. As it got colder I now only get 25 miles on a full charge. GM is telling me this is normal. At 25 miles, Im actually only getting about 17-20 since I have to run heat. I have been doing the math and with amount of electric it takes to charge for just 17-20 actual miles, it costs more than burring gas. The dealer has told me there is nothing they can do about the issue. I hope GM gets this issues fixed.
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My first American car - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
By quartz3 - December 18 - 10:09 amI have been driving this car as I normally would for a little over 6 months now. I have used 22 gallons to cover 6500 miles, which included routes that are 50 miles each way. Sometimes I am too busy with my life and not plugging it in as I should. So there is a reason for me to believe I could have used less fuel. This car driving dynamic is surprisingly good compared to the BMW I traded in. This car feels notability more powerful than Leaf and Prius, also feels as having more torque than Sonata hybrid. The interior is not what you would call luxury in a traditional sense however, there are lots of little interactions with the systems that will make you pleasantly surprised. And those
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Problem after only 2000 miles - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
By dsylvestre - December 2 - 2:26 pmDeveloped an error message after only 2,000 miles. Apparently, the antenna was defective.
