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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  Frequent Visitor to Dealership - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By frustratedvolt - January 21 - 8:12 am

  First of all, the Volt is a blast to drive. As my first GM vehicle in 20 years, I was impressed. I was very happy. Then charge light warning came on and it was back to dealership, then the charge door and again the charge door. The bearing in front drivers side went, had it replaced and then replaced again. A lot of trips to the dealership and missing work. Live in Michigan and charger was plugged into an external outlet.Well with the nasty weather we are having moisture must have got in the connection and fried my charging cord. GM is saying it is 100% fault of plug and will not cover. $475.00 to get new charger.There goes my gas savings and my GM loyalty I am done after this lease.

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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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  Better than a Prius by far! - 2014 Chevrolet Volt
  By larry714 - December 12 - 9:36 pm

  I was disappointed at first but my issues were from a dealer lot issue and not the company so Ill try to be fair in my review. I have had a couple of priuses and I have to say the Volt is a better car, its smother, quieter, and feels safer to drive. You do have to read your manuals to fully understand the operational side of the vehicle. I dont think its a five star car but comes close. Performance for a car this small is a four, comfort gets a four needs better seats. Value is a four price needs to come down. Econo car fun to drive gets a four. Interior/exterior gets a three due to missing some things of the assembly line. Build quality a three and Reliability to soon to tell.

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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.

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  2013 Volt is a Geek Dream - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By geekdream - November 23 - 10:40 am

  This car is a great car to drive. I have owned the car for 12 months and have used about 12 gallons of gas! I am currently getting about 550MPG. If you dive less than 35 miles per day on average then you can get significantly higher gas mileage than what is published. The car normally runs on electricity until the batteries run low and then automatically switches to a gas powered generator to power the electric motor. The battery will typically give you between 30-40 miles per charge depending on driving habits and outdoor temperature. My average commute per day is about 27 miles. My car is running on battery 95% of the time and uses gas 5% of the time. My favorite car that I have owned.

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  Excellent car but beware if you have an accident! - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By urbanlegend711 - November 15 - 8:51 am

  I have been really impressed with the car overall. It has great acceleration, handles beautifully and didnt give me a single problem in 1.5 years and 22k miles. I had a minor front-end collision in September and the car still ran when I left it. Apparently because its a hybrid the electronics need to be disconnected for welding. The car went to a dealer to have this done, the body shop then repaired it, but now...2 and a half months later, the dealer cannot get the car to run at all. Repairs appear to be very involved, expensive and risky with this car.

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  Chevy Volt almost burned my house down - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By powenp - October 26 - 9:18 am

  Ive been driving the Volt for 18 months. I loved the car until a month ago when I went to unplug the charger from our garage outlet and the outlet was melted - very scary situation. Ive spent a month trying to get GM and my dealer to do something (Woodward Motors in Andover, MA). GM wants me to produce the license of the electrician who built my house in 1982 before they do anything. No joke... Dont buy this car, its dangerous and GM and dealers dont stand behind it.

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  1200mpg 2cents per mile for electricity - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By pjk2 - October 13 - 8:38 pm

  Ive been buying cars for 40years. The Volt is like no other. The smooth quiet power is nicer than any V8 Ive driven. Ive had my Base Chevy Volt here in PA for 10 months. Have been to the dealer one time to rotate the tires at 5k .. have not been to a gas station yet. Ive used just 5.7 gallons of gas in over 7,000 miles of hard hilly stop and go city driving. Thats 1200 mpg!! I have a wattmeter on the charger that indicates that the car is costing approx. 2cents per mile. Ive only used the range extender a few times... but was sure glad I had the extender. Its nice to NOT have any range anxiety. Its a nice feeling not going to the gas station every two weeks to charge about $60.

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  From Prius to Volt: mixed feelings - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By djpdx - October 12 - 6:45 pm

  I decided to give the 2013 Volt a try after my 10 Prius hit 90K. My car is loaded with almost every option and I paid 34K before tax credit. I drive 36 miles r/t to work and usually make it on electric. Pros: Tight, drives like a vault, quiet, smooth. Technology Int and ext styling. Fantastic economy Buying an american car Cons: Price even after $9000 dealer discount Craftmanship--lots of problems Poor ergonomics The center stack has buttons scattered about, seat heater turns on by itself, electric charger door fell off, 110v charger stopped working, trim pieces fell off, ipod stopped working, poor craftsmanship.