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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Fun to drive and comfortable - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
By evowa - November 18 - 11:51 pmI agree with all the other reviews about how well built and technologically advanced this car is. The volt has been a pleasure to drive and I still cant believe how comfortable it is. I was commuting in a 2006 Lexus GS 430 which gives you a sense of how well the volt drives. This is my first American built car and I have to say Chevy did a great job!
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Drivings fun again! - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
By pruvit - November 16 - 9:41 pmTraded in ES Lexus, havent looked back. Car is a joy to drive, it WANTS to move. 3000 miles so far, visited gas station only once. Over 300 mpg. Love that the car is so fast and so quiet. Anyone who compares this car to a normal car to calculate payback on gas savings is missing the point. This is a premium car. Negatives: visibility is somewhat limited, holds only 4 passengers, Bluetooth issues with iPhone 5 (worked flawlessly with my iPhone 4). Im told this should be fixed in the the next couple of weeks. Theyll send out the update directly to the car wirelessly. This car is a marvelous piece of technology. If youre thinking about buying one, just do it.
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Commuting and more. - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
By timlange - November 14 - 1:56 pmOur daily commute is 15 miles so we use electric only while in town. Cost for a full charge (30-40 miles) is $0.62. Our last trip out of town was fine, 200+ miles, about 6 hours in the car and did not get uncomfortable. Rarely could tell when the gas engine came on. Edmunds mentions touchy brakes but ours seems fine.
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2013 Volt - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
By 11buster - November 6 - 11:18 amTraded in a C5 Vette for a 2013 red metallic Volt. Have driven about 400 miles in 10 days. Love the car - used 0.7 gal. Gas. Chevy had a $2,000 rebate, coupled with a $7,500 Fed tax rebate and a $2,000 state tax rebate, takes the cost down to $30,000. Factor in about $2,000 fuel savings per year, and the car makes economic sense. Build quality is excellent, as is integration of car operation, electronics and screen displays. Also right thing to do for the environment to cut emissions. With our local electric rates, cost per gas gal equivalent is about $0.70. Car is smooth and provides a pleasant driving experience, plus you are driving the future, not the past.
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Even form a guy who likes sports cars! - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
By shmef - October 14 - 4:51 pmI own my volt for just a month now. What a blast it is to drive! In sport it is really neck snapping, not to mention it drives and handles like a dream. People ask me all the time about it, it gets so much attention.
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Love this Volt and the fuel savings - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
By 53stephen - October 9 - 8:52 amI traded my BMW X3 for the Volt. I am thoroughly impressed with the technology and engineering of this vehicle. My wife and I primarily use this for around town driving with the occasional road trip. I love the fact that you will essentially not use any gas in city driving as long as you stay below the 38 mile range - so no C02 or carbon monoxide emissions at all. The car is comfortable (I am 63") and very quiet. The standard features are excellent. Chevrolet hit a home run with this car and I love buying American again.
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A true bargain if leased....$299/month - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
By jfkirk - October 1 - 3:47 pmMy Volt replaced a 20ishmpg Lexus. Over the 36,000 miles of the lease the Volt will save me $7200 with gas at $4.00 gallon. (My commute is within the Volts electric ranged...so no gas.) The actual cost to me over the old Lexus with gas savings is about $99.00 a month for a very nice $40,000 car. Obviously if something drives gas past $4.00 the savings go up even more.
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Great car at a great lease! Thanks Obama! - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
By audi_b - September 30 - 1:37 amWhat a deal-low lease for this fantastic car and I no longer visit the gas station! Somebody needs to get us off the gas pipeline, why not the government. Thanks to lucrative incentives, I drive this car for less than my former gas bill.
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Love our new volt! - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
By bchidester - September 10 - 9:30 pmThe 2013 volt is fun to drive, accelerates quickly, very quiet, fun new technology, low maintenance. We have used less than 1 gallon of gas in the last two weeks while driving it daily. Two carseats fit in the back seat and the trunk has room for our double stroller plus more.
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love my Volt - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
By utgotacoma - September 8 - 5:22 pmafter 3 months, this car has won me over gas power car or hybrid like Prius. If your average driving a day is 45 miles or less than probably dont need gas for a long time. Plug-in is convenient, clean and fun to drive. I did went over 45 miles trip few times but gas kick in is quiet and still drive like EV car not like Prius. This is the best car plus zero interest on loan. loved it.
