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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  Go test drive one! - 2014 Chevrolet Volt
  By paodeoro - October 5 - 8:29 pm

  So is it a good value? Yes! It feels solid as a Mercedes and almost as luxurious (no electric seats). ItÂ’s fun to drive like a Mazda 3. It costs like a Corolla, after factoring in tax incentives and fuel savings (10 years ownership). The Volt has a unique character and more than skin deep beauty that makes owners proud and car enthusiasts rethink whatÂ’s possible.

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  Buyer Beware! - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By ronmaf - September 26 - 3:08 pm

  My Wife and I bought 2 of these Volts in 2012. Within 7 months my Volt had a major Regen bearing failure. The dealer tried to replace it twice. They ended up giving me a new car (A buyback). Within 1000 miles of owning the new 2013 Volt, I had no heat, that took 2 trips to the dealer to fix, and then the same Regen bearing failure that took weeks to get repaired! Now just in the past 3 weeks my Wifes Volt Died. It had to be towed in 2 times. The dealer said it was a 12 Battery issue. They replaced it and it failed again! These cars have too many issues that the dealer or GM have knowledge enough to fix properly. Buyer Beware...buy at your own risk!

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  Way to Go GM!! - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By allchargedup - September 7 - 12:24 pm

  As a volt owner coming off many years of high quality Infiniti vehicles I had a lot of doubt about quality. But after a year of ownership I could not be happier. Nothing gone wrong, nothing with this car. Ride is great, been to a gas station 3 times in a year. 91% of my driving is electric. Charging at night and at work, I am saving a TON of money, driving green, and sending a high finger to OPEC. Im hoping others realize that still today, ONLY the Volt gives you the unlimited range in a basically electric vehicle. Most people still dont know how it works and think the range is limited. I tell them I can drive across the U.S. and still get 40 mpg! Im buying american and proud!

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  6 months in with the Volt - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By chris_v - August 8 - 3:14 pm

  6000 miles and I love the car. Have driven it from February and temps under 20 degrees F to August and temps over 100 degrees F. Full charge shows 44-45 miles available on electric, but I rarely go over 30 miles. Hold mode is great for 2013, as it adds the ability to drive to the highway on electric, then switch to hold mode to maintain the charge and get upwards of 50+ mpg with the gas generator running, then switch back to electric when you get off the highway. Sport mode is fun, and I leave it in L all the time, even on the highway, to take advantage of the aggressive regen to gain back range. So far I havent put gas in it in almost 5 months of daily driving.

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  Buyer Beware - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By elizabethrm - July 29 - 10:23 am

  I wanted to love this car. As a prius driver for years I was so excited to have a more luxurious eco-friendly car and buy American. Win/win right? Unfortunately not. This car has stranded me 3 times because it stopped functioning in the first year and a half of ownership. Two of these times I was placed in incredibly dangerous situations. The first 2 times I was told that there was a defective part that would be replaced. The third time the dealership couldnt figure out what was wrong for days and then gave me an illogical reason for the breakdown. Its an incredibly unreliable car. Women should especially beware of their safety if they buy this car. Just waiting for the next breakdown.

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  2013 Chevy Volt - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By standres - July 23 - 2:38 pm

  I purchased the Chevy Volt 2013 in June 2013 and I already drove over 1500 miles and I had only put in gasoline (not premium) three times. The gasoline tank capacity is about 9.5 gallons (full). The car was making 51 miles only using the battery and about 43mpg using the gasoline alternator, so about driving 94miles with the use only 1gallon of gasoline. Smooth drive when is using the battery, a little vibrating and nose when using the gasoline alternator. The front seats are manually operated. Already from the 2012 model has not yet change in this 2013 is the lack of space for the rear passengers (legs and head).

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  Exellent job of Chevrolet - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By don238 - July 13 - 12:59 pm

  Owned a Porsche Cayenne and tired with the price of gas, I was looking for a hybrid or electric car. I use the car less than 50 miles/day, after the test drive on the Prius (no power, dont feel safe) and the Volt (good acceleration, nice and solid design), I take the decision without hesitation. With the help of Chris Sanchez (honest, good knowledge, patient, professional) and the team of Simpson of Garden Grove, now Im very happy to own a Volt, I enjoy every day my car without attention to the gas price, I feel free. Thank you to Chris, the team of Simpson of GG and also Chevrolet for the excellent job

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  Expensive leading PHEV w cramped interior - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By dm3 - July 5 - 3:04 pm

  Ground breaking plugin hybrid. Uses engine to extend the range of an otherwise all electric vehicle. Overall drives well. Good acceleration and handling. Comfortable amazingly quiet ride. Can use it all electric for typical commutes. However lots of compromises. Very high price due to dual drive trains. Interior cramped to due low ceiling for reduced drag, 4 passenger seating due to battery in the cabin. Electric range works for shorter trips, but on longer trips seems to simply improve gas mileage which still isnt as good as a Prius. Hoping next rev. will fix these issues.

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  Surpassed expectations - 2013 Chevrolet Volt
  By mrc23 - June 26 - 5:15 pm

  Have put 6k miles on my Volt and I am very happy with the purchase. My work commute is about 20 miles a day round trip. Ive used 18.6 gallons of gas since I bought it. The Volt performs like a champion off a green light and in heavy highway traffic. Absolutely no issues getting where I need to go and moving at the pace I need to free myself of oblivious drivers. This car glides like glass, and I climb hills everyday. Shift into Sport mode and its a golf cart on steroids I routinely outrun german cars. Ive been in Audis for 10 years, and traded an A4 for the Volt.

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  2012 Chevy Volt - 2012 Chevrolet Volt
  By stratoguy - June 12 - 9:10 pm

  I purchased this car on May 31, 2012. I have had the car now for almost 13 months and I have only put in gasoline after 12 months and only because it said the gas was going stale so I should add gas. It came with 9.5 gallons (full) and so I only used 7 gallons in one year and over 9500 miles. It is amazing. Because I mostly drive the car optimumly by the computer suggestion of keeping the Turning Earth in the center target, I usually get between 44 and 48 miles per charge which is enough for me to do most of my errands and tasks without running the gas generator most of the time. The cost here in CA for a full charge of electricity to go those 44-48 miles is only $1.50. Amazing.