Road Test: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

[@charliekopp443]

This is the most well-researched, fact-based review I’ve ever seen on the first generation Volt. This was one of GM’s masterpieces, thanks largely to the insistence of Bob Lutz that GM show Toyota they can still innovate. Sadly, the car was widely misunderstood, even by the dealers, and probably didn’t make money for GM. I’m still upset with Mary Barra for killing this!

[@ra5928]

Motorweek named the Volt "Drivers Choice, Best Car" for 2011. I've used 8 gallons of gas in 11 months. $206 charging costs for over 7,200 miles over electric driving. That equates to 2.8 cents per mile. At $4 per gallon, that equates to 142 mpg.

[@Maidoumurnot]

You are the champion and will always be the champion🎉. I’ve been watching your car reviews since I was 15 back in the 80s and nobody even competes people don’t have a script set up they try to just wing it. The reviews are either very positive or very negative. They don’t have anything that’s neutral your reviews are fantastic and I’m glad that you’re still with us and doing great reviews.

[@planecrazy131]

Amazing car, I love my Volt!

[@TheCarArchives96]

the 2011-present Chevrolet Volt is assembled in Detroit, Michigan, United States

[@lucasworktv]

Hamtramck

[@Cali_Lux_Cruiser]

I think this is the BEST looking electric/hybrid.

[@ivantuma7969]

With reviews like these, the Volt was doomed from the start. Basically they make it sound like the gas generator kicks in above 69mph when in fact it can be driven at 100mph on pure electric power (albeit not for long stretches before running out of electrons). I blame Chevy for their poor education of sales staff and field engineers. I believe the 70mph ICE engagement also happens during "hold" mode - even if the battery isn't depleted. So far, I've been satisfied with my '13 - could always use a little more high-end oomph to avoid getting out-cylindered by 20 year old trucks or Ford Focus 1.5L's towards the top end :) ... but off the line it's hard to beat, super quiet, and I average 170mpg with my driving cycle.

[@mellingmichael777]

Great report and a great car.

[@danwat1234]

You can now buy a 2011 Volt used for about $25,000 these days, and even cheaper soon as some people return their 2011 Volt from lease.

[@ra5928]

There are no more dealership mark ups, for the most part. That was done away with a few months ago. I found 4 dealerships that were not asking for one and 1 that was tacking on $5,000. Where do you think I bought mine?

[@alanmoore78]

I would still like to see a Traverse-sized version of the Volt with 7 or 8 passenger seating. 35-45 miles on electric would mean trips for my family to and from the nearest major towns would be primarily electric. A larger fuel tank would be needed, but the engine shouldn't have to be much bigger, maybe 2.0L or 2.4L would do for a people mover. I'm happy to keep it under 70 to avoid gas-only driving. Electric + Gas range of about 350-400 miles is fine. Make it $45K, less than Tahoe Hybrid.

[@ra5928]

Ooops, forgot. Motorweek also named the Volt "Best Eco Friendly" for 2011.

[@NuclearBlue]

Cool car. I want one.

[@jacobmorell]

this is the only hybrid i would buy

[@carnutchevy]

@k757 you can buy to Civics but not the hybrid version it starts at 25,050 and the Elantra doesnt come as a hybrid. The Sonata does but its starts at 28,000. Its hard to compare the cars when you are not comparing the hybrid version to the non hybrid. If thats the case then you can get a Cevy Aveo 11,000 or a Chevy Cruze for 16,000 and get 30ish miles to the gallon.

[@lilgman191]

@k7571. It cost up to 1.50 a day to charge or if you have a solar panel that makes about 1.50 a day then you will have no cost for your daily commute. 2. You could buy two cars but why? Same thing can be said with any other car around its price. It new technology and like all new tech the price will come down. 3. Only one reason needed because the Volt is a better car. Nav, bluetooth, bose radio, 273lb torque, ultra quiet, and it drives better than a BMW. Never heard a civivc compared to a bmw

[@lucasworktv]

Nice car 😊🎉

[@KylePantano]

Only if the Prius looked as good as this.

[@cutegirluwu5671]

This isn't volt at the beginning... Its malibu

[@WyvernSone]

$33k i wish the one at my local dealer is selling one for almost double that and it's been sitting in that lot for months now. but the cabrio camaro's have been flying of the shelves and it's only a little over $50k

[@shamarone]

honestly, i don't think it needs to be less expensive. people pay WAAAY more for cars for a variety of reasons everyday. some because it has 5xx hp and 5xx tq, and others simply because it has a certain badge on it like say a 3-pointed star or blue/white propeller. like solar panels on the roof with a porsche 911 in the garage, the truth is nobody who doesn't already have money buys electric or hybrid vehicles.

[@tnguyen318]

My mother owns a Chevrolet Volt. She hasn't filled her gasoline tank in 4 months. Basically all were doing is charging the car. The Electric Bill is about $37.00 a month. That's nothing compared to $200.00 a month.

[@vcfinney]

That's because electricity is normally a lot cheaper than gas

[@PilotVBall]

Reality check, the Chevy VOLT does not make all that annoying noise.

[@AnsisX]

I wouldnt make them guilty for that, but the problem is that these companies think we all drive thousands of miles, while only 5% of all drivers drive the miles current electric cars can already handle.

[@igeekone]

It's a tech and green statement not an economy car. I would take the lease offer instead of purchase as the tech will advance greatly in 3 years.

[@ambee514]

@k757 for the smug factor

[@bwxmoto]

It is different from a regular hybrid.. don't be foolish people.

[@k757]

@carnutchevy true. I am comparing costs out of my wallet (vehicle cost & mpg) since that is the whole point of a hybrid/electric car; at least that is the propaganda that is forced onto the public . I owned a '07 Civic LX coupe, which I drove like I stole it, and would get 30/37. Not bad for a comfy $17k MSRP car

[@tostoday]

This car makes no sense for it's pricing, there are better hybrids in this price range.

[@andrewerdna100]

looks nice but the price is too high and it only has 4 seats!

[@whatever04811]

GM should have installed Volvo's bioethanol engine...Or Honda's hydrogen engine...

[@k757]

1) the question that needs answering is how much will it cost to recharge the car when plugged in? 2) you can buy 2, yes TWO Honda Civic/Hyundai Elantra/etc. for the $33,500 price of a Volt. (good grief!) 3) Or, you can buy a hell of a lot of gas for a Civic (30/40ish) at the price difference between the Volt and Civic. so why buy this thing?