IL Track Tested: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

For the same price you could have a BRAND NEW Camaro SS with $5 grand left over, OR a lightly used Corvette.

44k and 0-60 (sec): 8.9. You have to be Ed Begley Jr or That Bay Watch chick to afford this car. A Prius still makes much more sense than this boondoggle.

44K and the driving dynamics of a city bus; how novel.

Nice moron comments about price and speed. They don't mean the same thing.

I realize that performance testing is a part of every vehicle review, but I feel like it really misses the point with the Volt. You don't buy one of these for how quick it is, or how sharply it handles, or even because it makes financial sense. People are going to buy Volts because they really care about their impact on the environment. Plug-in hybrids like the Volt meet the needs of those people in a way a conventional hybrid never could, because it gives them the ability to make their entire commute (or at least a major portion of it) without producing any emissions at all.

I agree the Volt isn't the perfect execution of the plug-in hybrid idea, it needs a much better gasoline engine to come close to approaching that, but it's a solid first effort.

Think back to the first Prius and Insight. They were terrible cars that got decent gas mileage, but sacrificed basic drive-ability to achieve it. It took Toyota and Honda a few generations to get the hybrid idea right, the same will be true here. The only difference is that the Volt is already a much better car than the original hybrids were.

The scary part about the results are the noticeable differences between this car and the press release sample. If the press car was driven hard, it shows how much of an impact battery degradation can have on performance.

For $2000 more I can buy a base Prius and a Hemi Ram. The Volt is a joke.

The only thing I really noticed about this test was the price....$45k? Are you kidding me?

I'll be damned if fuel efficiency would keep me from buying a slightly used M3 at this price.

these comments are rediculous at best, why are you comparing Camaro SS, M3, and Corvettes to a hybrid vehicle. Second why do all expensive cars have to have a low 0-60 time like price and luxury are priced by 0-60 it just doesnt make sense no logic at all. Clearly these are people who dont buy cars let alone know much about them in general. Comparing a hybrid to a gas guzzling sports car lol....

@sodaguy: Could you clarify your comment? The differences look to me like normal production line variation. A couple of tenths of a second here and there. Am I missing something?

vantageman,

Because a lot of the readers here think a 400 horsepower canyon carver is downright necessary for keeping up with traffic on their morning commute.

The average driver is more honest with their needs than most enthusiasts. Fuel efficiency and comfort are more useful than high horsepower and precision handling. The average enthusiast will never take advantage of their performance vehicle's potential in a responsible and legal manner. Those that do take their vehicle to the track probably have another as their daily driver.

Speed isn't the objective of this car. The 0-60 time is more then sufficient for everyday driving.

I noticed that the EV-only (charge depleting in Volt-speak) 1/4 mile trap speed came up significantly to 85, matching the ICE mode (charge sustaining) 1/4 mile. That is an improvement from pre-pro. This is significantly faster than the Leaf, which, admittedly, was not meant for long distance highway travel. Still, it's cool the Volt outperforms it acting as an EV.

I agree with vantageman. The comparisons that some have made on here are utterly random. A Hemi Ram? A slightly used M3?

For Pete's sake men, get a grip.

I had no idea Camaros and M3s ran on electricity. That's amazing!

As enthusiasts we have to realize this car was not made for us. I see the performance as adequate for the job the car was designed for. I think the technology has performance potential, but the Volt is not that car. I would love to see this tech in a RWD car, driven by battery power only with a range extender. I would like to see esentially the Fisker Karma, but at a much lower price point. As for the price, you are paying for the technology and exclusivity, not the 0-60 time.

If the Volt is a $45k car, then the Leaf ain't a $22k car. Apples to apples, please.

Interesting test and all, but instead of making snippy remarks about the Volt's performance, why not highlight it's strong suits RELATIVE TO ITS CLASS? A Volt is not a Ferrari, or a Corvette, or even any resemblance to a performance car. That's not the point of the Volt. Having said that, a lot of the numbers the Volt put down are actually pretty good. Braking from 60-0 in 118ft? That's damned good for any car, and is *almost* performance car territory, and yet you guys just glossed over it with nary a mention, and instead talk about pedal feel, ABS engagement, and other nonsense. Acceleration 0-60 in 8.9 seconds is also very good for a "green" car, and is significantly quicker than both the Prius and the Leaf, two cars the Volt will be compared with the most. Again, no comment made about that. While the slalom speed wasn't too good (fine for its class though), the skidpad of 0.79g is good, and again, the Volt beats its green competition here handily as well. And yet again, no mention.

What's the point of all these numbers if you're not going to compare them to the competition??

Oh yes I could get a slightly used Corvette that can get over 30 MPG on the highway for that price! Though that's not the point. The whole point of the Volt is for somebody to finally bring this technology to mass production. Every new technology starts off somewhere, and usually the prices come down with further development. People who can afford the car and like the idea of an electric powered car without worrying about running out of charge will buy one, and most likely will enjoy it, not caring about performance at all. Most enthusiasts would never go for it (I'd take the Corvette any day) but it's a good thing they make the Volt, so somebody can get this technology moving in the right direction.

The idocracy is out in full force today I see. They get pissed if they think anything remotely positive is being said about the Volt.

Ok, so I know they're not in the same category and totally different vehicles with different purposes, but for the price of this car, one could get a nice used CLS55 AMG and still have $10k left over. Just a thought on what you're not getting for your money with this Chevy.

the arguments made about what great used car one could have for $45k or less can be made for ANY $45k car. ISn't that obvious folks? How desperate can you get? And a beat up used luxury car or exotic doesn't come with a tax credit or the capability to go 50m on a charge.

i hate this car. toyota and ford have done the hybrid muuuuuch better than this. show me a comparison demonstrating that this plug-in method of hybrid is more cost per mile efficient than the other 'standard' hybrid technologies (for $15k MORE money, no less) and it might get some respect. As I see it, it's a car that makes no sense unless you're running 30 miles or less total every day. And even then -- $15k more?! How long will it take you to break over THAT cost hurdle?

this, fuel cell and hydrogen. Mercedes', Honda's and Chevy's disasters.

Meanwhile Toyota, Ford and (gasp) Porsche are choosing the only sane path.

Wait... I thought the Volt's driving dynamics are much better than the enthusiast-crowned snoozmobile, aka the Prius.

WTF?

I have a dream, it's that someday I will read a review of a car on IL and the comments WON'T include some fool saying "but I could get a used M3 for that price" as if it were some sort of magical, one size fits all car.

For $15-20k more than a Prius, shouldn't it be faster and drive much better?
That doesn't mean it's worth buying.

Only about 1700 people (total sales so far this year) see the value in having one
BD

A typical hybrid like a Prius, is now a matured design. The Leaf and the Volt, although not having the same setup, are at the beginning of their technological run. They also will be refined and, at some point down the line, a replacement for the internal combustion engine will emerge.

That doesn't mean ICs will disappear. It means that the majority of everyday car buyers will be choosing models that are other than IC.

Of course, then gasoline prices will plummet and we will see a rebirth of the IC engine. Until we all learn the lesson again. (This happens every time there is a jump in gasoline prices-- more people buy fuel efficient cars, and as soon as the gas goes down again, they revert to the tried and true. There will need to be some kind of a method to get rid of or reduce this tendency. The best way to do that would be to make these upcoming new-fangled non-IC cars as good as the ICs.

@makakio: "i hate this car."

You must have some suppressed emotional issues to hate the Volt, or any car for that matter. Try to expand your mind, try to understand the tech behind the Volt and its early-adopter purpose as a stepping stone toward future electric vehicles with cheaper/ better battery packs. Just try, just once, please.

You may end up learning not to pass judgment on things that you don't fully understand.

It's only natural it compare it other vehicles you can purchase for similar money. Why is it so expensive? Simple, GM believes there is a business case (can make money) from people who will feel better about themselves if they spend a lot of money on a vehicle believed to be good for the environment.

I for one don't fit into that Business case. I realize that there many things beyond our control that affect our environment. I'm willing to buy a more efficient vehicle to save money, but I'm not going to make huge compromises in utility, performance, handling, and pay a premium for it.

$7500 tax credit.

That is all.

wingsinbeer: I'm sorry, but it's not natural. An M3 is not a valid option if what you want is a fuel efficient sedan, or an electric car, or a luxury SUV.

Nobody who is shopping for an electric car or hybrid is going to weigh that option vs a used M3. It's an apples to rutabega comparison.

Regarding cost, I agree with you. We have all (myself included) beaten the 'Volt makes no financial sense' theme to death. The Volt buyer isn't looking for value or driving dynamics. The many virtues of the M3 do not overlap with the virtues of the Volt in any way. The Volt buyer is not TRYING to save money. It is pointless for commenters to constantly point out that the cost of owning a Volt is greater than the cost of owning Car X. Volt owners know this and don't care.

Louis, good point! I thought the Volt was a Vette in comparison to the Prius.....evidence of Pro GM bias in this blog.

I like this Volt

@ed124C - Thanks for the reality check. The Volt doesn't make a lot of fiscal sense but it's a way to push out series hybrid systems to the masses. It'll eventually get cheaper but for now it's the early adopters who are paying for the future research and development. As with the prius, it was the early adopters who helped pave the way for the next-gen prius.

Parallel Hybrid systems (prius, fusion, etc.) are definitely more mature and have many of the kinks worked out of them while full EV and series hybrid systems (volt) are still in the early stages. Give series hybrid systems time and they will be more competitive as prices decrease. Heck, freight trains have been using series hybrid systems for a years now and they've tweaked them to be pretty effecient for their size. You don't see them running parallel hybrid systems because it's more effecient to use electric traction motors.

"Wait... I thought the Volt's driving dynamics are much better than the enthusiast-crowned snoozmobile, aka the Prius.

WTF?"

Every source except IL has made that claim. Take it up with them. Whom are you going to believe? It cracks me up when people pick one media source that they agree with and then trumpet their opinion as gospel while ignoring contradictory opinions. Its kind of like taking one movie review and reporting it as fact. MT, C&D and others said the Volt handles better than other hybrids on the market. Take it or leave it.

The numbers aren't surprising, the thing's going to understeer like a pig with such a nose-heavy weight bias, and the small brakes, rear torsion beam and LRR tires aren't going to generate world-class feel or figures. So the performance is fine for what it is. Based on price alone, yeah it kind of sucks, but that's clearly not what this car is about.

So it's too expensive, but the original Prius would have been too if Toyota didn't initially sell it at a purported loss in the JDM and later for a song in the US - in 2001 the MSRP was $19,995. Unfortunately GM doesn't have the ability to do that like Toyota did, so this thing's going to be relatively expensive until the technology matures and costs come down.

I think IL forgot to mention that there is still a tax credit available on the vold which brings it back to earth in the mid 30's. Why would anyone mention a Camaro or corvette in comparison even for the sake of price.. That's just plane ignorant.

When the Prius was new on the market and again when gas prices spikes several years ago, the Toyota was selling at a pretty high price, and did not have nearly the technology that this does.

The volt does what the Prius and Leaf don't, they give you a decent looking car that can do a lot. The leaf is fully electric and the Prius is made for people who don't care about their appearance.

The volt has made significant technological strides, and in time will come down in price once it goes into more mass production.

According to Chief Engineer Andrew Farah in an Automotive News interview "We've got the feel of a sports car." when speaking about the Volt.

Hmmmm... Maybe not so much. Sigh.... how many hyperboles were said by GM about this car.

This is humorous. People are really comparing the Volt to sports cars. Heck, you could get a loaded new Ford Explorer for the price of a Volt, why not just buy that?

Gasoline has a huge energy density and the internal combustion engine has been evolving for over 100 years to take full advantage of it. This is a car that runs on electricity. You could theoretically fill your tank from your solar panels. And, unlike the Leaf, lets you venture more than 40 miles from your house. So, compare it to the Leaf and the Tesla. And there will be a few more electric vehicles coming out soon - the Focus for one, and a new, lower priced Tesla S (~$60K), none of which would make it from Philadelphia to Washington -without stopping for 8 hours to charge.

So- pick your compromise. Range. Price. Size. Speed. Electric. you can't have everything.

GM is to be commended on their foresight. It's the best vehichle in its class- since it's the ONLY vehicle in its class.

my only complaint... it's surprisingly small. Hope they make a mid-size/wagon version some day for me and my family.

I know this is a performance test, but everyone is missing the point about the Volt. The Volt is about the future and the flexibility to use many different energy sources. A gasoline powered car can only use 1 fuel, gasoline. A Prius is great and all, but it is basically just a more efficient gasoline powered car. However, a Volt can use any fuel that can be used to generate electricity. Solar, Natural Gas, and yes even gasoline can be used to power a Volt.

This flexibility is important and if widely adopted would reduce our need to compete with China, India, Europe and the rest of the world for crude oil. The technology embodied in the Volt is expensive today, but the expectation is that the costs will drop over time. Buying a Volt right now is probably not a smart decision (I just bought an M3), but those that do buy one are funding the development of future lower cost versions.

This article is a good read:
http://www.stanford.edu/group/greendorm/participate/cee124/TeslaReading.pdf

"Heck, freight trains have been using series hybrid systems for a years now and they've tweaked them to be pretty effecient for their size. You don't see them running parallel hybrid systems because it's more effecient to use electric traction motors."

I suspect packaging is the reason they are a pure series drivetrain. But the laws of physics still apply: it can never be more efficient to convert mechanical to electrical and back to mechanical than it would be to simply connect the first mechanical energy producer to the last mechanical energy consumer. But to design a Volt-like powertrain for a freight locomotive would PROBABLY be cost prohibitive and unbelievably complex. Engineering trade-offs...the world isn't black and white.

The Volt could easily be cheaper to operate than any hybrid if you have the right circumstances. Some people do, today. But what happens in 5, 10, 20 years?

Someone has to develop the technology. Rather than develop it in a lab, it makes business sense if you can actually sell (even if at a loss initially) the product. And there is no better environmental use validation than actually selling cars to people to put tens of thousands of miles on.

Wow, 0-60 in 8.9 is quite good! Our old V6 Tribute did it in the same time and it felt properly quick (though its V6 was certainly more snarly than a Volt would ever be, with a fun feeling of "coming on cam" above 3000 or so RPM). Also very impressed by the braking distance. Chevy is really putting out some very dynamically competent cars these days.

For all of those complaining about the price, you can lease a Volt for $350 per month with $2,500 down. That is reasonable.

http://gm-volt.com/2010/12/15/chevrolet-volt-lease-terms/

"The numbers aren't surprising, the thing's going to understeer like a pig with such a nose-heavy weight bias, and the small brakes, rear torsion beam and LRR tires aren't going to generate world-class feel or figures. So the performance is fine for what it is. Based on price alone, yeah it kind of sucks, but that's clearly not what this car is about."

a lot of the weight is in the middle and rear of the car due to the 600lb battery. I'd wager weight distribution is better than almost every FWD car on the road.

"For all of those complaining about the price, you can lease a Volt for $350 per month with $2,500 down. That is reasonable."

"This is humorous. People are really comparing the Volt to sports cars. Heck, you could get a loaded new Ford Explorer for the price of a Volt, why not just buy that? "

LOL- yeah I'm surprised no one has mentioned you can get a well equipped pickup for $45k instead. Or maybe a used 911 turbo. Or a 15 year old Ferrari.
THey dont care about facts- they are on a mission to dismiss Volt. Facts be damned.

Considering the recently announced production hikes there must be some latent demand for the car. I think they sell in 18 days when 60 days is considered ideal for a popular vehicle.

@bankerdanny I agree with you on the M3, but that's not something I would have considered anyway. For instance, maybe I would choose an A4 Avant.

Regardless I'm one of those folks that cringes at spending more the $20k for a vehicle. That's why I drive an 08' Xb. It's cheap, functional, and fairly efficient.

Bimmer
"So it's too expensive, but the original Prius would have been too if Toyota didn't initially sell it at a purported loss in the JDM and later for a song in the US - in 2001 the MSRP was $19,995. Unfortunately GM doesn't have the ability to do that like Toyota did, so this thing's going to be relatively expensive until the technology matures and costs come down."

So?
GM had their chance with the EV1.
Did they make it affordable? Did they take losses to get in on the street?

Toyota took losses for years, and planned ahead
Now they own the market
GM took the short money approach, as per usual, and ends up Gub'mint Motors

Who's right?
BD

The EV1 was never practical, it was science experiment that you could lease. Toyota has said the Prius was more of a statement project to test the limits of tech than a bet on being "green". In fact, the first gen Prius didnt even sell. The Prius became mainstream when gas prices spiked in 2005. Before that it was seen as a niche vehicle for liberal environmentalists.

The problems with this car are significant:

1. Lets say you actually want to lease the car (which many people don't). The subsidized $350 lease is fine, but a Prius will lease for less in many areas (high residuals)
2. The Volt interior is small, similar to the Insight, not the mid-size Prius. And the back seat is really set up to seat two, not three, people (Major tunnel for middle seat)
3. The cargo area is, again, smaller than the Prius.
4. If you live in an apartment, or spend most time in a city environment, it is virtually useless, as most apt dwellers won't be able to plug it into a garage.
5. This is GM's first swing at anything like this. You want to be their Guinea Pig? How much do you trust them right now? That much, huh?
6. After the plug-in period has run it's course, it doesn't even get 40 MPG. It turns into a 3800lb Chevy Cruze
7. $10k more than a Prius?

Other than that, it's pretty sweet!
BD

1487
"In fact, the first gen Prius didnt even sell."

In fact, the first Prius sold 17,563 in it's first full year (1998)

Something tells me the Volt won't make it there for a little while.....
BD

"In fact, the first Prius sold 17,563 in it's first full year (1998)

Something tells me the Volt won't make it there for a little while....."

Price. 17k units is pathetic for a vehicle as affordable as Prius. Toyota sells than many Prius in a month now.

Enough said. We know you love Toyota. Message received.

1487

Volt has sold 1703 cars this year. I know you are proud of that sales history, with how we know you love GM, so......

You want a list of cars that are MORE EXPENSIVE than Volt, that sell more in ONE month than Volt sells all year?

Cars like the 5-series, E-Class, Lexus RX, Acura MDX, Cadillac Escalade, Audi Q5......

I don't think a GM fanboy wants to call Prius pathetic.
That might make you look.......uninformed
BD

@ blackdynamite

I've grown up in a Toyota household and I think the Prius is pathetic. There I said it.

1487, I actually like the Volt much more than the Prius. It has nothing to do with positive or negative, but once again your tunnel vision has you seeing it that way.

Also, please don't call me an idiot. Name calling got old in the 9th grade -- learn how to talk to people like an adult.

There's no doubt that the Volt is an interesting, innovative machine and is likely worth that $45k price, but if I'm going to spend that much on a car I'd like one that I can enjoy driving. Comparisons to cars outside of the Volt's competitor base are inevitable when that much money can buy you a lot of damned good cars. That doesn't seem "idiotic" at all to me, and apparently a lot of people agree.

stingray, what is the Volt's competition?......there really isn't any.

I still can't figure out why GM gets tech props for the Volt's drivetrain. It isn't clever, it's quite the opposite. Why develop a questionable new drivetrain technology out of the preexisting IC and EV technologies? Seems like it would've been a lot more worthwhile to just further perfect one or the other (preferably EV tech since it has more of a future). And wouldn't a breakthrough in battery technology also spell disaster for the Volt since true EVs will benefit far more from it? Also, wouldn't any cost reduction that occurs in EV tech apply to the Volt's competitors as well? I'm afraid the Volt is destined to forever be a day late and a dollar short.

Who knows, I could be wrong. Maybe there are tens of thousands of drivers out there who want to make a positive environmental statement with an outrageously overpriced and over-engineered two ton economy car, but I seriously doubt it. And even if so, they should just get the used M3. I can assure them that their eco-street cred will in no way be effected.

bankerdanny,

It's really quite simple: at a Prius or Leaf price, yes, I can see the merit in high MPG/electric power and would consider those cars if I were in the market for a new vehicle.

At the Volt's price, though, the payoffs lose their value for me. If I'm going to spend that much I really couldn't care less about how fuel efficient the car is or whether or not it can run on electric power. There are simply too many options out there at that price level for me to even consider driving home in a well-dressed golf cart. So yes, I'd take an M3, Raptor, Boss Mustang, Evo, etc. over the Volt, and I question the sanity of anyone who wouldn't do the same.

"Every source except IL has made that claim. Take it up with them. Whom are you going to believe? It cracks me up when people pick one media source that they agree with and then trumpet their opinion as gospel while ignoring contradictory opinions. Its kind of like taking one movie review and reporting it as fact. MT, C&D and others said the Volt handles better than other hybrids on the market. Take it or leave it. "

If you hate IL so much, why don't you just fu***ng leave????!!!

typography says:
05:11 AM, 05/25/11
I had no idea Camaros and M3s ran on electricity. That's amazing!

I couldn't agree more! That 35 miles of electric only power on the Camaro would really come in handy....oh wait, apples and oranges.

I had a 1988 Ford Thunderbird Tubo Coupe that did 0-60 in 8.8 seconds. That was supposed to be a performance car. The Volt's 0-60 time of 8.9 looks very good in comparison. A Prius is around
10 seconds to 60. I don't get the negative comments about this car. The owners absolutely love this car. I had a conversation with a salesman from my local Chevy dealer and He said the demand is much greater than the supply. He had an out of state buyer buy his entire stock
of only 3 and would have bought more if he had them.

Show me any car at any price that could give the equivalent gas mileage of 80+MPG when use as it was designed with similar or better performance and then we can talk about other options.....

This car is PRIMARLY for commuting less than 40 miles to and from work. It is an extended range electric meaning that you do not have to worry about running out of electrical power. It is obviously not for everyone...

Where I live electricity is about 13c/KWHr to recharge at night would cost about $1.50. If I live less than 20 miles from my work and drive it 5 days/week for 50 weeks I spend about $375/year on energy to get to and from work. At $4.00-$50.00 per gal of gas this car start to make more an more sense.

However, it is certianly not for everyone.....

P.S. The only reason for the low sales numbers is supply... GM has a long waiting list. It has only been sold in a hand full of states. All car produced have been sold, so there is demand for this vehicle.

I've driven a lot of recent cars in the midsize / large compact class, and I own a Volt. In real world driving, the Volt just feels better, WAY better. I don't care what IL tries to imply. IT'S NOT AN AUTOCROSS CAR! (I mean, duh, really?)

People who rail against the Volt fall into 2 categories: 1) Those who haven't driven one extensively; 2) Those with an agenda. IL = #2, in more ways than one.

The acceleration and braking numbers are about the same as other car magazines tests. Pretty good acceleration, really good braking. Actually the 85 mph speed in the quarter mile is rather good.

The problem is this quote, "just a surge of near silent, if underwhelming, power. Funny I didn't see such a quote when the Leaf was tested, which of course is slower. HMMMMMMMM

No comment on how good this car stops, not from IL. I just read from another person who drove a Volt on a long trip, that he used the mountain mode to keep more electricity available in the battery when he arrived at his destination, for city use. He averaged 43 mpg. Maybe the IL editors should try that. NAAAAHHH, doesn't work for their agenda.

zoomzoom22, the reason some of us stick around is to "TRY" to keep the editors somewhat in line.

yamahr1: You nailed it perfectly. Did you see the editorial on gminsidenews about the guy above?

I really like in the introduction how it was lovingly introduced to electricity. LOL

All in all, the Volt is looking better and better.

"With a gasoline generator and EV propulsion, the Volt bridges the gap between past and future propulsion for a reluctant and skeptical population. "

What is your guys (IL/Edmunds) deal here?! "gasoline generator" "EV propulsion" "bridges the gap" ?!

It's a freakin' Prius with a better battery and a plug.

After one shining moment back in October of properly describing the Volt's powertrain and cutting through the marketing fluff ( http://www.insideline.com/chevrolet/volt/2011/how-the-2011-chevrolet-volt-works.html ) you seem to have just bought in to the Chevy marketing lock stock and barrel like some main stream TV news outfit.

Did GM buy you guys or something ? or file some sort of American version of the super injunction that forces you to have Chevy translate your articles to proper marketing speak ? sheesh.

The Volt is an interesting car. It's the first mainstream PHEV to market and that's good, but the marketing around it is INSUFFERABLE.

"Also, please don't call me an idiot. Name calling got old in the 9th grade -- learn how to talk to people like an adult.

There's no doubt that the Volt is an interesting, innovative machine and is likely worth that $45k price, but if I'm going to spend that much on a car I'd like one that I can enjoy driving. Comparisons to cars outside of the Volt's competitor base are inevitable when that much money can buy you a lot of damned good cars. That doesn't seem "idiotic" at all to me, and apparently a lot of people agree."

I was unaware I called you an idiot, I didnt address you in any way. My point was simple- there are many choices for $45k and if someone buys a $45k that doesnt meet your needs of course you are going to say "i'd rather have car y for all that money". Some folks think a stripped down 528i is overpriced at $45k and would rather buy a loaded version of a lesser car. Others will disagree. On top of that, the Volt is available with a %7500 tax credit which other $45k options cannot match. I think that's worth mentioning. We don't all agree on what someone "should" buy for $45k but we can agree no $45k car has the capabilities of the Volt so anyone looking for this type of car really only has one choice.

"If you hate IL so much, why don't you just fu***ng leave????!!!"

I don't "hate" Il- its a website. It's not a person or an ideal. I don't have feelings about IL. I made a point that cannot be rebutted- almost every source has said the Volt is a better drive than cheaper hybrids. That has nothing to do with "hating" anyone or anything, it's a statement of fact. If you can't handle it perhaps you shuld "f**cking leave".

"So yes, I'd take an M3, Raptor, Boss Mustang, Evo, etc. over the Volt, and I question the sanity of anyone who wouldn't do the same. "

Why would a person interested in a Volt do with a Raptor? Call me insane because I have zero interest in a Raptor at ANY price. $45k pickups are even more ridiculous than a $45k compact hybrid/EV like the Volt. For urban dwellers like myself the vehicles you mentioned as "superior" choices are more or less impractical. There is no right answer here, if you think the Raptor is a dream vehicle it apparent you wouldnt see any value in the Volt (or HS250, CT200, Toureg hybrid, etc.).

"It's a freakin' Prius with a better battery and a plug."

Not really. Prius has virtually 0 operating range without its engine. Volt has 50m of range. It takes a lot of tech to get that 50m of range- which is why the Prius doesn't have it. Even the 2013 Prius PI will have a max of 13m of range.

IL wasnt payed off Chevy, they backed off because they got no support with "volt gate" from other publications and there was backlash from educated readers. Saying the Volt is just like the Prius is kind of like saying the M3 is just like a $33k 328i with 16" wheels and leatherette. Except for performance, engine power, brake size, tire size, seats, transmission and handling prowess the cars are exactly the same.

Good grief. Reading through the posts on this thread, what strikes me more than anything is the level of stupidity and ignorance. It's downright scary.

If IL posters are representative of the American population, then the biggest threat to the Volt's success is the lack of enough intelligent people to understand the vehicle.

"Volt has 50m of range."

Sure it does, at 30 mph with the AC off, no hills, and the temperature between 81 and 83 degrees.

Their LT car broke 50 exactly once in 6000 miles and is averaging 37. And that's with the staff having hypermiling contests with each other.

But what's a 33% exaggeration between friends?

@ veryhrm,

AMEN Brother!!

Not to mention at $44k before the rebate.

"It takes a lot of tech to get that 50m of range- which is why the Prius doesn't have it."

A LOT of tech?!

It takes a freaking bigger battery that's what it takes...

1487

"Saying the Volt is just like the Prius is kind of like saying the M3 is just like a $33k 328i with 16" wheels and leatherette."

That's a nice try.
But the more expensive M3 will probably outsell the Volt this year too.
It's a car people actually want to buy
BD

@blackdynamite0

The ONLY reason the M3 might out sell the Volt is lack of supply... GM Has only released the car in a hand full of states and the trouble in Japan has cause a shutdown of he plant. There is a long waiting list for this car..

The Volt IS A CAR PEOPLE WANT TO BUY! How hard is that to understand?

With 3 months and 3,000 miles on my Chevy Volt I find the handling to be totally adequate, the acceleration to be the same and the braking to be phenominal. The sound system is terrific, the climate control system the best I've ever experienced and the fits and finishes are world-class inside and out. The only area that could have been improved, in my opinion, is the tires...too hard and noisy. I'll probably give up a mile or two on every charge when I've replaced the tires with softer, grippy-er and quieter tires, but then I will have a car that is an absolute, no-compromises, joy to drive.

One more thing: I did not buy the car to save money. I bought the car to discontinue pouring blood of American soldiers into my gas tank. At 172 miles per gallon I have accomplished that and got a terrific car in the process.

1487, since you invite such mayhem every time you post I hope you'd be aware that you can address someone without doing so directly.

You are the king of this, attacking people's comments and then trying to weasel your way out with a bunch of excuses and other random gibberish in long-winded, mind-numbing post when you get called out. There is no enthusiasm in your voice, just anger. You're a sissy. Do yourself and all of us a favor for once and see if you can handle NOT commenting on a Regal/Volt post....just ONE time. It would be a welcome reprieve from your stupidity.

posts*

Thanks, Audacity for the smart, timely and sobering post by an actual owner.

Thanks, Audacity for the smart, timely and sobering post by an actual owner.

aurakr said: "You nailed it perfectly. Did you see the editorial on gminsidenews about the guy above?"

No, didn't see that, and not sure who you're referring to. Link please, if you have it? Thx.

yamahr1:

http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f13/chevy-volts-mountain-mode-vastly-underrated-yields-new-driving-strategies-103199/

Hope it works, otherwise just go to gminsidenews, click on the forums link, then chevy news

http://www.plugincars.com/chevy-volts-mountain-mode-vastly-underrated-yields-new-driving-strategies-107176.html

Everyone is throwing in a 'better value hybrid'...

SCREW that, I'd just get a Jetta or Golf TDI...or if I need more room a Jetta TDI Sportwagen (or wait for the new TDI Passat)...Diesel is the solution!

"Massive understeer the likes of which we rarely see these days, and the chassis is not overly willing to change its attitude. "

I just don't understand this. IL (Magrath) is the only reviewer to complain about it. I assume the tire pressure were checked.

It just doesn't drive that way. it doesn't. In fact, one of the things that tipped the balance for me was when I learned (on a solo test drive) that you can rotate it under braking w/o the traction control going berserk.

Is it slow around corners? Sure. It has 580 treadwear tires. WTF do you expect? Within the constraints of that, it works pretty well.

I'm surprised (doubly so given the tone of the blog) Mike missed the worst *actual* problem with the suspension. The rear bushings are marshmallows and mid-corner bumps at "speed" (these things being relative) cause a lot of movement. I've never seen a complaint about this in any test, which really makes me wonder about the usefulness of them.

And how the hell do I turn the traction control off? I just grabbed the manual. "TCS comes on automatically whenever the vehicles is started and cannot be turned off". The car is slow enough that I can't see how it would be an advantage but I'd love to know how to do it.

I should add (since I can't edit) that the Volt is the only FWD car I own out of 6. As a rule, I treat FWD cars like $20 hookers - stay far, far away.

The picture in the post actually shows the rear tires working pretty hard.

I had a 92 celica that got 32 M.P.G. It cost (used in 94) 4200.00. Has anyone looked at what it would take this car to get the pay back. It can't. All cars produced today have way too much horse power. It's that sinple.