2013 Chevrolet Volt

Glad I waited and glad I bought it

By Head (PA) on Tuesday, March 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,500

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I was interested in this car when I first heard about the concept in about 2006 or so. When it was time to replace my 1996 Chevy Cavalier 165,000 miles the Volt was not available so I went with the Honda Civic hybrid. I was satisfied with the car and unlike some averaged 47 miles per gallon with it. When the 2013 Volt came out with the "Hold" feature I thought I would take a look since my commute is 42 miles round trip with a two mile long 10% grade hill. The version I picked had a sticker price of almost $42000. Wow, but with the $7500 federal rebate, $3500 state rebate, about $3000 off the sticker price, $2000 cash back from Chevy, and 0% financing the deal was tough to pass up. $26000 is not that much more than a similar equipped Camery and the like. The car drives great. So far the best range I have gotten is 50 miles on days with the high temperature around 60F and the worst range has been 35 miles with high temperature around 20F. The total energy usage (gas + electricity) so far has been between $40 per month in November to $50 in January traveling about 1,000 per month. Yes it might not break even for a very long time compared a Honda Fit but these cars really can't compare. Saying the Volt will not make up the price difference over a $15000 car might be true but it's is not a $15000 car."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Enjoying the Car and Saving Money

By GWTX (TX) on Friday, April 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 900

Pros: "Smooth. Quiet. Haven't bought gas yet!"

Cons: "Nav system and voice recognition is a disaster"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I've had the car for a month and put on about 1,000 miles. I've yet to put gas in the car, so from the EV perspective it works exactly as advertised. I bought it with all the bells and whistles. The interior isn't bad. It's a bit cramped and there isn't a lot of space in the back seat. The lack of electric seat adjustments is a major negative. My wife literally has to get out of the car to adjust the seat. We trade back and forth driving the car, so we're constantly pumping the lever to raise or lower the seat. It's very inconvenient. The other complaint is that the voice recognition and navigation system is a complete train wreck. Simple instructions like "Drive Home" or "Destination Home" are impossible. If you don't know the exact command name in the list, the voice recognition is completely useless. I don't understand why I can tell my phone to "drive to bass hall" and it gives me directions to the door, but the Chevy nav system completely freaks out. Then, when it tries to send you to something ridiculous, like Baskeall, TX, (I don't think such a place exists), canceling the instructions takes several minutes. You have to wait for it to calculate the results and then talk your way through several menus before you can tell it delete the waypoint. Then it asks you which waypoint to delete (of the one available). Chevy could fix this with a software download. Let's hope they do. On the plus side, the car drives very well. It doesn't have 'power' in the traditional sense, but it really takes off. It's very smooth, nimble handling, and--of course--extremely quiet. I'm glad I bought the car and will consider the ELR when it comes out. In the meantime, though, Chevy needs to do some work on the voice commands and nav system."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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A great experience; not for everyone though

By Steve-o (IL) on Thursday, May 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,000

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The Volt is quite the car. I commute 50 miles per day, round trip. Employer allows me to recharge during the day which worked out great during winter in central IL. Certainly this car's range is reduced in cold (and I am assuming hot) weather. Yet, even in worst of times it would go 25-30 miles on a full charge. Now getting 45+ easily during spring. Handles great, even in snow. Run-and-gunners would not get as much enjoyment from the vehicle but perhaps it may adjust driving habits. Can't think of a better car that I've owned. Now if charging stations would just be a little more popular..."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Proud of my Volt! Great deal on a great car!

By L6 (IN) on Thursday, April 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,500

Pros: "Value, technology, luxury, cool factor"

Cons: "Rear seat space"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"My Volt has been a great buy and a great experience. I drive 120 miles per day. My gas bill was over $130/week. Now with my volt I go from home to work using less than a gallon of gas! Prius can't get close to that kind of performance; not to mention Prius is buttt ugly. My utility gives me special rates so my charge cost less than one dollar. I purchased my loaded 2013 Volt for under $30k after discounts and the tax breaks. That's far less than you would pay for the Lexus hybrid or a gas guzzling BMW. My volt is kept pristine and gets lots of attention. I rarely go to the gas station but some people are thrown for a loop that I'm buying gas for an electric car. I tell them It's my style Cher, I'm a man that demands his cake and gets to eat it too. I'm a big guy but volt has good front room seating. It's a little cramped if someone sits behind me, but I tend to lean back in my seat more than most. Handling is superb. The dash led me to name my car Enterprise. It has enough complexity to intrigue an engineer like myself. It takes some getting used to compared to your average dumbed down product interface, so if you are simple in nature it might be overwhelming. Charging is easy and takes 6-8 hours on a standard outlet. I thought long and hard before purchasing but I have no regrets at all! I can't explain it, but owning a Volt makes me feel like I'm part of some elite club where only the big dogs play."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Amazing design and fuel economy.

By Jon (PA) on Tuesday, April 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,400

Pros: "Handling, fuel economy, technological innovation."

Cons: "Seats 4, all wheel drive would be a great option!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The Volt is an amazing vehicle and a technological marvel. Forget the EPA mileage estimates. For local use getting 150 mpg is not difficult. For longer distance driving (120+ mile trips), 60 mpg is typical. With over 6000 miles on the car now, the Volt has been flawless. Great handling and sporty acceleration. I've been a car guy for many years and this is the best I've ever seen come out of Detroit! Hats off to GM on this one."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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