Feature

New cars: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

What the critics say about the $40,280 Chevrolet Volt

Motor Trend
Few new cars have received, or deserved, as much hype as the Chevrolet Volt, an “astonishing” vehicle that drives on rechargeable electric power and has a backup gasoline power plant that gives it unlimited range. This is “hands-down the most significant vehicle” produced in 2011, a “moonshot game-changer” that validates GM and Detroit’s joint resurgence. To us, it was the Car of the Year.

The Washington Post
We seldom side with Car of the Year judges, but we “enthusiastically agree” that the Volt deserves the award. Its electric-to-gas-to-electric operation is seamless, invisible, and efficient, and the car itself “is a work of premium craftsmanship.” The Volt is proof that most families “don’t need a gasoline-powered ‘regular’ car and an all-electric environmental-statement car.”

The New York Times
Forget the “digital magic taking place down below” and feel the joy of 60 mpg economy in gas-electric mode and 93 mpg in all-electric. The buy-in price is steep, even with generous tax incentives, and you’ll give up basics like five-passenger seating and eye-catching design. But the Volt is a car designed to make owners feel good about driving. “If that’s not your cup of green tea, don’t buy it.”

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