Consumer Reports: GM's Volt 'doesn't really make a lot of sense'

[BlueStateSaint]

Drudge put the link to this out there.

Consumer Reports:  GM's Volt 'doesn't really make a lot of sense'

David Shepardson / Detroit News Washington Bureau

Washington — Consumer Reports offered a harsh initial review of the Chevrolet Volt, questioning whether General Motors Co.'s flagship vehicle makes economic "sense."The extended-range plug-in electric vehicle is on the cover of the April issue — the influential magazine's annual survey of vehicles — but the GM vehicle comes in for criticism.

"When you are looking at purely dollars and cents, it doesn't really make a lot of sense. The Volt isn't particularly efficient as an electric vehicle and it's not particularly good as a gas vehicle either in terms of fuel economy," said David Champion, the senior director of Consumer Reports auto testing center at a meeting with reporters here. "This is going to be a tough sell to the average consumer."

The magazine said in its testing in Connecticut during a harsh winter, its Volt is getting 25 to 27 miles on electric power alone.

GM spokesman Greg Martin noted that it's been an extremely harsh winter — and as a Volt driver he said he's getting 29-33 miles on electric range. But he noted that in more moderate recent weather, the range
jumped to 40 miles on electric range or higher.

Champion believes a hybrid, such as the Toyota Prius, may make more sense for some trips.

Can't wait to see the DUmb****s refute this one!

From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110228/AUTO01/102280401/Consumer-Reports--GM’s-Volt-‘doesn’t-really-make-a-lot-of-sense’#ixzz1FMN9UtXA

[DLR Pyro]

Can't wait to see the DUmb****s refute this one!

They'll use the same tactic they always use when they have no valid argument.  "FOXNEWS LIES, FOXNEWS LIES, FOXNEWS LIES"

[zeitgeist]

It actually got a pretty good review in Barron's a couple issues back but Consumer really skewered it. One comment on another site was along the line of "  anyone think it could make 18 holes?"  funny stuff.

[Ralph Wiggum]

They'll use the same tactic they always use when they have no valid argument.  "FOXNEWS LIES, FOXNEWS LIES, FOXNEWS LIES"

Or they can always use this tried & true one:

[compaqxp]

Of course the Volt doesn't make sense for any normal person. At 40K with millage the same as many cars the same size it's nothing more then a statement. People who want a good hybrid type car get a Prius, it's that simple.

The magazine said in its testing in Connecticut during a harsh winter, its Volt is getting 25 to 27 miles on electric power alone.

GM spokesman Greg Martin noted that it's been an extremely harsh winter — and as a Volt driver he said he's getting 29-33 miles on electric range. But he noted that in more moderate recent weather, the range
jumped to 40 miles on electric range or higher.

I can get over get 35+MPG in the winter and 40+ in the summer. Sure it might be a Jetta and a "girls" car but at 9000$ (used) and 35+MPG it's a smarter buy then most of these electric/hybrid eco cars.


I think you'll see the volt off the market in a only a few years after it comes out.

[DumbAss Tanker]

An electric needs at least twice that range before most people would seriously consider it.

[Duke Nukum]

Of course the Volt doesn't make sense for any normal person. At 40K with millage the same as many cars the same size it's nothing more then a statement. People who want a good hybrid type car get a Prius, it's that simple.

I can get over get 35+MPG in the winter and 40+ in the summer. Sure it might be a Jetta and a "girls" car but at 9000$ (used) and 35+MPG it's a smarter buy then most of these electric/hybrid eco cars.


I think you'll see the volt off the market in a only a few years after it comes out.

Wow, this is the most intelligent thing you have ever posted here.  H-5 

[Chris_]

The Volt is the electric version of the Chevrolet Cruze (similar to the Prius/Yaris).  I *heard* that GM is planning a >2 liter diesel version of the Cruze for 2012 or 2013.

[compaqxp]

I *heard* that GM is planning a >2 liter diesel version of the Cruze for 2012 or 2013.

That would be great.

[Lacarnut]

Of course the Volt doesn't make sense for any normal person. At 40K with millage the same as many cars the same size it's nothing more then a statement. People who want a good hybrid type car get a Prius, it's that simple.

I can get over get 35+MPG in the winter and 40+ in the summer. Sure it might be a Jetta and a "girls" car but at 9000$ (used) and 35+MPG it's a smarter buy then most of these electric/hybrid eco cars.


I think you'll see the volt off the market in a only a few years after it comes out.

You got it half ass-ed right. The Volt is a dog and an expensive one at that.... $41k sticker price compared to a Prius which is thousands less.

If the Volt had not been backed by the taxpayers to the tune of a billion dollars for research and development, this dog would die. However, the government will prop this abomination up for years to come. I am waiting for the recalls which will be many. GM has not put out a new model that did not have a bunch. 

[RightCoast]

The Volt is the electric version of the Chevrolet Cruze (similar to the Prius/Yaris).  I *heard* that GM is planning a >2 liter diesel version of the Cruze for 2012 or 2013.

Perfect business plan; release a new diesel car right about the time diesel hits $8.50 a gallon.

[TVDOC]

For once I can agree with Consumer Reports.......

Let's see.......for $45,900 (well equipped) we get:

A four-passenger, street-legal golf cart, with a backup gas engine smaller than my garden tractor.  As a bonus, we get styling reminiscent of a drunken Picasso's rendering of a Shinto Temple on wheels......such a deal.

I forgot, it comes with a year's free subscription to "ONstar".........which the owner will most certainly need to call a cab.

Based solely on utilitarian value, it's worth about 15K, tops........they will be damn lucky to sell 20,000 of them (yes there ARE  that many really stupid people out there).

Bleah!

doc

[JohnnyReb]

For once I can agree with Consumer Reports.......

Let's see.......for $45,900 (well equipped) we get:

A four-passenger, street-legal golf cart, with a backup gas engine smaller than my garden tractor.  As a bonus, we get styling reminiscent of a drunken Picasso's rendering of a Shinto Temple on wheels......such a deal.

I forgot, it comes with a year's free subscription to "ONstar".........which the owner will most certainly need to call a cab.

Based solely on utilitarian value, it's worth about 15K, tops........they will be damn lucky to sell 20,000 of them (yes there ARE  that many really stupid people out there).Bleah!

doc

Gal on the radio says they sold 300+ in January and 200+ in Febuary....and Obama wants a million of them on the road by 2015.....

I'll buy one if Obama will personally comes by here and kiss my ass....and furish wipes to clean up with afterwards.

[Jmartin]

I am sorry, but I wouldn't buy a Cruze or Volt. They both are overpriced pieces of  . The Cruze isn't much cheaper than the Volt. For as successful GM wants the two to be they set on hell of price. Why would I buy a Volt when I could go to a Ford dealership and buy the new V6 Mustang which has 300 hp and get 31 MPG for almost 20K less.

[docstew]

Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, apparently spent $225,000 on the second one off the assembly line (the first went to GM's museum to bad ideas). His support for an Obama directive should go over well with the Nascar fans in NC where his dealerships are located...

[MP_Sarge]

I think I'll just keep my Jeeps.  kthnx.

[CG6468]

I didn't need Consumer Reports to tell me that the Volt is a piece of shit.

[Lacarnut]

I wonder how much GM paid a respected car magazine (either Motor Trend, Car & Driver, etc) to name that POS car of the year. More like dog of the year from my perspective.

[TVDOC]

I wonder how much GM paid a respected car magazine (either Motor Trend, Car & Driver, etc) to name that POS car of the year. More like dog of the year from my perspective.

I've often suspected that what you state is quite possible........however in this case, I'd sooner suspect that it was "government arm twisting" that is the culprit........after all, Obama wants a million of these "things" on the road over the next few years (no one can ever say that he doesn't "dream big"  ).  Even the trade media has to make their pet president look good.

doc

[docstew]

I wonder how much GM paid a respected car magazine (either Motor Trend, Car & Driver, etc) to name that POS car of the year. More like dog of the year from my perspective.

Some of it might have to do with methodology: Consumer Reports buys their test cars at a dealership so they get a true representative of the model, while the test cars sent to magazines are delivered direct from the manufacturer.  If you think that GM, Ford, Honda, etc., don't massage and tweak the cars they send to be tested by a national publication, I got some waterfront property in AZ to sell ya.

[Lacarnut]

Some of it might have to do with methodology: Consumer Reports buys their test cars at a dealership so they get a true representative of the model, while the test cars sent to magazines are delivered direct from the manufacturer.  If you think that GM, Ford, Honda, etc., don't massage and tweak the cars they send to be tested by a national publication, I got some waterfront property in AZ to sell ya.

I am sure they do, and sometimes the new model being tested has mechanical or tire problems which is quite funny. However, in the Volt's case, GM would have a hard time tweaking this dog.

[BlueStateSaint]

Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, apparently spent $225,000 on the second one off the assembly line (the first went to GM's museum to bad ideas). His support for an Obama directive should go over well with the Nascar fans in NC where his dealerships are located...

Doesn't surprise me at all.  Remember that Hendrick got a Presidential pardon from Billy Jeff Clinton . . . and IIRC, Jeff Gordon has hinted in the past about being a Dem.  Also IIRC, Jimmie Johnson did come out and endorse John McCain in '08.  Don't know about Dale Junior or Mark Martin.

[JohnnyReb]

Doesn't surprise me at all.  Remember that Hendrick got a Presidential pardon from Billy Jeff Clinton . . . and IIRC, Jeff Gordon has hinted in the past about being a Dem.  Also IIRC, Jimmie Johnson did come out and endorse John McCain in '08.  Don't know about Dale Junior or Mark Martin.

That $225,000 second VOLT could some day be worth some real money...$1,500 for scrap metal.

[TVDOC]

That $225,000 second VOLT could some day be worth some real money...$1,500 for scrap metal.

Dunno.....but since the batteries are considered "hazardous waste", you'd likely have to pay someone that much to get rid of it......

doc

[DumbAss Tanker]

Gal on the radio says they sold 300+ in January and 200+ in Febuary....and Obama wants a million of them on the road by 2015.....

At that rate, in only a little under 170 years the goal would be met, counting Volts alone!