Consumer Reports recommends Chevy Volt
04.10.11
Consumer Reports hailed the Volt for its fuel economy, quietness, "instant acceleration" and excellent crash-test results. But earning a recommendation doesn't mean the Volt is perfect. The magazine noted poor visibility, tricky braking, narrow driving position and the toll cold weather takes on its electric driving range. Also the Volt seats only four, which is one less than most cars its size.
Consumer Reports test drivers were generally able to get about 35 miles in electric vehicle mode before the car's 1.4-liter gasoline engine had to begin generating electricity on-board. That's the same EV range as the car's official EPA estimates. Using the heater greatly reduced the car's range, though, the magazine said.
The Nissan Leaf , which a purely electric car, earned a higher score in Consumer Reports' tests -- 78 on a 100-point scale versus the Volts 67 -- but has not earned a recommendation because not enough data has been collected from owners yet.
The Leaf would have scored even higher but was penalized for its limited driving range, said Gabriel Shenhar, senior auto test engineer at Consumer Reports. The Leaf can go only about 75 miles on a charge. It has better visibility than the Volt, though, plus it seats five and has roomier back seats, he said.
Source: CNNMoney