When I test drove a Premier I gave the car a cornering workout - the suspension was way too soft. I like to feel the road and the Premier's suspension hides the road from the driver.
Quick Volt questions if you don't mind
I'm sorry I haven't read through to see where the appropriate place to post might be. I feel in "crisis mode" - although I have to laugh at myself (first world problems).
I had my heart set on a Tesla Model 3. So much so that I pretty much ignored or dismissed other possibilities. The big 'reveal' was tonight and I was sorely disappointed. I remember the Volt was probably my #2 choice (although distant). I'm wondering if you wouldn't mind providing some insight that I can't really look up with facts and figures.
#1 - I live in a mountainous region. Long steep grades (8.5% - so not insane, but significant) and high speeds (120kph / 75mph). When the electric range is used up, how is this thing in the hills? I drive a Honda Fit now and it is woefully underpowered and I often can't hold the speed limit. More bothersome, however, is how bloody loud it is from the engine noise. That's a main reason I wanted a BEV.
#2 - It is listed as having a tiny 10.5 cubic foot cargo space... surely it isn't really that little, is it? When the seats are folded, etc... can you make a trip to Costco of any significance? Or is it as useless in that regard as the specs indicate?
#3 - How is it for tall guys? I'm 6'4, mostly in the legs. For anyone that's driven a Honda Fit... that's about as tight as I can go. I wouldn't call it comfortable, but I manage.
#4 - One problem with the Fit is that my kid... er... no longer "fits" (pun avoided as best as I could). He's 5 and still in a child seat and he's getting cramped. Again, can anyone relate to the Fit?
I'm really hoping someone's got experience with both the Volt and the Fit and can advise if I'm looking at a significant upgrade or not.
Thanks so much.
I had my heart set on a Tesla Model 3. So much so that I pretty much ignored or dismissed other possibilities. The big 'reveal' was tonight and I was sorely disappointed. I remember the Volt was probably my #2 choice (although distant). I'm wondering if you wouldn't mind providing some insight that I can't really look up with facts and figures.
#1 - I live in a mountainous region. Long steep grades (8.5% - so not insane, but significant) and high speeds (120kph / 75mph). When the electric range is used up, how is this thing in the hills? I drive a Honda Fit now and it is woefully underpowered and I often can't hold the speed limit. More bothersome, however, is how bloody loud it is from the engine noise. That's a main reason I wanted a BEV.
#2 - It is listed as having a tiny 10.5 cubic foot cargo space... surely it isn't really that little, is it? When the seats are folded, etc... can you make a trip to Costco of any significance? Or is it as useless in that regard as the specs indicate?
#3 - How is it for tall guys? I'm 6'4, mostly in the legs. For anyone that's driven a Honda Fit... that's about as tight as I can go. I wouldn't call it comfortable, but I manage.
#4 - One problem with the Fit is that my kid... er... no longer "fits" (pun avoided as best as I could). He's 5 and still in a child seat and he's getting cramped. Again, can anyone relate to the Fit?
I'm really hoping someone's got experience with both the Volt and the Fit and can advise if I'm looking at a significant upgrade or not.
Thanks so much.
41 - 59 of 59 Posts
Gen 2 fold manually too. I had no idea, so many tidbits here ...The side mirrors do fold manually, they pivot when you pull on them, but that part is not motorized
I think if you like the VOLT, you will be very happy with a LT.So... LT or Premier? Any insights? ...
I am 6'4" too, and the fit is very comfortable. Plenty of leg room (I actually don't have the seat all the way back!) and head room is fine. One minor issue is the forward view is somewhat impinged from above by the roof line. When waiting at stop lights and I am the first in line, I often have to duck down a bit to see the lights. I consider it a very minor annoyance.#3 - How is it for tall guys? I'm 6'4, mostly in the legs. For anyone that's driven a Honda Fit... that's about as tight as I can go. I wouldn't call it comfortable, but I manage.
I'm 6'3", fit in the volt just fine in the front seat pumped all the way down and another halfway back. But if I sit in the back, my head hits the roof, so I have to move a few inches back with the tip of my hair hitting the glass. I's ok for a short trip, but long road trips would be horrible. I view the volt as a great commuter car for 2, bad family car for 4.
I never expect to sit in the rear seats. My only concern with the rear is that my 5yr old and his booster seat can fit back there at least slightly better than my Honda Fit. I was going to be no better off in that regard with the Model 3, so whatever.
As for having to duck to see lights... that's an annoyance I just accept as part of driving as a tall person. Do I wish a car designer could figure it out? Sure... but I'm not holding my breath.
Actually my 2005 diesel smart car was the best for that. it had a glass roof that was far enough forward that I could just look through the roof to see lights when I was in the pole position. I kind of miss that car. Even as big as I am, that little car had the room. Got rid of it when we had the kid (no back seat at all).
As for having to duck to see lights... that's an annoyance I just accept as part of driving as a tall person. Do I wish a car designer could figure it out? Sure... but I'm not holding my breath.
Actually my 2005 diesel smart car was the best for that. it had a glass roof that was far enough forward that I could just look through the roof to see lights when I was in the pole position. I kind of miss that car. Even as big as I am, that little car had the room. Got rid of it when we had the kid (no back seat at all).
I have had to train myself to duck a bit so my head doesn't hit the top of the door frame when I get into the car. Once inside, i have plenty of room for my 6'1" 300 lb self. 
I think it depends on the light placement at the street corner. Most lights are on poles that protrude out from the far side of the street, so no ducking required for those. But if the lights are hung across the code side of the street and you are first in line, then yes some ducking is required as it would be with all cars.I never expect to sit in the rear seats. My only concern with the rear is that my 5yr old and his booster seat can fit back there at least slightly better than my Honda Fit. I was going to be no better off in that regard with the Model 3, so whatever.
As for having to duck to see lights... that's an annoyance I just accept as part of driving as a tall person. Do I wish a car designer could figure it out? Sure... but I'm not holding my breath.
Actually my 2005 diesel smart car was the best for that. it had a glass roof that was far enough forward that I could just look through the roof to see lights when I was in the pole position. I kind of miss that car. Even as big as I am, that little car had the room. Got rid of it when we had the kid (no back seat at all).
The one thing that bothers me about the volt are the huge A new B pillars, low roofline, and high beltline. I used to love driving with the windows open, elbow resting of the lower window trim, and hand grabbing the roof in my prior cars. . The High beltline of the volt makes this feat impossible unless you have tiny forearms (or tiny hands).
OP, many sufficient responses here answering your first point about how the Volt performs in the mountains. However, I feel there's nothing like a video to show how it performs, using Mountain Mode. Jump to 2:12 to see the in-car footage. I think you'll find performance to be satisfactory, especially after driving a Fit.
The beautiful scenery is just a bonus here.
Joe
The beautiful scenery is just a bonus here.
Joe
Joe! That was so on point, it's creepy! I'm not sure if that was intentional, but the mountain range route in that video is EXACTLY the one I travel. I can't even come close to that kind of performance in my Fit. Surprisingly, the Fit isn't that horrible in the mountains. I pass a LOT of cars going up the steepest parts. It just sounds like I'm killing it (and I probably am) because it drops down a bunch of gears and whines like a banshee. But it isn't great either. Near the end of the video he goes through the tunnel... coming out of that is the hardest stretch. Big trucks are sometimes in the far right lane doing no more than 30kph (20mph). Most vehicles struggle to maintain 90kph (55mph), but with knowing the route and beginning acceleration in the tunnel, I can usually hold 110kph (70mph). Speed limit is 120kph (75mph). The guy in the video, unfortunately, didn't show his speedo at that section. For much of the drive he shows going 140 to 150 (85-95) but I suspect he wasn't able to there. He mentions he's at 130. But whatever the case, that demonstrated sufficient power in my view.
Sold! (almost). The only hesitation I have is at the end where he says he "hopes" GM can pull that off in a Gen 2. Is there some reason why Gen 2 cars wouldn't be as good on the mountains?? Am I missing anything where extra range is traded off for performance?
Thanks.
Sold! (almost). The only hesitation I have is at the end where he says he "hopes" GM can pull that off in a Gen 2. Is there some reason why Gen 2 cars wouldn't be as good on the mountains?? Am I missing anything where extra range is traded off for performance?
Thanks.
The Gen2 Volt is even better in the mountains. More battery and ICE at your disposal. I ran 70-80 MPH uphill on I-70 last week out of Denver. Yes I was on battery but the only time I've seen the car struggle was driving across Kansas at 78 MPH into a 30-40 MPH headwind for nearly 400 miles. Even mountain mode couldn't hold the battery level but I never did get the dreaded "Propulsion Power Reduced" message. Once I got out of the wind in Kansas City the car recharged mountain mode in about 15 minutes.Joe! That was so on point, it's creepy! I'm not sure if that was intentional, but the mountain range route in that video is EXACTLY the one I travel. I can't even come close to that kind of performance in my Fit. Surprisingly, the Fit isn't that horrible in the mountains. I pass a LOT of cars going up the steepest parts. It just sounds like I'm killing it (and I probably am) because it drops down a bunch of gears and whines like a banshee. But it isn't great either. Near the end of the video he goes through the tunnel... coming out of that is the hardest stretch. Big trucks are sometimes in the far right lane doing no more than 30kph (20mph). Most vehicles struggle to maintain 90kph (55mph), but with knowing the route and beginning acceleration in the tunnel, I can usually hold 110kph (70mph). Speed limit is 120kph (75mph). The guy in the video, unfortunately, didn't show his speedo at that section. For much of the drive he shows going 140 to 150 (85-95) but I suspect he wasn't able to there. He mentions he's at 130. But whatever the case, that demonstrated sufficient power in my view.
Sold! (almost). The only hesitation I have is at the end where he says he "hopes" GM can pull that off in a Gen 2. Is there some reason why Gen 2 cars wouldn't be as good on the mountains?? Am I missing anything where extra range is traded off for performance?
Thanks.
Why would you want to recharge in MM when in KC? Asked the KC guy... That's a waste of gas. There's no mountains to climb...... Once I got out of the wind in Kansas City the car recharged mountain mode in about 15 minutes.
The Volt if a great 150 HP hybrid when it is done being an EV.
The normal hybrid battery buffer is more than enough for anywhere but climbing long mountain passes.
You're making it too complicated.
One of the reasons the volt performs so well in high altitudes is because electric motors are unaffected by thinner air. The gas engine of the volt might be bashing for air, but the load on the engine is one of the generators, not the heavy car itself.Joe! That was so on point, it's creepy! I'm not sure if that was intentional, but the mountain range route in that video is EXACTLY the one I travel. I can't even come close to that kind of performance in my Fit. Surprisingly, the Fit isn't that horrible in the mountains. I pass a LOT of cars going up the steepest parts. It just sounds like I'm killing it (and I probably am) because it drops down a bunch of gears and whines like a banshee. But it isn't great either. Near the end of the video he goes through the tunnel... coming out of that is the hardest stretch. Big trucks are sometimes in the far right lane doing no more than 30kph (20mph). Most vehicles struggle to maintain 90kph (55mph), but with knowing the route and beginning acceleration in the tunnel, I can usually hold 110kph (70mph). Speed limit is 120kph (75mph). The guy in the video, unfortunately, didn't show his speedo at that section. For much of the drive he shows going 140 to 150 (85-95) but I suspect he wasn't able to there. He mentions he's at 130. But whatever the case, that demonstrated sufficient power in my view.
Sold! (almost). The only hesitation I have is at the end where he says he "hopes" GM can pull that off in a Gen 2. Is there some reason why Gen 2 cars wouldn't be as good on the mountains?? Am I missing anything where extra range is traded off for performance?
Thanks.
As with any car, you will lose range and MPGs the more you drive it like Jeff gordon. The other day I drove it like I stole it in my 38 mile EV range car and only got 26.1 miles.... but boy was it a lot of fun.
Except for the fact that my battery charge went from 8 miles EV when I got on I-70 in Limon, CO to 0 miles EV when I got off I-70 to bypass the Kansas Turnpike in Topeka, KS. I was in mountain mode the entire way. The head wind I experienced on I-70 gave the car an effective wind speed of well over the vehicle's top road speed, which consumed more power than the ICE could provide for an extended period leading to a drain on the high voltage battery. Power requirements for a car go up as the cube of your velocity and this very definitely was one of those times.Why would you want to recharge in MM when in KC? Asked the KC guy... That's a waste of gas. There's no mountains to climb.
The Volt if a great 150 HP hybrid when it is done being an EV.
The normal hybrid battery buffer is more than enough for anywhere but climbing long mountain passes.
You're making it too complicated.
I ran in MM the entire trip to New Hampshire and back, switching to normal when not on the highway. I probably didn't need to do so once I got out of Kansas but it was easy enough and ensured I was always able to run electric in towns.
This mountain mode thing... I'm assuming it is selectable on the fly, right? I looked in the manual and it doesn't specify. I'm sure it is, but thought I'd check. It would be kind of annoying if I had to select when stopped.
Something else I'm not finding in the manual... does this car have an outside temperature display and/or (at least) a frost/ice warning indicator?
[edit]
I finally found this in the manual:
Something else I'm not finding in the manual... does this car have an outside temperature display and/or (at least) a frost/ice warning indicator?
[edit]
I finally found this in the manual:
That certainly suggests there is such a display, yet it isn't mentioned at all in the section regarding the instrument cluster, etc. I also see that there's an "Ice possible" warning that can come up.Outside Air Temperature Sensor
The outside air temperature sensor
is behind the front grille of the
vehicle. The vehicle uses the sensor
information to display outside air
temperature.
Yes. Normal/Sport/Hold/Mountain are all selectable by the driver.This mountain mode thing... I'm assuming it is selectable on the fly, right? I looked in the manual and it doesn't specify. I'm sure it is, but thought I'd check. It would be kind of annoying if I had to select when stopped.
Outside temperature is on the infotainment screen.Something else I'm not finding in the manual... does this car have an outside temperature display and/or (at least) a frost/ice warning indicator?
[edit]
I finally found this in the manual:
That certainly suggests there is such a display, yet it isn't mentioned at all in the section regarding the instrument cluster, etc. I also see that there's an "Ice possible" warning that can come up.
Lol. Yes it was intentional and you are welcome. Seeing your location and having watched that video in the past (prior to my test drives in the Volt), I felt it would speak to your situation. Now, if some of our Colorado members would suddenly decide to start posting some drives through that beautiful scenery...or some of the other mountain drives I read about on here...Joe! That was so on point, it's creepy! I'm not sure if that was intentional, but the mountain range route in that video is EXACTLY the one I travel.....
The guy in the video, unfortunately, didn't show his speedo at that section. For much of the drive he shows going 140 to 150 (85-95) but I suspect he wasn't able to there. He mentions he's at 130. But whatever the case, that demonstrated sufficient power in my view.
Sold! (almost). The only hesitation I have is at the end where he says he "hopes" GM can pull that off in a Gen 2. Is there some reason why Gen 2 cars wouldn't be as good on the mountains?? Am I missing anything where extra range is traded off for performance?
Thanks.
His comment about the Gen 2 comes back to he is driving a 2012 model I think, and the video was from 2015. Gen 2 Volt performance was still an unknown then.
Joe
Right on. I appreciate you taking the time to dig up that very personalized video for me Joe.
Really, I appreciate all the great responses here. Awesome community.
I think I'm sold. Premature statement, I know, because I haven't driven one yet. I briefly sat in one years ago but I don't recall much. None of the 4 dealerships within 2 hours drive from me (Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, Merritt) have a Volt. Only one seemed even mildly interested in calling me if/when they got one. And that brings me back to why I really REALLY don't want to own a GM product. I really wanted to support Tesla - a company built from the ground up to supply an electrified fleet - over companies like GM, especially, who go out of their way to not sell them. But I can take solace in knowing they didn't sell me one... you guys did. By all accounts, their engineers have made a great car whether or not their management wants to treat it as more than a nuisance.
I'll have more luck near the coast. Several dealerships in the Vancouver area have them in stock and the couple of sales people I spoke to sounded eager (or at least not disinterested) to put me behind the wheel. I'm heading down that way in 9 days and I'll make a point of stopping in and trying one out.
I hedged my bets a couple of days ago by buying a 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue for $300. It is registered, plated and insured for road use... and it's going to sit on my driveway (hopefully not leaking too much oil) for the next 5 months + 1 day, and that's when I hope to have the keys to the Volt (Early January). "A $300 Oldsmo-what-now?", you may rightfully ask. In BC we don't have the Federal tax incentive you guys do, but we have a $5000 incentive from the provincial government and a lesser known $6000 private-sector incentive that has some funky qualifications, including:
Actually I think I got a good deal on that Olds. The guy said it barely ran. It stalls every time you come to a stop sign. I topped up the oil, reset the trouble codes (which indicated crackshaft position sensor) and wiggled a wire (to that sensor) and it purrs! I've only gone around the block a few times, but it hasn't stalled since. Almost seems a shame to send it to the scrap yard... until I think about what its mpg's must be. Annoying thing is that the scrappers are just going to tune it up and sell it so it'll no doubt be back on the road. I'm going to keep the keys lol. At least make some trouble for them.
Thanks again everyone. Can't wait to be a productive member of your family. I'll annoy many of you - not everyone appreciates my quirks and I have a habit of feeding trolls - but my background should prove useful to some of the tech discussions.
Cheers.
Really, I appreciate all the great responses here. Awesome community.
I think I'm sold. Premature statement, I know, because I haven't driven one yet. I briefly sat in one years ago but I don't recall much. None of the 4 dealerships within 2 hours drive from me (Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, Merritt) have a Volt. Only one seemed even mildly interested in calling me if/when they got one. And that brings me back to why I really REALLY don't want to own a GM product. I really wanted to support Tesla - a company built from the ground up to supply an electrified fleet - over companies like GM, especially, who go out of their way to not sell them. But I can take solace in knowing they didn't sell me one... you guys did. By all accounts, their engineers have made a great car whether or not their management wants to treat it as more than a nuisance.
I'll have more luck near the coast. Several dealerships in the Vancouver area have them in stock and the couple of sales people I spoke to sounded eager (or at least not disinterested) to put me behind the wheel. I'm heading down that way in 9 days and I'll make a point of stopping in and trying one out.
I hedged my bets a couple of days ago by buying a 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue for $300. It is registered, plated and insured for road use... and it's going to sit on my driveway (hopefully not leaking too much oil) for the next 5 months + 1 day, and that's when I hope to have the keys to the Volt (Early January). "A $300 Oldsmo-what-now?", you may rightfully ask. In BC we don't have the Federal tax incentive you guys do, but we have a $5000 incentive from the provincial government and a lesser known $6000 private-sector incentive that has some funky qualifications, including:
- Must buy an approved electric vehicle (Volt is the only non-pure-EV on the list. Tesla's S and X don't qualify - too expensive. 3 will qualify, but will conflict with next item on the list)
- There are only so many incentives available. They reset each calendar year and go until exhausted. Last year there were 500 and were gone by end of April. Next year? Who knows, but I bet they'll be gone quicker. Tesla 3 won't be available in Canada until later in the year.
- Must scrap a vehicle in exchange for the incentive. That vehicle has to be insured for road use and in the buyer/scrapper's name for 6 calendar months prior to buying the new EV.
- Several other i's and t's that need attention.
Actually I think I got a good deal on that Olds. The guy said it barely ran. It stalls every time you come to a stop sign. I topped up the oil, reset the trouble codes (which indicated crackshaft position sensor) and wiggled a wire (to that sensor) and it purrs! I've only gone around the block a few times, but it hasn't stalled since. Almost seems a shame to send it to the scrap yard... until I think about what its mpg's must be. Annoying thing is that the scrappers are just going to tune it up and sell it so it'll no doubt be back on the road. I'm going to keep the keys lol. At least make some trouble for them.
Thanks again everyone. Can't wait to be a productive member of your family. I'll annoy many of you - not everyone appreciates my quirks and I have a habit of feeding trolls - but my background should prove useful to some of the tech discussions.
Cheers.
Hey Steve. When you get a chance, can you post up which dealer was remotely interested in giving you a call-back?
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