You have some of the best car reviews on UA-cam. I love how you review all types of cars and not just the baddest and fastest. It's so clear you are a true car guy who appreciates all types of cars and really learns them instead of reading crap off a spec sheet. Keep it up!
Is the Cadillac ELR worth it? ABSOLUTELY! - Especially when you get a Mint Condition Fully Loaded ELR with an 80k sticker that was never sold but instead used as a Fleet Vehicle by the Cadillac Dealer that I purchased it from. I got the Car of my Dreams with only 11,400 miles on it for $31,500.00!!! This is Hands Down The Most Incredible Car I have ever owned! Once you experience the great handling and quick pick up (from a dead stop or from highway cruising speed) of a car driven solely by electric motors producing 295 Ft. Lbs. of Torque - you will be Spoiled Rotten and will never again want to drive a car driven by a conventional gasoline engine (that needs to rev up to develop power). Since taking delivery on my ELR this past April (2017) I've been doing a lot of driving, but I've only been topping off the small 9 gallon gas tank once a month. And though the ELR is EPA rated at 37 miles of electric driving range (to accommodate average brick-foot drivers) - I've been having no problem getting up to 48 miles on the batteries alone! This can easily be achieved by taking full advantage of the 4 different levels of regenerative braking and by carefully managing power from the batteries and the Quiet gas powered electric generator. For example - I live 60 miles north of New York City. I use the gas generated electricity on the highway, but when I get off the West Side Highway and hit the streets of Manhattan and Brooklyn - I switch over to the batteries, which are perfect for the stop and go driving of city traffic. On my second fill up (it only took 6.9 gallons to top it off) I did the math and found that I got over 111 miles per gallon on my 2nd tank - using just over 2/3 of the 9 gallons of gas. Don't believe the reviews! The trunk is Huge, the back seats easily accommodate a 6 ft. 200 lb. person. The CUE works Great - after you Calibrate it to your touch - which I'm sure None of the reviewers did! To drive the Cadillac ELR (Electric Long Range) is to fall in love with it. And the on board gas generator lets you take long trips (like the 850 mile drive from my home to Hilton Head South Carolina) without the need for lengthy down times to recharge the batteries, as you'd have to do in a Tesla which would drag out the same trip by an additional 6 hours or more each way - making it impossible for my wife and I to make the 5 day 4 night trip in a Tesla. Even better - we’ve got a far more luxurious car with much more exotic styling and ZERO Driving Range Limitations - all for 13 of the price of a Tesla. Too bad Cadillac only made 2,950 ELRs before discontinuing production - but for sure I've got a very rare collectible car from the world's Most Iconic Luxury Car Brand - Cadillac - of course!
I like Zach being in the video, i think he does a great job and something like this where you guys compare cars he brings something different to the video
Volt owner here. You stated something wrong in your video, the 2013 model year of the Volt introduced a hold mode, so it's not an ELR only feature. And, just my opinion, but the Volt isn't "ugly", it's just acceptable. The front of the car looks good, but unfortunately the rear is not so hot thanks to the Kammback shape(which helps make the car more aerodynamic). Wish they offered more premium options (like LED headlamps) though.
An excellent comparison/review, Matt & Zach. More informative, in terms of comparison, than any other Volt/ELR comp on UA-cam. Thanks! Postscript: Agreed on the value aspect; on both cars.
Good to see Zack in the video. I've always liked his delivery and personal opinions that come up in the podcast. It's a nice, new dynamic to have Matt and Zack, with their different delivery styles in the same video. I'd love to see more. TheSmokingTire
I leased a volt 3 months ago as a commuter car. My Lifted 2013 Rubicon was killing me on gas. I was able to replace a corporate gas card with a volt for the same monthly cost. This review is spot on. The volt dosent handle good and the wind buffering sucks but it is the ultimate comfortable commuter tool.
Fun video to watch. With 400+ comments, these have probably already been stated but just in case here are my comments: - To be clear, the Volt also has Hold Mode in the 2013 & '14 models so it's not exclusive to the ELR. I agree it's a very cool feature. The generator is very efficient on the freeway and the electric motors are very efficient in the city so when used together in a smart fashion you can get very good mileage going a fairly long distance - Chevrolet offers modified rear view mirrors available that significantly reduce the severe wind buffeting. This buffeting is my biggest complaint about the Volt - I agree electric cars are fun to drive and so is the Volt. Driving the Volt has software feel to it. It's very quiet and has tons of engineering that makes it very efficient to drive in spite of the fact that it's quite heavy. It's girth gives it a substantial feel while driving down the road. - For those that drive mainly in EV mode the Volt is very cheap. I drive in EV mode 97% of the time; I'm currently at 300+ mpg at 30k+ miles. The money I save in gasoline pays for a large portion of my car payment. For some reason people are not able to figure out how cheap it can be to have a very nice car. It drives like a dream and personally, I like the looks.
"The money I save in gasoline pays for a large portion of my car payment." This is true for me with my Prius as well. Mainly because I deliver pizza in it and actively work to keep my mileage as high as I can within the confines of my job, but it's pretty sweet to drive a new car effectively for free. The savings literally does pay the car payment, and once it's paid for, that will be like getting a $400 a month raise for doing nothing but making one smart choice 5 years earlier. I imagine people like you with a Volt feel much the same way.
At first when i saw the title I thought Matt had shamelessly sold out, but he made a good case and i'd consider buying the next gen now. Thanks for opening my eyes a little Matt, good piece.
Zac completely missed me with his statement at 8:44. I think a better way to put it would be "Is this a $75,000 Volt?" Other than that, this was a nice comparison between the two. And thank you Matt, for sharing your thoughts on the Volt, as I always wanted to know why people bought them.
Solid combination review style. Nice change up from the main. Matt was still Matt but more direct. Zack was also direct but a compliment not conflict to Matt. Thanks Guys
The drive is amazing. The Volt is the best kept secret out there. Everyone's instant reaction is to think "Oh, that's one of those Prius type vehicles" but the performance, handling, acceleration, and yes, fuel savings, is all superior. I'm not much of a car guy myself, but now every day I get into my car I smile. It's just a fun quiet ride. It's too bad the car got caught up in so many politics. Between that and many dealers not understanding how it works, it's hard to get people to just try it. Also doesn't help when the dealers leave the battery discharged so the engine runs during a test drive (which for 75% of people, would never happen during their normal commute, 38 miles a day is enough for many to use zero gas for daily driving and that really adds up.)
ClarksonCote It really is the sales people (dealers etc.) who seem to not want to see electric succeed. Anyone who has driven electric loves it, or at least doesn't hate it. The only people who hate it are people who like shifting gears, smelling gas, or hearing loud engines. And a whole lot of sales people for some reason.
babybirdhome Salespeople don't like it, because the petrol industry is holding a gun to their head to force them to act like they don't like electric cars
It's a great looking car, especially in blue or red, I'll be looking for a used fully loaded one by the end of the year I think. The Chevy Bolt coming out and the 2nd gen Volt out, they will be getting a bit cheaper still I hope. Early adopters not too happy tho
I downed electric cars for years. I'm a late 60's old school muscle guy. I laughed at them as I passed them on the streets and talked trash about them at parties...now I own one. And kick myself everyday that I don't bUy one sooner. I have had MANY jobs that were LESS that 40 miles away from my house...and you tell me that the same car, the very same car that I have dogged and joked about for all these years could have saved me over $3,600-$4,500 a year in fuel cost FOR THE PAST 4-5 YEARS.... Ill never buy a full gasser again.
I think the Cadillac ELR is a beautiful car. Looks awesome from any angle. I like how the 2016 ELR got a power upgrade it so desperately needed to separate itself from the Volt. Still, at $75k for a FWD compact luxury coupe especially that from a not-too-prestigeous brand is too much. At $~60k the ELR would make a lot of sense & make a compelling entry-level coupe that can compete against the likes of the Audi A5, Lexus RC350 and BMW 2 coupe.
Gabri'el Alexander I argue their current lineup of cars does; I've driven an ATS a while back and it felt better to drive than the equivalent C300. Image-wise, it's not quite there. Lexus is the closest to the Germans in that regard, but some Euro-centric fanboys never change.
I just bought a 2013 Volt a couple of weeks ago, and I love it. That said, the thing I find attractive about the ELR is that it's a 2-door instead of a 4-door. At 6'2"/250 I have the seat all the way back, which means the B-pillar is slightly in the way when I get in the car. This is a minor inconvenience that I put up with because the car is so awesome in every other way. But it would be nice to have those few extra inches of doorway on the ELR.
In one of his podcasts, he described the process of the reviews. It's not just Farah that drives them. Klapman, Brown, and a couple of other guys test them as well, they talk about it, and then they come to a consensus. We see it through Matt's lens because, he's the presenter, but it's not just his voice. That said, Zach is pretty good on camera, and obviously makes things interesting when he speaks.
turddle23 Ya I listened to that one. The reason I bring it up is when it's just Matt on camera, his "opinion" is just a homogenization of everyone's opinion, where as when there are 2 different people on screen, you can really show the divide between the opinions of the 4 or 5 people who test the cars. Just my .02 though.
hey matt, when are you gonna show us your entire car collection? from what i can tell, you have a C5 vette, delorean, vanquish, a foxbody, and now a volt?
I think it's really cool that someone like Matt who likes machines and engines has a chevy Volt as a daily driver, I think it shows where we are going!
Zack is right and I think everybody that don't expect any excitement should be driving electric cars instead of wasting resources. Petrol should have been saved for those who gets smiles from it.
im a petrol head but if someone handed me the keys to a tesla model s in exchange for crushing my car which is an australian made 2008 ford falcon XR6 $50000 (new) I wouldn't hesitate.
I have to agree with just about everything this guys said. This was a well thought through report and I want to applaud their honesty. In truth, that was probably the most complimentary I have ever heard someone speak of the Volt.
I have to agree. I bought a Volt as well, a 2013 model that has Hold and the leather and suede interior with the grey center stack instead of the white, A MUCH more refined interior, and Hold allows me to choose when and where I use the gas generator. I've got 12k miles on my blue Volt (I do have to disagree about the color, I prefer the blue and red to the black and silver versions) and have used only about $120 in electricity to drove that many miles, and only about $100 in gas, due to 4 long trips from Baltimore to CT and back, and to Maine and back. I also drive the Volt in L and Sport mode, so i get the most regen possible, even on the highway, and have managed to get upwards of 60 miles from a charge without hypermiling. It takes me 2 miles of indicated charge to drive the 6 miles to work. The Volt is a great car. And as was said, at $50k, the ELR would be a spectacular car. But not at $75k+
Good stuff guys! To see a guy so passionate about a car with an electric motor in it that normally is big on muscle cars is a very cool assessment of the hybrids to be able to enjoy here. I see you're thoughtful and practical, so I'm going to be enjoying your reviews a lot more now seeing that you're really on the same page with a lot of average folks and not only gear heads. I think after seeing this video, an even bigger audience will be able to relate with your thoughts on a vehicle.
At the beginning of this video Zack mentioned the ELR has "hold" mode. I drive a 2014 base Chevy Volt and it has "hold" mode that can be used whenever driver choses too. He also mentioned it has shift pedals that make the regenerative braking more aggressive. (I know they really aren't "shift pedals") In the Volt changing the shifter to "L" or low will have the same affect. And you don't have to sit there holding it. I use it all the time since I spend most of my day driving in traffic. And it is cool to see the gains in driving range. Matt mantioned the terrible wind noise if all the windows aren't down. Last I heard Chevy was working on a fix for this thay was going to be free for volt owners. Finally the amount of space and the very useful 4 doors the volt has was never mentioned. We use this car to replace a Toyota Highlander as a company vehicle. With all the seats down in both cars. We only lost some height by the hatch in the volt.
Great video as usual. I think it's great to see Zach co presenting. He is hilarious on the podcast and it's good to see some of that humour coming onto the video. Good contrast to Matt's style of presenting. The volt is not very cheap or popular in New Zealand not sure about leasing one but to buy it's about $85k NZD with no government subsidies available. The Prius is more affordable here.
All true comments on the Volt. The good, the bad, and the really good! My 2014 Volt has 66,000 miles now. Flawless. I have 135 mpg Lifetime mpg. There is. O other car like it. It is really amazing. This guy speaks the truth about the. OLD and mirrors how I feel about it. My Volt cost $22,195 after rebates and tax credits. New 2017 Volts are cheaper.
I traded in my 2013 Black Chevy Volt for a 2014 Cadillac ELR. Two things: even though the list price was $84,000 with all of the extras, I didn't pay anywhere near that price; second, the ELR is by far one of the most comfortable car I have driven. I traded in a 2008 Mercedes e350 for the Volt, so I'm familiar with comfort. I am definitely a fan of the ELR. I noticed on carfax that Cadillac dealerships are selling new ELRs for $55K. Both cars are great. I'm a huge fan of the Chevy and Cadillac EV approach.
..I'm seriously thinking of getting the new 2016 VOLT. I currently have an all wheel drive Lexus, which I love and is great in the snow. My question to you is how does the VOLT behave in the snow and bad weather?
I work at the assembly plant that builds both the ELR and Volt. They are nice vehicles. We just started building ELRs again. The battery's are HUGE. 700lbs
it is because of you , I purchase a Cadillac ELR , I think sometimes people like to hear themselves talk , there is so much talk about the price and it's not a Tesla , News Flash , it's Cadillac and full of Technology not found in the Tesla which by the way looks like outdated Japanese mess , while everyone is concentrating on how fast they can i'll be laughing , because they will need to stop and charge and I will be relaxing at my destination . Lol
I leased a Smart Electric Drive in January since with Georgia tax credits if costs almost nothing. I previously commuted to work 22miles each day in a ML63 AMG and have rarely driven it since getting the smart. There is something so refined about the electric drive train that you have to experience. It's nothing like driving a hybrid. And I'm saving almost $400/month in gas. I tested my smart and got 0-60 in 7s vs about 4.8s for my ML. I like that I can floor the smart at every light and not waste gas $$$ and never get a super speeder ticket.
5:45, driving with the windows down. There is a wind buffeting kit so there will be less air buffeting with just 1 window down. 6:14, There is now a divisor in the 'canoe' for the Tesla you have come with the car.
Volt = cheap piece of garbage but then again I own a ELR , New stingray and a 2016 jeep srt gc. Screw gas mileage to all these broke ass motherfuckers.
The 100+ mpg is very impressive when I see my V6 doing 25 under perfect conditions and 17-18 in the city. Not sure if I could give up the nice interior and performance, but as a second cheap car just to drive around the city, a used Volt could be an amazing value and the gas savings are crazy.
I wish they compared the higher end volt (luxury package) to the Caddy. The higher end version isn't nearly as cheap feeling with the stand out upgrade being the steering wheel wrapped in leather (the one thing you touch all the time in a car). Also, the 2013 Volt also has the hold mode so it's a moot comparison. Also, the buffeting :There is a kit for window down people to change the mirror covers and another small change to stop the issue. In stock form the buffeting is horrible.
Nosloveingneko The Volt is $35k for the base model. Then you get a $7,500 federal rebate, and a State rebate which is up to $5k in California. So now the Volt would be a $23k car, not only is that cheaper its also a way bigger value.
If the ELR was a hatch, it would of been less of a disaster. It's not practical at all with a little trunk, very little leg room in the back seats. Would love to get the 2016 ELR drivetrain in a 2011-2015 Volt!
you have to get in one. the interior is pretty amazing. I think it's worth over 50k easily, but it would be hard to justify 80k. don't forget it still qualifies for the $7500 government rebate.
Well done on the back-and-forth discussion-style comparison. I will be taking my parents to test drive a Volt. They need to replace a small truck with a 4 door and the range extender is HUGE over the Leaf. I do wish the Volt had the hold setting and the regenerate controls. In an electric car I want to challenge myself to get the most range possible but also be able to drive it without caring if I so desire.
How much quieter is the ELR at deadening the outside noise versus the Volt? The Volt is not ugly! Red! That plastic trim below the door looks good. But, have you heard of plastidip?
I've got the leather interior, which makes it feel several grades above the cloth commuter. I have to completely agree that the drive selector is horrible and wastes space. For 75k, give me more range and power.
You know Chevy has a wind buffeting kit and will install it under as a recall or something like that. Is that not a '13 model? Both the ELR and Volt should have hold mode.
Wind buffeting is the biggest complaint about my car as well. I love cruising with the windows down but anything over 30mph and you can't hear yourself think plus the sunroof starts vibrating. Must be a GM thing. 08 Cobalt SS coupe,
I totally agree with this review. I think the Volt is much better than many people believe and I also feel that it isn't a bad looking car. As I figured, the XLR is a better looking, improved Volt, but the $35K price hike just isn't worth it. Caddy fail on that stupid pricing.
What would an ELR-V look and drive like? Higher horsepower electric motors and generator and a higher capacity Battery pack? Capacitors hidden somewhere for quick power output? Interesting to think about. I think a fast ELR-V could make electric cars very cool and desirable.
S Miller I did too. I couldn't wait for the car to come and then never heard anything about. It wasn't until googling "best looking hybrid cars" did this show up. I'm glad I forgot since they are now 30k-40k now.
Thinking about it a year on I think I loved how it combines some American muscle car styling with some futuristic styling (or what was considered futuristic back them) and the proportions kinda worked
ELR just looks too big for what it is, a 2 door electric car. The hood is too high, the trunk is too high and its generally lardy all round. It seems more like a posing pouch than something you'd buy for the economy, especially at 75 grand.
You don't buy it for the economy, just like you don't buy a Tesla for the economy. You buy it for refinement and style. If you want economy, you get the Volt, which is practical, the right size, and, if it fits your habits, cheap.
TheSmokingTire Hence the posing pouch comment. Like matey said, there's so many other awesome cars in that price bracket, there's not much other reason to get one.
You said you car was a lease but did you ask about the battery pack? how long can it last and how much it cost for the replacement? would buy one of these used..? (2-3 years old max)?
I like the Volt and would love to purchase a used one for regular chores..but I dislike the fact that I can't get one with a moonroof nor separate AC controls for the front passengers. Why Chevy didn't offer this on such a techy car is beyond me.
Great video!! Definitely changed my outlook on both these cars!! I mean, I live in LA too and I drive a 2008 Acura TL; I'm lucky if I average 23 MPG combined cycle because I rarely drive on the highway. 105 MPG just blows my mind!!! Quick question for Matt though: how much did your electric bill rise when you acquired the Volt?? Is the cost of the electricity plus the (albeit minuscule) price of fuel for the Volt still less than the price of fuel would be for a similarly-specced car, like a 2015 Mazda 3?
maybe $15 per month? It's like, such a small change that I don't notice it at all. The only way I got to that figure was by doing out the math of my energy bill x how often I charge. It's so small I don't notice.
You have some of the best car reviews on UA-cam. I love how you review all types of cars and not just the baddest and fastest. It's so clear you are a true car guy who appreciates all types of cars and really learns them instead of reading crap off a spec sheet. Keep it up!
Just got my 2016 ELR and Im the one damn happy man on the planet ))
Is the Cadillac ELR worth it? ABSOLUTELY! - Especially when you get a Mint Condition Fully Loaded ELR with an 80k sticker that was never sold but instead used as a Fleet Vehicle by the Cadillac Dealer that I purchased it from. I got the Car of my Dreams with only 11,400 miles on it for $31,500.00!!! This is Hands Down The Most Incredible Car I have ever owned! Once you experience the great handling and quick pick up (from a dead stop or from highway cruising speed) of a car driven solely by electric motors producing 295 Ft. Lbs. of Torque - you will be Spoiled Rotten and will never again want to drive a car driven by a conventional gasoline engine (that needs to rev up to develop power). Since taking delivery on my ELR this past April (2017) I've been doing a lot of driving, but I've only been topping off the small 9 gallon gas tank once a month. And though the ELR is EPA rated at 37 miles of electric driving range (to accommodate average brick-foot drivers) - I've been having no problem getting up to 48 miles on the batteries alone! This can easily be achieved by taking full advantage of the 4 different levels of regenerative braking and by carefully managing power from the batteries and the Quiet gas powered electric generator. For example - I live 60 miles north of New York City. I use the gas generated electricity on the highway, but when I get off the West Side Highway and hit the streets of Manhattan and Brooklyn - I switch over to the batteries, which are perfect for the stop and go driving of city traffic. On my second fill up (it only took 6.9 gallons to top it off) I did the math and found that I got over 111 miles per gallon on my 2nd tank - using just over 2/3 of the 9 gallons of gas. Don't believe the reviews! The trunk is Huge, the back seats easily accommodate a 6 ft. 200 lb. person. The CUE works Great - after you Calibrate it to your touch - which I'm sure None of the reviewers did! To drive the Cadillac ELR (Electric Long Range) is to fall in love with it. And the on board gas generator lets you take long trips (like the 850 mile drive from my home to Hilton Head South Carolina) without the need for lengthy down times to recharge the batteries, as you'd have to do in a Tesla which would drag out the same trip by an additional 6 hours or more each way - making it impossible for my wife and I to make the 5 day 4 night trip in a Tesla. Even better - we’ve got a far more luxurious car with much more exotic styling and ZERO Driving Range Limitations - all for 13 of the price of a Tesla. Too bad Cadillac only made 2,950 ELRs before discontinuing production - but for sure I've got a very rare collectible car from the world's Most Iconic Luxury Car Brand - Cadillac - of course!
I like Zach being in the video, i think he does a great job and something like this where you guys compare cars he brings something different to the video
Volt owner here. You stated something wrong in your video, the 2013 model year of the Volt introduced a hold mode, so it's not an ELR only feature. And, just my opinion, but the Volt isn't "ugly", it's just acceptable. The front of the car looks good, but unfortunately the rear is not so hot thanks to the Kammback shape(which helps make the car more aerodynamic). Wish they offered more premium options (like LED headlamps) though.
The Caddy is gorgeous, inside & out. Pick up one used in the 20's.
This is a very well thought out video. It's easy to see the passion within it. Thanks for putting it together.
An excellent comparison/review, Matt & Zach. More informative, in terms of comparison, than any other Volt/ELR comp on UA-cam.
Thanks!
Postscript: Agreed on the value aspect; on both cars.
Nice seeing Zack doing a review again. Hope this happens more often.
that Caddy is Delish!!
Good to see Zack in the video. I've always liked his delivery and personal opinions that come up in the podcast. It's a nice, new dynamic to have Matt and Zack, with their different delivery styles in the same video. I'd love to see more. TheSmokingTire
Yup, we're turning TST into more of a team dynamic. Zack will be doing more videos on his own soon too.
Brilliant move guys, keep up the great work.
Zack is much more pleasant to look at and listen to than the older obese guy
I leased a volt 3 months ago as a commuter car. My Lifted 2013 Rubicon was killing me on gas. I was able to replace a corporate gas card with a volt for the same monthly cost. This review is spot on. The volt dosent handle good and the wind buffering sucks but it is the ultimate comfortable commuter tool.
Fun video to watch. With 400+ comments, these have probably already been stated but just in case here are my comments:
- To be clear, the Volt also has Hold Mode in the 2013 & '14 models so it's not exclusive to the ELR. I agree it's a very cool feature. The generator is very efficient on the freeway and the electric motors are very efficient in the city so when used together in a smart fashion you can get very good mileage going a fairly long distance
- Chevrolet offers modified rear view mirrors available that significantly reduce the severe wind buffeting. This buffeting is my biggest complaint about the Volt
- I agree electric cars are fun to drive and so is the Volt. Driving the Volt has software feel to it. It's very quiet and has tons of engineering that makes it very efficient to drive in spite of the fact that it's quite heavy. It's girth gives it a substantial feel while driving down the road.
- For those that drive mainly in EV mode the Volt is very cheap. I drive in EV mode 97% of the time; I'm currently at 300+ mpg at 30k+ miles. The money I save in gasoline pays for a large portion of my car payment. For some reason people are not able to figure out how cheap it can be to have a very nice car. It drives like a dream and personally, I like the looks.
"The money I save in gasoline pays for a large portion of my car payment."
This is true for me with my Prius as well. Mainly because I deliver pizza in it and actively work to keep my mileage as high as I can within the confines of my job, but it's pretty sweet to drive a new car effectively for free. The savings literally does pay the car payment, and once it's paid for, that will be like getting a $400 a month raise for doing nothing but making one smart choice 5 years earlier. I imagine people like you with a Volt feel much the same way.
At first when i saw the title I thought Matt had shamelessly sold out, but he made a good case and i'd consider buying the next gen now. Thanks for opening my eyes a little Matt, good piece.
Zac completely missed me with his statement at 8:44. I think a better way to put it would be "Is this a $75,000 Volt?"
Other than that, this was a nice comparison between the two. And thank you Matt, for sharing your thoughts on the Volt, as I always wanted to know why people bought them.
this was a very good video i liked the two person review format
Solid combination review style. Nice change up from the main. Matt was still Matt but more direct. Zack was also direct but a compliment not conflict to Matt. Thanks Guys
Zack is such a smartass and I love it
Great review guys! I really need to drive a Volt!
The drive is amazing. The Volt is the best kept secret out there. Everyone's instant reaction is to think "Oh, that's one of those Prius type vehicles" but the performance, handling, acceleration, and yes, fuel savings, is all superior. I'm not much of a car guy myself, but now every day I get into my car I smile. It's just a fun quiet ride.
It's too bad the car got caught up in so many politics. Between that and many dealers not understanding how it works, it's hard to get people to just try it. Also doesn't help when the dealers leave the battery discharged so the engine runs during a test drive (which for 75% of people, would never happen during their normal commute, 38 miles a day is enough for many to use zero gas for daily driving and that really adds up.)
ClarksonCote It really is the sales people (dealers etc.) who seem to not want to see electric succeed. Anyone who has driven electric loves it, or at least doesn't hate it. The only people who hate it are people who like shifting gears, smelling gas, or hearing loud engines. And a whole lot of sales people for some reason.
babybirdhome Salespeople don't like it, because the petrol industry is holding a gun to their head to force them to act like they don't like electric cars
It's a great looking car, especially in blue or red, I'll be looking for a used fully loaded one by the end of the year I think. The Chevy Bolt coming out and the 2nd gen Volt out, they will be getting a bit cheaper still I hope. Early adopters not too happy tho
I downed electric cars for years. I'm a late 60's old school muscle guy. I laughed at them as I passed them on the streets and talked trash about them at parties...now I own one. And kick myself everyday that I don't bUy one sooner. I have had MANY jobs that were LESS that 40 miles away from my house...and you tell me that the same car, the very same car that I have dogged and joked about for all these years could have saved me over $3,600-$4,500 a year in fuel cost FOR THE PAST 4-5 YEARS.... Ill never buy a full gasser again.
Great review from both of you
Great job Thaddeus! Excellent shots!
Good to see Zack get some air time!
x2 really enjoyed hearing his opinions
I think the Cadillac ELR is a beautiful car. Looks awesome from any angle. I like how the 2016 ELR got a power upgrade it so desperately needed to separate itself from the Volt.
Still, at $75k for a FWD compact luxury coupe especially that from a not-too-prestigeous brand is too much. At $~60k the ELR would make a lot of sense & make a compelling entry-level coupe that can compete against the likes of the Audi A5, Lexus RC350 and BMW 2 coupe.
+Trades46 But that is the problem, cadillac thinks people still see them as being as prestigious as Mercedes Benz and BMW.
Gabri'el Alexander
I argue their current lineup of cars does; I've driven an ATS a while back and it felt better to drive than the equivalent C300.
Image-wise, it's not quite there. Lexus is the closest to the Germans in that regard, but some Euro-centric fanboys never change.
I just bought a 2013 Volt a couple of weeks ago, and I love it. That said, the thing I find attractive about the ELR is that it's a 2-door instead of a 4-door. At 6'2"/250 I have the seat all the way back, which means the B-pillar is slightly in the way when I get in the car. This is a minor inconvenience that I put up with because the car is so awesome in every other way. But it would be nice to have those few extra inches of doorway on the ELR.
This powertrain in other GM models would be amazing! I dont get why GM is so stuck on keeping it in the Volt and ELR
But on a serious note, great review. Love seeing Zack in it, adds an extra dimension to the video. Another perspective is always good.
In one of his podcasts, he described the process of the reviews. It's not just Farah that drives them. Klapman, Brown, and a couple of other guys test them as well, they talk about it, and then they come to a consensus. We see it through Matt's lens because, he's the presenter, but it's not just his voice. That said, Zach is pretty good on camera, and obviously makes things interesting when he speaks.
turddle23 Ya I listened to that one. The reason I bring it up is when it's just Matt on camera, his "opinion" is just a homogenization of everyone's opinion, where as when there are 2 different people on screen, you can really show the divide between the opinions of the 4 or 5 people who test the cars. Just my .02 though.
***** We agree, which is why we're trying to include not only Zack, but Thad and other members of the team on camera as well.
TheSmokingTire Awesome, looking forward to more great content as per usual! :)
hey matt, when are you gonna show us your entire car collection? from what i can tell, you have a C5 vette, delorean, vanquish, a foxbody, and now a volt?
And a honda odyssey, that's all of them.
HAACKER45
did he sell his raptor?
always_lookin_up Yes
always_lookin_up yeah
and the Honda Odyssey as wel
I think it's really cool that someone like Matt who likes machines and engines has a chevy Volt as a daily driver, I think it shows where we are going!
Wow, Matt! I wouldn't think that you owned a hybrid car. :) Great review
Zack is right and I think everybody that don't expect any excitement should be driving electric cars instead of wasting resources. Petrol should have been saved for those who gets smiles from it.
im a petrol head but if someone handed me the keys to a tesla model s in exchange for crushing my car which is an australian made 2008 ford falcon XR6 $50000 (new) I wouldn't hesitate.
Irrelevant. Tesla S is $100000 car.
It also isn't offered in Australia, but my point is even if I had the choice between say a Jaguar XFR or and audi RS5 I'd still choose the Tesla.
How right you are Darek! Well said! Everyone who isn't an enthusiast should be driving a damn appliance!
WTF is appliance?
I have to agree with just about everything this guys said. This was a well thought through report and I want to applaud their honesty. In truth, that was probably the most complimentary I have ever heard someone speak of the Volt.
Hi
I have to agree. I bought a Volt as well, a 2013 model that has Hold and the leather and suede interior with the grey center stack instead of the white, A MUCH more refined interior, and Hold allows me to choose when and where I use the gas generator. I've got 12k miles on my blue Volt (I do have to disagree about the color, I prefer the blue and red to the black and silver versions) and have used only about $120 in electricity to drove that many miles, and only about $100 in gas, due to 4 long trips from Baltimore to CT and back, and to Maine and back. I also drive the Volt in L and Sport mode, so i get the most regen possible, even on the highway, and have managed to get upwards of 60 miles from a charge without hypermiling. It takes me 2 miles of indicated charge to drive the 6 miles to work. The Volt is a great car. And as was said, at $50k, the ELR would be a spectacular car. But not at $75k+
Chevy Volt beats Toyota Prius hands down any day
Good stuff guys! To see a guy so passionate about a car with an electric motor in it that normally is big on muscle cars is a very cool assessment of the hybrids to be able to enjoy here. I see you're thoughtful and practical, so I'm going to be enjoying your reviews a lot more now seeing that you're really on the same page with a lot of average folks and not only gear heads. I think after seeing this video, an even bigger audience will be able to relate with your thoughts on a vehicle.
At the beginning of this video Zack mentioned the ELR has "hold" mode. I drive a 2014 base Chevy Volt and it has "hold" mode that can be used whenever driver choses too. He also mentioned it has shift pedals that make the regenerative braking more aggressive. (I know they really aren't "shift pedals") In the Volt changing the shifter to "L" or low will have the same affect. And you don't have to sit there holding it. I use it all the time since I spend most of my day driving in traffic. And it is cool to see the gains in driving range. Matt mantioned the terrible wind noise if all the windows aren't down. Last I heard Chevy was working on a fix for this thay was going to be free for volt owners.
Finally the amount of space and the very useful 4 doors the volt has was never mentioned. We use this car to replace a Toyota Highlander as a company vehicle. With all the seats down in both cars. We only lost some height by the hatch in the volt.
Great video as usual. I think it's great to see Zach co presenting. He is hilarious on the podcast and it's good to see some of that humour coming onto the video. Good contrast to Matt's style of presenting. The volt is not very cheap or popular in New Zealand not sure about leasing one but to buy it's about $85k NZD with no government subsidies available. The Prius is more affordable here.
All true comments on the Volt. The good, the bad, and the really good! My 2014 Volt has 66,000 miles now. Flawless. I have 135 mpg Lifetime mpg. There is. O other car like it. It is really amazing. This guy speaks the truth about the. OLD and mirrors how I feel about it. My Volt cost $22,195 after rebates and tax credits. New 2017 Volts are cheaper.
They look like twins. One is just shinier and has a Cadillac badge on it. Overpriced is an understatement!
I traded in my 2013 Black Chevy Volt for a 2014 Cadillac ELR. Two things: even though the list price was $84,000 with all of the extras, I didn't pay anywhere near that price; second, the ELR is by far one of the most comfortable car I have driven. I traded in a 2008 Mercedes e350 for the Volt, so I'm familiar with comfort. I am definitely a fan of the ELR. I noticed on carfax that Cadillac dealerships are selling new ELRs for $55K. Both cars are great. I'm a huge fan of the Chevy and Cadillac EV approach.
..I'm seriously thinking of getting the new 2016 VOLT. I currently have an all wheel drive Lexus, which I love and is great in the snow. My question to you is how does the VOLT behave in the snow and bad weather?
I work at the assembly plant that builds both the ELR and Volt. They are nice vehicles. We just started building ELRs again. The battery's are HUGE. 700lbs
Scott Schwerdt Thank you Sir
it is because of you , I purchase a Cadillac ELR , I think sometimes people like to hear themselves talk , there is so much talk about the price and it's not a Tesla , News Flash , it's Cadillac and full of Technology not found in the Tesla which by the way looks like outdated Japanese mess , while everyone is concentrating on how fast they can i'll be laughing , because they will need to stop and charge and I will be relaxing at my destination . Lol
Very very good review. Seemed to cover all the points + and -. Well done.
The Volt is not ugly, just has very weird proportions, from driver seat level it looks really cool, and the front end is sexy
I leased a Smart Electric Drive in January since with Georgia tax credits if costs almost nothing. I previously commuted to work 22miles each day in a ML63 AMG and have rarely driven it since getting the smart. There is something so refined about the electric drive train that you have to experience. It's nothing like driving a hybrid. And I'm saving almost $400/month in gas. I tested my smart and got 0-60 in 7s vs about 4.8s for my ML. I like that I can floor the smart at every light and not waste gas $$$ and never get a super speeder ticket.
Not a single tire was smoked this episode! Haha. Great review though! I like seeing Zach getting some camera tine too.
It was cool seeing Zach in the video! Great change of pace. Is it a coincidence that there was a volt commercial before the video??
Lol, that's amazing timing.
4:11 - 2013 and newer Volt's have hold mode as well. I used it exactly how you described when commuting in Austin.
Great job presenting Zack!
6:54, anyone notice that illegal left turn?
5:45, driving with the windows down. There is a wind buffeting kit so there will be less air buffeting with just 1 window down.
6:14, There is now a divisor in the 'canoe' for the Tesla you have come with the car.
With both windows down up front its terrible... :-( lol Oh well its still a pretty awesome car. :-)
Volt = cheap piece of garbage but then again I own a ELR , New stingray and a 2016 jeep srt gc. Screw gas mileage to all these broke ass motherfuckers.
Volt has a hatch, and can get a trailer hitch for it. It can actually do more than haul 2 people.
A great review of two of my favorite cars!
Shit cars, both overpriced and have extra ordinary depression rates!!
These are great videos. Really entertaining.
Zac did a good job keep him around Matt!
Great review, definitely.
like the new review format with zack!!
The 100+ mpg is very impressive when I see my V6 doing 25 under perfect conditions and 17-18 in the city. Not sure if I could give up the nice interior and performance, but as a second cheap car just to drive around the city, a used Volt could be an amazing value and the gas savings are crazy.
The 2012 Euro-spec Volt has the HOLD-mode. Don't wanna miss that mode!
nice review, but... what does the Fox say?
I wish they compared the higher end volt (luxury package) to the Caddy. The higher end version isn't nearly as cheap feeling with the stand out upgrade being the steering wheel wrapped in leather (the one thing you touch all the time in a car).
Also, the 2013 Volt also has the hold mode so it's a moot comparison.
Also, the buffeting :There is a kit for window down people to change the mirror covers and another small change to stop the issue. In stock form the buffeting is horrible.
Sooooo, why would any one ever consider a Prius when it gets what, a third the fuel economy of this nearly?
price
Nosloveingneko
I am more talking comparing it to the Volt though.
Nosloveingneko The Volt is $35k for the base model. Then you get a $7,500 federal rebate, and a State rebate which is up to $5k in California. So now the Volt would be a $23k car, not only is that cheaper its also a way bigger value.
MrGovenator1 Sadly, not everyone has a garage where they can plug in a vehicle, such as apartment dwellers.
Keep up the good work guys.
No noise, no smoke, no good, in my book. An old school book, definitely haha...
I have a Volt which I bought to save miles for my Corvette. I love the car. I guess great minds think alike. I'm currently at 296 MPG with my car.
If the ELR was a hatch, it would of been less of a disaster. It's not practical at all with a little trunk, very little leg room in the back seats. Would love to get the 2016 ELR drivetrain in a 2011-2015 Volt!
I agree, the ELR max is a $50,000 car fully loaded, maybe.
you have to get in one. the interior is pretty amazing. I think it's worth over 50k easily, but it would be hard to justify 80k. don't forget it still qualifies for the $7500 government rebate.
beanjapan I have been in it, it is still not worth more than $50K. Leather is not that expensive, especially in a car that small.
venom5809 Besides the fact that there might as well be NO back seat. I'll take a Tesla, thank you
Well done on the back-and-forth discussion-style comparison. I will be taking my parents to test drive a Volt. They need to replace a small truck with a 4 door and the range extender is HUGE over the Leaf. I do wish the Volt had the hold setting and the regenerate controls. In an electric car I want to challenge myself to get the most range possible but also be able to drive it without caring if I so desire.
My Volt is a 2013 model so it doesn't have Hold. The 2014's do, as I just found out.
Ha, just came across this four years later. Right on, didn't know you had a Volt. I just got one, love mine too :)
And I guess history has spoken on Volt vs ELR...
Did that BMW make a left turn from the right lane at 6:55?
Very interesting and direct point , you control it ! Not it controls you .
How much quieter is the ELR at deadening the outside noise versus the Volt? The Volt is not ugly! Red! That plastic trim below the door looks good. But, have you heard of plastidip?
I thinkt he Volt looks awesome and it turns heads too even in 2016 three years later! LOL
Volt is ugly period. Even the 2017 one
I agree and believe the Volt turns head simply because it's ugly.
I run it, it doesn't run me. Amen. That is the key. With over 100 mpg, this should be Chevy's sales pitch!
At 3:52, the side angle shot shows the terrible lines and 'got and finish' three ELR has. The door trim longer is way off...on a $75,000 car!!!
I've got the leather interior, which makes it feel several grades above the cloth commuter. I have to completely agree that the drive selector is horrible and wastes space.
For 75k, give me more range and power.
You know Chevy has a wind buffeting kit and will install it under as a recall or something like that. Is that not a '13 model? Both the ELR and Volt should have hold mode.
Matt has added that
Matt, I'm guessing you have a 2012 or older Volt. The 2013 and newer models include 'Hold Mode'.
Shout out to the matte black 5 series running the red light 6:54
whats with the nurburgring sticker on the volt?
This is good journalism.... quite rare.
Wind buffeting is the biggest complaint about my car as well.
I love cruising with the windows down but anything over 30mph and you can't hear yourself think plus the sunroof starts vibrating. Must be a GM thing. 08 Cobalt SS coupe,
Important question, what are those sunglasses Zack is wearing ?
link to the original chevy volt review?
I assume not using turn signals is to conserve the battery? ;)
what about fisker they still making them?
Love my Volt!
I totally agree with this review. I think the Volt is much better than many people believe and I also feel that it isn't a bad looking car. As I figured, the XLR is a better looking, improved Volt, but the $35K price hike just isn't worth it. Caddy fail on that stupid pricing.
I meant ELR lol
Totally agree...The price prevents me from buying this car!
awesome vid great format guys huge fan MO STUFF LIKE THIS PLEASE!
What would an ELR-V look and drive like? Higher horsepower electric motors and generator and a higher capacity Battery pack? Capacitors hidden somewhere for quick power output? Interesting to think about. I think a fast ELR-V could make electric cars very cool and desirable.
weathertech sunvisors kill the wind buffeting
I really loved the ELR for some reason but I completely forgot about it
S Miller I did too. I couldn't wait for the car to come and then never heard anything about. It wasn't until googling "best looking hybrid cars" did this show up. I'm glad I forgot since they are now 30k-40k now.
Thinking about it a year on I think I loved how it combines some American muscle car styling with some futuristic styling (or what was considered futuristic back them) and the proportions kinda worked
Yes they nailed the design, just bought one and waiting for it to arrive.
ELR just looks too big for what it is, a 2 door electric car. The hood is too high, the trunk is too high and its generally lardy all round. It seems more like a posing pouch than something you'd buy for the economy, especially at 75 grand.
It looks like an angry Pikachu.
You don't buy it for the economy, just like you don't buy a Tesla for the economy. You buy it for refinement and style. If you want economy, you get the Volt, which is practical, the right size, and, if it fits your habits, cheap.
TheSmokingTire
Hence the posing pouch comment. Like matey said, there's so many other awesome cars in that price bracket, there's not much other reason to get one.
hey Matt can you do a episode where you show all of your personal cars please
Hey Matt do you still have your corvette?
yes, why does everyone ask me that all the time? I've said over and over that I'll never sell it.
Wow I never realized how the Volt is such good value ... I want one. How is inssurance?
cheap-ish.
You said you car was a lease but did you ask about the battery pack? how long can it last and how much it cost for the replacement? would buy one of these used..? (2-3 years old max)?
sophisticated No, I personally could care less how long it lasts, 10 years is the absolute minimum expected life from what I've read.
ok :P thank you
TheSmokingTire 10 years is what manufacturers are giving these days now too.
+TheSmokingTire thanks for that detail. Everyone in my family knows how to drive stick, so we will enjoy that little bit extra evolvement in driving.
why chevy volt dont have those regen braking pedals?
I like the Volt and would love to purchase a used one for regular chores..but I dislike the fact that I can't get one with a moonroof nor separate AC controls for the front passengers. Why Chevy didn't offer this on such a techy car is beyond me.
HOly crap can't believe how illegal that turn was that that 5 series made at 6:55 ...
That Volt is hideous to look at as most GM cars are, but that Caddy is a beauty.
I’m looking at a cady and it’s now only 22500$
Great video!! Definitely changed my outlook on both these cars!! I mean, I live in LA too and I drive a 2008 Acura TL; I'm lucky if I average 23 MPG combined cycle because I rarely drive on the highway. 105 MPG just blows my mind!!!
Quick question for Matt though: how much did your electric bill rise when you acquired the Volt?? Is the cost of the electricity plus the (albeit minuscule) price of fuel for the Volt still less than the price of fuel would be for a similarly-specced car, like a 2015 Mazda 3?
maybe $15 per month? It's like, such a small change that I don't notice it at all. The only way I got to that figure was by doing out the math of my energy bill x how often I charge. It's so small I don't notice.
i hate how the volt isn't sold in my country.