Chevrolet Volt Tops Consumer Reports Owner Satisfaction for Second Year
Chevrolet’s Volt has again claimed the highest spot in Consumer Reports’ annual owner-satisfaction survey, outpacing rivals including Nissan’s Leaf and Toyota’s hybrid range.
Chevrolet’s Volt has retained its position as the most satisfying car to own in the United States, according to Consumer Reports’ 2012 annual survey. The publication reported on 29 November 2012 that 92% of Volt owners said they would definitely buy the car again, making it the top-ranked vehicle for the second consecutive year.
The Volt’s continued success in the survey reflects strong enthusiasm among owners for plug-in hybrids, particularly as more electric and hybrid models reach the market. Consumer Reports’ survey covered 350,000 owners of 2010-2013 model year vehicles, asking whether they would purchase the same car again, considering factors such as price, reliability, comfort and enjoyment.
The Volt finished ahead of several other high-profile fuel-efficient models. Nissan’s Leaf, a pure battery-electric hatchback, and Toyota’s hybrid offerings, the Camry Hybrid, Prius and Prius C, were all outscored by the Chevrolet. The survey results suggest that, for this group of buyers, the Volt’s combination of electric driving and petrol backup continues to hit the mark.
How the Volt Compared to Rivals
While the Volt led the field, the Nissan Leaf also performed well in owner satisfaction, reflecting growing acceptance of electric vehicles. Toyota’s Prius range, long a favourite among hybrid buyers, remained popular but did not match the Volt’s owner loyalty. The Camry Hybrid and Prius C were also highly rated, but the Volt’s plug-in capability and extended range appeared to give it an edge for many respondents.
- Chevrolet Volt (plug-in hybrid): 92% would buy again
- Nissan Leaf (electric): strong satisfaction, but behind Volt
- Toyota Prius, Camry Hybrid, Prius C (hybrid): high, but not leading
In the sports car category, the Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche 911, V8 Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang all attracted high owner satisfaction. Among luxury models, the Audi A7 and A6, along with the Lexus GS, were most likely to be chosen again by their owners.
Lowest-Rated Models and Survey Scope
At the other end of the scale, the Nissan Versa received the lowest owner satisfaction score in the survey. Other models with low ratings included the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups, Nissan Armada, Suzuki SX4 and Mitsubishi Outlander SUVs. These results highlight the wide variation in owner experience across different segments.
The 2012 survey results reinforce the Volt’s position as a leader in owner satisfaction among both hybrid and electric vehicles. For Chevrolet, this repeat win comes as the company continues to promote the Volt’s dual electric and petrol powertrain as a practical solution for buyers seeking low running costs without range anxiety.
