Posted on 02/28/2011 5:40:23 PM PST by Upstate NY Guy
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - General Motors Co's mostly electric Chevy Volt turned in a lackluster performance for efficiency in its first series of road tests by product raters at Consumer Reports.
"We would have really liked to have loved it," David Champion, director of Consumer Reports auto test center told Reuters on Monday after announcing the organization's top picks for 2011.
"It was fun to drive and the ride quality was pretty good. But when you look at the finances, for us it doesn't make any sense," Champion said.
He said consumers seeking value and top fuel efficiency would be better off buying a top-performing gasoline/electric hybrid like the Toyota Motor Corp Prius or a Fusion by Ford Motor Corp.
(Excerpt) Read more at finance.yahoo.com ...
temperate climes? heater is to cold as air conditioner is to hot. Imagine being stuck in traffic on the typical 98 degree Florida day? Better have gas in that tank.
While this is probably true - I refuse to read or listen to anything from the corrupt Consumer Reports.
OUCH! LOL
Of course obami will use taxpayer dollars to help Government Motors sell this piece of crap.
exactamundo. How many government “fleet” vehicles will be Chevy volts? That will give you a small indication of their utility. When I see Congresscritters and Cabinet agency employees driving lots of these cars, call me. Until then?
This will be the first and last hybrid we buy. They are simply unsuitable for use in a cold climate. The mild San Diego weather/traffic is a decent match for the vehicle. We'll resume a decent gasoline engine with enough power to tow a small trailer with a couple motorcycles aboard (2500 lbs). Need a 4x4 to handle the snow in our part of the world.
The vehicle never lived up to the mileage claims. Further, the promised $3,000 tax credit turned out to be only $1202 when I actually filed. A goat rope in every way.
You support an organization that has a record of falsifying results, rigging tests, and then throws the highest-rated product in a given test under the bus, claiming a non-existant problem (that they couldn’t recreate themselves)?
Could you explain why you consider CR corrupt?
The Volt has a gas engine.
And why is that? The truth is, that they shouldn't be suggesting any electric or hybrid after all of the costs are taken into account. A conventional car of the same size is much more economical, all things considered.
That's true. Dumb old me. I thought auto companies were supposed to build something the public would like. I forgot about the need to build crappy cars to fill UAW coffers for future Democrat campaign contributions.
It would be best to drive it into the ground. There is no, zero resale value. Any trade-in value is a gift.
yitbos
That's true. Dumb old me. I thought auto companies were supposed to build something the public would like. I forgot about the need to build crappy cars to fill UAW coffers for future Democrat campaign contributions.
Here’s the last paragraph of the article:
“Champion said Consumer Reports has yet to test the Nissan Motor Co (Tokyo:7201.T - News) all-electric Leaf, which retails for $35,000 before the federal tax credit.”
Here’s an article showing the Leaf to be a real turkey:
http://preview.tinyurl.com/4mcj3fd
What the Auto Press Says
The 2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid ranks 13 out of 18 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 29 published reviews and test drives of the Nissan Altima Hybrid, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
In a growing class, the 2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid is easily overlooked because of its low fuel economy ratings, limited availability and expensive optional packages.
In theory, the 2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid is an ideal hybrid sedan. It has the gasoline version’s stylish exterior, a quality interior, good handling and impressive fuel economy. These are all great characteristics, but the Altima Hybrid begins to lose its appeal when it’s compared to other hybrids on the market like the Toyota Prius and the Ford Fusion Hybrid.
First, the Altima Hybrid is only available in nine states — California, Oregon, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont — so you may have to travel far to get it.
Second, the Altima Hybrid has great fuel economy ratings if you compare it to gasoline cars. However, once you look at competing hybrids like the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Toyota Prius, the Altima’s ratings aren’t impressive. It gets an EPA-estimated 33/33 mpg city/highway, while the Fusion gets 41/36 mpg city/highway and the Prius gets 51/48 mpg city/highway — the highest ratings in the class.
Price is another concern. Starting at $26,780, the Altima Hybrid is fairly priced, but once you add features packages, the Altima quickly tops $30,000 because of the way Nissan bundles its options packages. You might end up paying for features you don’t want.
Combined, the Altima Hybrid’s tragic flaws make it easy to ignore its strengths, and turn to the competition. “The 2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid is a solid hybrid family sedan that also happens to be relatively sporty to drive,” says Edmunds. “But it’s overshadowed by newer and more widely available competitors.”
Other Cars to Consider:
The 2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid’s main competitors are the Toyota Prius, Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Toyota Camry Hybrid, each of which bring one or more of these strengths to the table: excellent fuel economy, value, comfort and strong performance.
The Toyota Prius is the best choice if you’re looking for a cheaper midsize hybrid and the best fuel economy ratings in the industry. The base Prius costs about $23,000, and has impressive fuel economy ratings of 51/48 mpg city/highway. It isn’t, however, the most comfortable or the best performer. But with so few trips to the gas station, many shoppers may be willing to ignore these drawbacks.
The Ford Fusion Hybrid is more comfortable and has better performance, but it’s also more expensive. It starts at $28,100, which may seem pricey, but if you’re looking for good fuel economy, good performance and comfort, the Fusion Hybrid is the least expensive option. Add tech features, and the Fusion Hybrid stickers at about $33,000.
While it’s not as fuel-efficient or well like at the Prius or the Fusion Hybrid, the Toyota Camry Hybrid deserves to be mentioned because Nissan borrowed the Camry Hybrid’s Synergy Drive technology — a hybrid powertrain — to build the Altima Hybrid. With fuel economy ratings of 31/35 mpg city/highway, the Camry Hybrid’s ratings pale in comparison to the Fusion Hybrid and Prius, but are on par with the Altima Hybrid’s 33/33 mpg city/highway. However, if you’re looking for more fuel efficient and less expensive version of the Lexus GS Hybrid or Lexus LS Hybrid, this vehicle will be a good fit.
If you still want the Nissan Altima Hybrid, get a 2010 model, which is identical to the 2011, except for the addition of three exterior colors. If 2010 models are available in your area, you’re likely to get a good deal. Begin by checking out our Nissan Deals.
Yeah, I do. The information they compile from subscribers about car reliability has served me very, very well for over 20 years. When I need to buy a new microwave or television, e.g., I find their information to be worth the modest subscription price on a long-term basis. I ignore all their political stuff and recognize just how in the tank they are for Team Obama and Government Motors - that’s what makes the Volt review so damning.
Give the bureaucrats bicycles.
Cut the deficit, cut the electric car subsidies!
If they cannot compete on a level playing field, scrap them.
GM spokesman Greg Martin said: "There needs to be a greater sampling of driving conditions that mirror the typical consumer experience,"
You see the car did not under-perform, it was the testing that was faulty.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.