[taildragger]

The Volt is finished. It has such bad press and makes no sense to buy compared to far cheaper death traps with high MPG. Ironically, Opel has the same basic car in Europe, the Ampera, and it is doing better sales wise. They actually designed a car that looks a bit better and has a switch to turn off the batteries for cruising on the Autobahn. The Germans actually took customers in mind when designing theirs as opposed to Chevy just jamming together a POS to push out the door at Obummers insistence.

It is not just finished, it maybe even more of a laughing stock soon because of the new Ford Fusion. The question begs will the 2013 Fusion vs. The Volt become a political issue? Free market vs. almost Fascist sales tactics and push ( when sadly in actuality the Volt Engrs worked their hearts out )

Auto Extremist says it is a game changer and even the Honda Accord and Camry look old ( if my memory is correct )

The question is when is the comparison made, before or after November?

[Myrddin]

I own a 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4x4. Since the day I purchased it, it has only turned out 32 MPG once during a very mild weather drive across the desert. Idaho winter temps require running the heater. MPG hovers around 21.6 all winter. Spring and Fall, the mild weather permit operation without heat or cooling. Mileage improves to 28 MPG. Summer temps require cooling. Back to 25 MPG. The high altitude doesn't help the mileage. Freeways at 75 MPH require the engine engaged. There is never a traffic jam, so the engine management to hop between electric/gas is rarely engaged. The 32 MPG was achieved in San Diego in early June. The electric mode is usually operating only in parking lots where pedestrians express shock and surprise at not hearing the vehicle approaching.