Consumer Reports Names the Bolt EV Top Green Car of 2018

[WadeTyhon]

This year the 'Green Car' award went to the Bolt... not the Prius as it typically does. Tesla has also appeared on the list a few times, but I don't believe the model S has ever topped the 'Green Car' category.

I personally place a limited importance on CR when buying my own vehicles. It is something I absolutely look at, but I would never make a decision based solely on their top rated picks or reliability ratings.

But a lot of people place a huge importance on Consumer Reports. Including a lot of Prius owners. So this should hopefully raise the profile of the Bolt EV (and electric cars) even further!

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-best-cars-top-picks-2018/

"The Bolt proves that electric cars need not apologize for a lack of driving performance. This distinctive-looking hatchback delivers brisk acceleration and tight handling, plus a 250-mile electric range at a mainstream price (when tax incentives are factored in). This pure electric is built around a 60-kWh battery pack that holds a generous charge, reducing anxiety that you’ll run out of power and be stranded. The driver sits high up in the Bolt, with a commanding view on a par with a small SUV. Like most electric cars, the Bolt is strikingly silent, and road and wind noise are minimal. Controls take a little getting used to, and at times the ride can become choppy. All told, GM has performed an impressive feat with the Bolt."

 

[rgmichel]

Consumer Reports has it right on for the Chevy Bolt. For my average 60 mile driving day, neither winter nor summer nor 3000 miles of long distance driving have caused me any issues. Costs of charging are so low that I hardly notice, while reliability, convenience and comfort have been great. The in-car wireless connectivity and Onstar navigation are outstanding too. I have yet to figure what's bad about it.

 

[WadeTyhon]

Consumer Reports has it right on for the Chevy Bolt. For my average 60 mile driving day, neither winter nor summer nor 3000 miles of long distance driving have caused me any issues. Costs of charging are so low that I hardly notice, while reliability, convenience and comfort have been great. The in-car wireless connectivity and Onstar navigation are outstanding too. I have yet to figure what's bad about it.

Absolutely agree! I haven't loved a car this much since I owned my Pontiac Grand Am! I thought that sports sedan was awesome, but the Bolt EV is actually quicker and more fun to drive. It's about time the ugly, lifeless, dull Prius was kicked off the top of CR's Green Car pedestal.

There are two things that seem to be sticking points for (some) people on the Bolt, though. The seats and the lack of ACC.

Neither are issues for me, but at this point it's clear they are for others. So I'm hoping the 2019 model at least addresses the seat issue. Then anti-GM trolls will have a lot less hate to spread lol.

 

[Rex B]

and the lack of ACC.

Also a deal-killer for me. After using it on my wife's Lincolns, I won't buy another car without it.

 

[rgmichel]

While full automatic cruise control is missing as mentioned above, its worth mentioning that the cruise control that is on the vehicle is outstanding. With an electric car with such high torque at all speeds, the speed is kept on track with considerably better precision than all the ICE cars I have ever driven.

I have never found a car that does not have one fault or another, so the concept of a "deal killer" is a bit of an extreme reaction on my view. I do remember the days where there were cars still around without air-bags, and the lack of two front air-bags was certainly a deal killer, but I am not sure that automatic cruise control is quite as important.

 

[Spfldbolt]

While full automatic cruise control is missing as mentioned above, its worth mentioning that the cruise control that is on the vehicle is outstanding. With an electric car with such high torque at all speeds, the speed is kept on track with considerably better precision than all the ICE cars I have ever driven.

I have never found a car that does not have one fault or another, so the concept of a "deal killer" is a bit of an extreme reaction on my view. I do remember the days where there were cars still around without air-bags, and the lack of two front air-bags was certainly a deal killer, but I am not sure that automatic cruise control is quite as important.

I don't find the seats uncomfortable at all, and that includes the many hours I spent sitting after picking up the Bolt at Stonebriar Chevy, great dealership in Frisco, Texas, and driving to Springfield, Missouri. This trip did take two days via Oklahoma City, DCFC location, and an overnight stop in Tulsa because no DCFC available. Regarding no automatic cruise control, I'm actually THRILLED that it doesn't have it because I HATE it. Why? I generally drive pretty close to the speed limit and, because it seems most people don't, I'm constantly being passed. After passing me, drivers seem to think they must move back to the right lane immediately, even when there are no cars behind them. When they move in front of you, ACC will immediately back you up to what it thinks is a safe distance. If there are cars following you, they will immediately pass you, and the cycle continues. Sometimes when there is very little traffic and someone passes me and pulls right in front of me I'll signal and quickly move in the left lane, hoping that this will at least make them question why I moved over. Maybe next time they pass they'll at least be aware of how quickly they're cutting back in. I doubt it, though. Another thing regarding speed limits. Does anyone know if cars with autonomous driving capabilities such as Tesla have the option of setting the speed limit higher than what is posted? With the rush most people are in, probably especially Tesla drivers, I would think that would keep them from using that feature.

 

[rgmichel]

I guess I would use automatic cruise control if it was on my Bolt. I am sure it is great for lots of driving situations, and can be not switched on if you don't like it, just like regular cruise control. However, regular cruise control is great too. The "+" and "-" buttons on the steering wheel work well, although I sometimes wish they were bigger so I could feel for them without having to look for them. The cruise control readout in the forward dash shows the cruise speed in 1 mph increments, which is also a great feature.

 

[WadeTyhon]

Also a deal-killer for me. After using it on my wife's Lincolns, I won't buy another car without it.

My wife wants ACC on her next car (either Volt or Model 3) but it isn't a deal breaker for her. As far as myself, I don't care if I have it or don't.

 

[WadeTyhon]

I guess I would use automatic cruise control if it was on my Bolt. I am sure it is great for lots of driving situations, and can be not switched on if you don't like it, just like regular cruise control. However, regular cruise control is great too. The "+" and "-" buttons on the steering wheel work well, although I sometimes wish they were bigger so I could feel for them without having to look for them. The cruise control readout in the forward dash shows the cruise speed in 1 mph increments, which is also a great feature.

I've gotten used to the cruise control buttons so I can use them without looking. I've tried out ACC functionality in the Gen-2 Volt and the Model S and it is nice, but I would probably rarely use it.

I don't find the seats uncomfortable at all, and that includes the many hours I spent sitting after picking up the Bolt at Stonebriar Chevy, great dealership in Frisco, Texas, and driving to Springfield, Missouri. This trip did take two days via Oklahoma City, DCFC location, and an overnight stop in Tulsa because no DCFC available. Regarding no automatic cruise control, I'm actually THRILLED that it doesn't have it because I HATE it. Why? I generally drive pretty close to the speed limit and, because it seems most people don't, I'm constantly being passed. After passing me, drivers seem to think they must move back to the right lane immediately, even when there are no cars behind them. When they move in front of you, ACC will immediately back you up to what it thinks is a safe distance. If there are cars following you, they will immediately pass you, and the cycle continues. Sometimes when there is very little traffic and someone passes me and pulls right in front of me I'll signal and quickly move in the left lane, hoping that this will at least make them question why I moved over. Maybe next time they pass they'll at least be aware of how quickly they're cutting back in. I doubt it, though. Another thing regarding speed limits. Does anyone know if cars with autonomous driving capabilities such as Tesla have the option of setting the speed limit higher than what is posted? With the rush most people are in, probably especially Tesla drivers, I would think that would keep them from using that feature.

Stonebriar Chevy is great! I forget the name of the salesman but there is a guy there that owns a Volt and really knows his stuff. I took a test drive of the 2nd Gen Volt with him and I've sent some people there in the past.

Personally, I've been going to Classic Chevy. But for folks in Denton / Collin county, Stonebriar is the go-to place.