Stephen Parks
New Member
I'm not sure what the one guy is talking about saying the engine was coming on in the Volt at 50 degrees in the parking lot. I have been driving a 1st gen Volt since 2012 and my 2nd gen 2016 with almost 100,000 miles total between the two and the gas engine NEVER comes on when there is power left in the battery. Unless of course you force it to with the Hold or Mountain mode options, or you have reached the 1 month limit without using the engine or the 1 year limit without using the same tank of gas (which I have done 3 times now). Also, the Volt is far better with acceleration, comfort and handling. Yes, it is a little smaller, but you get better range and far more experience with the technology. Volt has been around since 2010 and Honda is just getting around to making plug ins that are even remotely useful. The Clarity should have been out in 2012 or sooner. One car doesn't fill all, so if you need more room, then maybe the Clarity, but my 20 something "kids" fit just fine in the back seat and I am 6 feet tall and fit in the back just fine as well. We have used the 5th middle seat, but it is just for short trips. Also, the Volt does the best for using the power in the battery, we drove 154 electric miles on a 194 mile trip between Mammoth, CA and Fresno, CA through Highway 120 in Yosemite! I would like someone to make that trip in the Honda and see how well they do! We have gone on 3500 mile tips and got a solid 43MPG and shorter 1000 mile trips with 57MPG. Build quality is the best! I have driven the Honda and wasn't impressed at all. Older Hondas made me want to exit the vehicle as fast as possible and get back to mine! Also, to the guy that has never driven a Volt and raves about the Honda after he has been driving a gas car...well DUH! Anytime you ditch your Grandpa's gas car and get into something electric, you will notice a world of difference, no matter who makes it!