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If you’re shopping for a used hybrid, chances are that the 2011 Chevy Volt isn’t on your list. Of all the hybrids that have hit the market, the Chevy Volt is one that’s done pretty well for itself but isn’t exactly memorable. However, there are a few reasons the 2011 Chevy Volt deserves a spot on your shopping list. 

2011 Chevy Volt
2011 Chevy Volt | Scott Olson/Getty Images

Driving the 2011 Chevy Volt

When it was first introduced, the Chevy Volt was lauded for its extended-range powertrain, which U.S. News & World Report explains enables the Volt to operate as an electric car on short trips. At the same time, its gasoline-powered engine quells all range anxiety woes. All in all, U.S. News & World Report says the 2011 Chevy Volt can go 25 to 50 miles on electric power alone.

That’s not all either. According to U.S. News & World Report, when running on electricity, the Volt receives an mpg-equivalent rating of 95/90 mpg city/highway. And when it’s running on gasoline only? The 2011 Chevy Volt delivers 35/40 mpg city/highway. Charging doesn’t take long, either. It should only take about four hours to charge the Volt’s battery when you use a 240-volt charging station and 12 hours when using a 120-volt household outlet.

The 2011 Chevy Volt has a futuristic interior 

Critics had a lot to say about the interior of the 2011 Chevy Volt. Its futuristic cabin went over well with critics, but it did get mixed opinions regarding passenger space and comfort. The Volt offers up 10.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats, which is just slightly less than many of its competitors. Kelley Blue Book reports that its aerodynamic sloping roofline, rear-seat ingress, and egress aren’t exactly strong points for the Volt either.

The Volt certainly isn’t lacking when it comes to standard features, however. Standard on all models is cloth upholstery, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a Bose stereo, and touchscreen navigation. The available Premium Package adds more high-end features like leather seats, a rearview camera, and parking sensors. 

What else does it have going for it?

If its extended-range powertrain and a long list of standard features don’t have you convinced that the 2011 Chevy Volt is an underrated used hybrid, consider its safety and reliability ratings. Per the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2011 model is a Top Safety Pick. It also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

According to J.D. Power, the 2011 Chevy Volt is pretty reliable too. It earned a ‘Great’ quality and reliability rating, which is one of the highest ratings that J.D. Power gives out. 

Are there other options out there?

While the 2011 Chevy Volt makes for a great used hybrid, there are other options available. If its fuel efficiency that you’re after, U.S. News & World Report recommends taking a gander at the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. Not only is it luxurious inside and out, but it also gets up to 41/36 mpg city/highway. 

Is the 2011 Chevy Volt the right used hybrid for you?

While it certainly isn’t winning any popularity contests as of late, there are plenty of reasons to put the 2011 Chevy Volt at the top of your list if you’re in the market for a used hybrid. It’s fuel-efficient, stocked with sought after features and is well-known for its safety and reliability ratings.

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