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2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV consumer reviews

$36,620 starting MSRP
side view of 2017 Bolt EV Chevrolet
(134 reviews)
92% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.2
  • Interior 4.3
  • Performance 4.7
  • Value 4.4
  • Exterior 4.4
  • Reliability 4.7
Explore the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Shop the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV

Excellent, practical plug-in EV car!

The Bolt is really an excellent car for the commuter and local driver, and it actually holds it's own for longer distances as well with a ~240 mile range. The growing infrastructure of DC Fast Chargers will hopefully make this car even more useful for inter-state travel in the years ahead!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Good technically but not great value

This car worked well, performed briskly and clearly has managed to get sufficient miles to a charge. I drove the premium car which had a sticker at 44,000. It's quite a bit for the amount of car and luxury and that you get . Disappointing thing is that it consumes roughly .3 kWh of electricity per mile. Considering that electricity in my neighborhood costs over $.20 per kilowatt hour this car costs roughly 6 cents per mile to operate. Many good performing economy gas sport utilities cost less per mile and may be more luxurious. Overall you are getting a nice car but at a premium price. Many will choose the Bolt for the new technology. Overall you are getting a nice car but at a premium price.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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My Dream Car

After driving a Leaf, I realized how much cheaper and easier it is to drive an electric car than I thought (mostly charging in my garage overnight, at work, or at charging stations). Driving in the carpool lane on very congested highway 101 gave me back about 40 minutes a day. My only issue was not being able to visit my daughter (who lives an hour away) without a 2 hour charge while there. When researching electric cars, I found that only the Bolt had a range of over 200 miles to a charge. Driving it has been so much nicer than expected; it rides smooth, and is quite comfortable. The dash display is very nice (and hooks up to my iphone); and it comes with OnStar's wifi hotspot (though that may disappear after 3 months unless I pay a monthly fee). We can charge 2 phones when driving, and there is ample storage space in the back. This car sounded amazing when I researched it; and has exceeded my expectations. I will never own a gas-powered car again.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Love everything but the seats

I truly love this car. It's my first EV and I have to say the responsiveness is incredible. Coming from big SUVs for my last few cars it's been a blast to drive a car with sporty handling and great acceleration. The tires aren't all that grippy as they are designed to decrease rolling resistance so you definitely squeal the tires with ease. The tech is amazing and I like the interior. While there is some hard touch plastic I have to say it is nice to see a car that is more than just a carbon copy of everything else out there. It is very modern and futuristic. It is nice to see design that takes some risks and gives a car some unique character. Now about those seats....truly some of the most uncomfortable seats I have ever had in a car. I test drove it and it didn't bother me but after any real seat time you can feel the wings on the seat pan designed to hold you in place and the wings on the seat back dig into my ribs. The seats are very narrow and offer minimal padding. Let me say that I am only 5'11" and 183# so not a big guy by an stretch. There are minor annoyances on a car that costs this much like not including telescoping sun visors, Android auto only works plugged in via USB instead of wireless (which is frustrating since I have the wireless phone charging option that is rendered moot by having to plug the phone in), no usb port next to the phone holder under the infotainment system but these are all livable issues but the seats are really bothersome. Make sure you spend plenty of time in the seats on your test drive before you buy. Also check out some of the Chevy Bolt forums to see others that are experiencing similar issues.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 1.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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On the Cutting Edge

The Bolt EV is the BEST car I have ever owned. It takes the technology of the Volt and improves upon it. It is responsive, handles well and has a roomy, well thought out interior, while being a relatively small car. It is a BLAST to drive.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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No gas!

Nice ar, great pick up and handling.Like it. Looking at a Tesla but this half of that. Still deciding.Not sure yet! My son wants a Tesla but my wife likes the bolt! Its hard to choose but I will. I'm leaning at aTesla But thinking about it still!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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I LOVE MY BOLT!!!

I'm thrilled with my new Bolt! I've never been so happy with a car before. It's like a luxury car-so comfortable, roomy, smooth & easy to drive, & I hardly ever have to charge it.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 1.0
  • Interior 1.0
  • Performance 1.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 1.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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First all electric car I've owned

I am SO HAPPY that I bought this car. The tremendous range between "charge-up" is amazing - more than 300 miles. I love everything about this vehicle, except one thing. Because it is brand new this year, no dealer would negotiate the price. In the long run, this is only a minor drawback. All of the other features more than make up for it. Even the tail lights are cool! Although I do not need it and almost never use it, the pick up is amazing. If I press the petal down after waiting at a light, I leave ALL other cars, even sports cars, in the dust. The 110 charger is sufficient for my needs, however my wife bought a 2017 Volt (she is still afraid of a completely electric car) so I am in the process of getting a level 2 charger installed in my garage. (The Volt only goes about 50 miles before needing to be recharged.) This is definitely the car to have!!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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Peppy Car

I test drove the Chevy Bolt on 16 June 2017. The car has excellent body lines and the interior has plenty of head room. All features are user friendly. On the driver's side it could've used a little more side-to-side leg room. The handling wasn't too bad, a little bouncy after driving over bumps. It had plenty of pep, no problem merging onto the highway.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 2.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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fun little car

this car is little but easily fits my 6'7" body...its amazing! more pickup than I expected and the whole package makes it a delight to drive. ONLY complaint is I wish it came with a home 220 charger so It would be ready day one.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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