I don't think they are runflat.

I concur.

We have a 2013 Volt and a 2012 Maxima SV - both would have MSRP'ed around $42k when new. Even thought the Maxima has nicer leather and a great engine, I like to take the Volt whenever I have the choice because it drives so nicely.

Also, even though I drive it in sport mode 100% of the time, (I am definitely no "hyper-miler") we've averaged 151MPG over the ~17,000 miles and routinely get 38 - 42 miles to the charge unless temp's are over 100 or under 40 F - in which case you lose about 5 or so miles of EV range. The Maxima averages about 23MPG.

Until you drive one, you can't appreciate how smooth the thing runs, no downshifting to accelerate, no engine vibration (until you deplete your battery).

If people are going to pick on the Volt, pick things that deserve it:
* Heater is weak and sucks a lot of battery power to run (a heated steering wheel like the Leaf has would go a long way to compensate for this)
* Front air dam scrapes on everything
* No spare tire
* Somewhat complicated center stack controls (although I hear Ford's system is worse)
* Only 2 seats in the back (this one is the main reason we don't own 2 Volts) ... the drivetrain is definitely NOT one of it's weak points.

AFAIK, the Voltec platform has always been shown as a modular, series hybrid setup with the ICE as one option. It could be replaced with a fuel cell, more batteries, Mr. Fusion, etc...

Actually, the sticker price just came down $5000 for the 2014 model year.