Driving quietly into the future....
Traded in my 2006 Mustang GT Convertible for it. The Mustang had become a daily driver/commuter, instead of the sunny day weekend driver it was supposed to be, and as such was only getting about 14-15 mpg on the commute, and wasn't much fun to drive when the weather wasn't nice.
Also, I tend to carry 2-3 other people (usually family) a couple times a week and getting them in and out of the back seat of the Mustang or my wife's MINI Cooper was comical and slightly cruel. Since I had equity in the Mustang, it was decided that it was the one that would go, and my wife would keep her MINI Cooper for the time being (though when it's lease is up, we may pick up another convertible to replace it).
I wanted something comfortable, practical, new, high tech, and economical to operate. Mostly I was looking at EVs and PHEVs. I've driven my coworker's Prius and hated it (as does he, but that's another story). I looked at the Fusion Energi, C Max Energi, Focus Electric, Leaf, and Spark EV. Pure electrics don't yet have enough range for me to use for the occasional longer trips I still make, though they would cover the commute and errand running quite well. The PHEVs don't have enough electric only range and the pricing, even with incentives was still too high. The Volt hit that sweet spot of electric range, long distance range, and cost ($41k list, but under $29k after incentives and credits), as well as practicality (big hatch area) and high tech.
The Volt is also a nice place to spend time. The Premium leather and suede seats are comfy and supportive, and I like the suede inserts in the door panels. it's actually fun to drive, having more punch around town than the MINI Cooper, and almost as much 5-40 punch as my Mustang did. At least it feels like it the way the electric motor delivers torque and thrust (and it's deceptive, as there's little to no sound to accompany the rush of speed). it also handles quite well, given it's Goodyear Assurance low rolling resistance tires. The weight is carried low in the chassis for a decent CG, and the car has good roll control, so it corners fairly flat.
The 2013s add a "hold" mode to the drive choices. This mode allows you to switch the gas generator on and "hold" the electric range for later use. What this means is that if I'm going to take a longer highway trip, I can use electric to get to the highway, then "hold" and go to the gas generator (which is still only charging the batteries, not driving the car) for the highway where the gas engine is more efficient, then go back to EV when you get to your destination and are off the highway. I can get upwards of 60-70 total mpg this way, something the previous Volts couldn't really do.
I've had the car for a month and 1100 miles so far, and except for the trip to southern VA and one down to DC, I've yet to use the gas engine. My electric bill has only gone up by $20 over the same time last year... All in all I'm quite happy with the choice, and in three years when the lease is up, well see if there are higher tech choices on the market (or an improved version of the Volt platform. I'd love to see a CUV based on this platform).