The sparke from everything i read from owners on review sites and this forum is they are a reliable car. there has been some brake issues from some people but my brakes work fine so lets say they are the exception not the rule. the volt has some horrible reviews. when its bad its really bad. do u think using a gas engine combined with a ev battery is a bad idea. the bmw i3 with the gas engine has alot of issues too compared to their 100% electric i3. why dont these manufacturers concentrate on 100% electric only and dump the gas/electric car combo. seems electric cars r better when they are made simple.