Consumer Reports now recommends the Volt plug-in hybrid after new data from our 2011 Annual Auto Survey shows it earned much better than average reliability.

Very few of the 116 Volt respondents had any serious problems in the first few months of ownership. To be recommended a vehicle must do well in our testing, have average or better reliability, and perform adequately in independent safety tests (if included).

In our testing we found the Volt, which uses an electric motor and a gas engine, delivers quick, quiet acceleration, very low running costs in electric mode, and the equivalent of 99 mpg overall. But it has limited visibility and seats only four people.

Look for our full report on the new reliability Ratings next month and in our December issue.