A history making car!
R. Edelman on 08/07/2016
Performance: 0
Comfort: 0
Fuel Economy: 0
Fun To Drive: 0
Interior Design: 0
Exterior Design: 0
Build Quality: 0
Reliability: 0
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
Safety Rating: 4
Technology Rating: 5
Value Rating:
Why is this a history making car? Because the Nissan Leaf was one of the first practical and affordable all-electric sedans. I purchased this car new in 2011. Back then, the Leaf was made in Japan. Now they are made in Tennessee, but I don't think there should be a difference in quality. My Leaf has almost 50,000 miles on it, and it has been reliable and almost completely trouble free. It is deceptively roomy inside because there is no fuel tank or exhaust system. Maintenance costs are low. The original tires lasted 45,000 miles. To recapture the kinetic energy of the car, most of the braking is done by the drive train. This is called "regenerative braking", and allows the drive train to act as a generator to charge the battery. All electric vehicles and hybrids utilize regenerative braking. Not only is regenerative braking energy efficient, it allows the brakes to last a long time. For example, I also own a Toyota Prius with over 100,000 miles on it, and the brakes have never been serviced. Driving an electric car is fun. The electric motor provides all of its torque instantly, which allows excellent acceleration from a stop as well as on the road. It is quite, and there are no vibrations. There are no exhaust fumes or oil leaks, and the drive train of the car tends to stay clean. The down side of any electric car is the battery. Batteries are heavy and expensive. They become less efficient in very cold weather, and they lose charge capacity as they age. Both of these translate into reduced range. And you need access to a 220 volt charging station to recharge the car in a few hours. The Leaf is sold with either a 24 kWh battery or a 30 kWh battery. I recommend the 30 kWh battery as it provides a range (when new) of about 100 miles, rather than the 75 miles provided by the 24 kWh battery. That 75 mile range provided by the 24 kWh battery when new drops down to about 55 miles after 5 years. So, the larger battery will allow you a more generous range even after the car is several years old. Despite the battery issue, I really enjoy the Leaf ownership experience. Nissan service and support has been very good. Based on my Leaf ownership, I have become a fan of electric drivetrains, so much so that I am now on my second Leaf, one with the 30 kWh battery (which was not available in 2011). I do not think that I will ever go back to owning a car that is not either all-electric or a hybrid. Nissan should be commended for taking a big risk in developing and marketing the Leaf. I think that the commitment to manufacturing an all-electric car will pay off for Nissan in the future.
Love my Cayenne red Leaf
Don on 09/10/2015
Performance: 0
Comfort: 0
Fuel Economy: 0
Fun To Drive: 0
Interior Design: 0
Exterior Design: 0
Build Quality: 0
Reliability: 0
Comfort Rating: 3
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 5
Safety Rating: 4
Technology Rating: 4
Value Rating: 5
Wish it had the Tesla range, but great for 105 mile range
Turning over a new Leaf!
anewleaf1 on 05/30/2013
Performance: 5
Comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
We've only had our 2011 Leaf for two weeks but already we are in love with this car. Gas has gone up $.20 since my last fill up in my old car, so I'm already saving more money.
The car has great "get up and go", it isn't anything like the hybrids you hear about not having any power to them. I can leave everyone at the stop light if I want to. The first few days I found myself speeding frequently.
The interior is very comfortable, even for adults in the back seat. It sits up a little higher than the sedan I traded in, which is nice.
This car is all electric so it's not for someone looking to drive it a long way. I only use it to commute to work and run errands so it's perfect.
No battery capacity warranty leaves owners with worthless cars
azdre on 09/07/2012
Performance: 5
Comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 1
Fun To Drive: 1
Interior Design: 4
Exterior Design: 3
Build Quality: 1
Reliability: 1
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 1
The lack of a battery capacity warranty has left dozens of warm-climate owners with cars that are no longer useful, and that are unsellable. There are no dealers in Phoenix, AZ that will take these cars as trade-ins because of the issues with the battery. After getting positive battery care reports, we can travel no more than 50 miles in our car that should go 80-100 miles. Nissan is changing it's story at every turn, and refuses to acknowledge a problem. Google: Real World Battery Capacity Loss, and you'll see the real deal with how Nissan treats it's customers. They do not stand behind this product. They got their 1.4 billion dollar loan, they don't need the LEAF anymore.
Welcome to the 21st Century!
stellarrat on 05/01/2012
Performance: 4
Comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 4
Interior Design: 4
Exterior Design: 4
Build Quality: 4
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 5
I've had my 2011 Leaf for a month now.
It's my only car.
So far I've spent a grand total of $8.10 in electricity to drive 729 miles.
In my previous car I was spending $180 a month in gasoline and probably another $50 in maintenance (if you averaged it out per month.)
In the NW, off-peak power is $.044 / kwh. So, as you can see it's saving me about $220 / month.
I've taken this car to every family event, errand and work daily.
Not a single problem with range or anything else.
I don't even need the 240v charger.
The car is just great all around.
Good room, good ride, excellent electronics, and decent handling.
Acceleration is very good around town.
Smooth As Silk
billsea on 02/25/2012
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 4
Fun To Drive: 4
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 2
Build Quality: 4
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
I've really enjoyed owning and driving this car, which is now up to 10,000 miles. It is incredibly smooth, quiet and generally effortless to drive. The interior feels large, with plenty of room in the back for adults. The storage area is ample for the around-town usage dictated by the range. The range is occasionally a nuisance, but that's increasingly mitigated by charge stations. When my trips are well within the range, I have fun with the torque and the low center of gravity. So far it's getting about 30 miles per dollar, a fascinating new metric that really puts the sucking sound in the front of our minivan in perspective. (It's five times more expensive to drive that one a mile.)
Just Buy It!
peterhi on 02/17/2012
Performance: 5
Comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 4
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
I have been driving my Leaf for 1 month, with 1,000 miles.
Had a very difficult decision to sell my 2007 Lexus IS250 which I loved, and was worried to be driving an econobox tin can.
I have no regrets at all!
Believe it or not but it drives just as well as the Lexus, is more quiet, just as smooth, accelerates well, and just feels good to be doing the right thing!
I have a 20 mile r/t commute to the office; with side trips, often am driving 35-40 miles which is perfect.
I have a gas car for longer drives but rarely use it.
Take advantage of tax credits while you can!
Nissan put lots of research and money into this vehicle to get it right the first time.
Just Buy It!
After over a year of ownership
eniac on 02/09/2012
Performance: 5
Comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 4
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 5
I've owned my LEAF for over a year now and have put just over 10,000 miles on it. The car is still really fun to drive and we've enjoyed every single mile. Everything is still tight, no rattles or wind noise. As for operating costs, I had the tires rotated twice (for fre at Discount Tires), annual battery check at the dealership (also free), and I replaced the cabin filter for $11 and had it detailed on its birthday for $60. Other than $342 in electricity to "fuel" it for the entire year, thats my total costs so far.
Nissan Leaf & Blink Charging Station
rickrick on 12/10/2011
Performance: 4
Comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 2
Fun To Drive: 4
Interior Design: 3
Exterior Design: 3
Build Quality: 3
Reliability: 3
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 3
Reliability Rating: 3
The Leaf is a fun car and it's always great passing buy the gas stations and not having to pay the ridiculous prices.
Good so far.
pacoug on 09/26/2011
Performance: 5
Comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 4
Interior Design: 4
Exterior Design: 4
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 5
I'm in Pennsylvania so I haven't experienced the reduced range that comes from cold winter temps yet. That comes in a couple months.
But I can tell you right now this thing makes a much better commuter than I thought it would. My drive to work is about 12 miles, about 30 minutes each way. It works in my life and would work for most urban commuters.
I didn't intend for this car to do much duty besides going to work and back; essentially it's the third car. But it's becoming my choice for anything within 20 miles of home--which is most of what I do day-to-day.
If this car fits your life you might consider it.
I'm still probing the range limits to see what I can and can't do.
Car of the Future
jackie_gt on 09/22/2011
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 4
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 4
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 4
Reliability Rating: 5
Just LOVE the new car. It exceeds my expectations in all areas.
I highly recommend buying an SPX Level 2 EVSE portable charger that can auto detect voltage.
This also charges the Chevy Volt.
I use it to charge my Nissa Leaf.
Plugs into an outlet similar to a electric dryer outlet at home and similar ones at my businesses. As of 9-22-11, price $749 + S+H.
Experience after 2 months
ph_ on 08/23/2011
Performance: 4
Comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 4
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 3
Exterior Design: 3
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 3
Reliability Rating: 5
Ok, I've had a leaf for about 2 months now.
Admittedly, I also have a gas car, which I use when I need to go out of town.
That said, the Leaf is the primary vehicle being driven about twice the miles as the gas car.
Overall, Nissan did an excellent job.
I could complain about a number of things but I'll focus on the essentials instead.
1. Plugging in at night is no problem.
It takes about 15 seconds - and another 15 in the morning.
2. Acceleration is great.
The specs are above.
But, from observing the Leaf's kilowatt meter, it appears Nissan restricted the acceleartion (probably for safety).
Instead of immediately pegging at 80kw (the top of the meter), it... (see forum)
Well built, loved the quiet
rufustf on 06/20/2011
Performance: 4
Comfort: 4
Fuel Economy: 3
Fun To Drive: 4
Interior Design: 3
Exterior Design: 3
Build Quality: 4
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 4
Performance Rating: 4
Interior Rating: 3
Reliability Rating: 5
We are in TN, so only Nissan dealers are supplying the charging stations making "range anxiety" a very real concern for me after hours driving.
It will just take more planning until I adjust to it.
When DC quick charging stations are more available, range anxiety will be much reduced.
Handles very well.
LEAF exceeds our expectations!
doeskin on 06/16/2011
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 4
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
Took delivery about a week ago; the car is wonderful, very well engineered, fun to drive; range exceeds their promises; Blink charging station is very user friendly and fun to use; comfortable seats ... we sold our Lexus RX350 since taking delivery because it would probably just sit in the garage.
You will not be disappointed!
Outstanding So Far
jsgenc on 05/24/2011
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
Just picked up my Leaf a few days ago and I've put several 100 miles on it already.
I'm hooked.
It's a remarkable car in many ways.
Quiet, smooth, surprisingly powerful and nimble, and cool as all heck.
It is not a toy or part-time car by any stretch of the imagination.
So long as you understand its limitations, you will use it all the time.
I rarely drive more than 80 to 100 miles in a day so it is perfect for me and my family's needs.
It's excellent for commuting to work.
It is great for running errands and schleping kids around.
If you are someone who regularly drives more than 80 to 100 miles per day, do not get a Leaf.
If not, check it out now.
Owning a Leaf +4 days
rbdiamond on 04/24/2011
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 5
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
I've read a number of professional reviews of the Leaf, and what few them mention is what a hoot it is drive.
With 207 ft/lbs of torque available at zero miles, versus a Porsche Boxster with 214 ft/lbs at approx. 4400 rpm, the car drives fast and fun.
The bluetooth connection is superb for my iphone, my effective cost of going 100 miles is $2.00 vs. the vehicle it replaced at $25.00, and it is very comfortable.
Magic Carpet ride
1nissanzealot on 12/11/2010
Performance: 5
Comfort: 5
Fuel Economy: 5
Fun To Drive: 5
Interior Design: 5
Exterior Design: 4
Build Quality: 5
Reliability: 5
Comfort Rating: 5
Performance Rating: 5
Interior Rating: 5
Reliability Rating: 5
It's everything i knew it would be and more! Not over-done and nothing neglected. It's equipped with the latest usable technologies and easy to use' it just keeps the "WoW-factor" needle pinned at '10'!
No more gas fill-ups or oil-changes. feels awesome to start that inevitable break from the "old" to the "what's new and what's-coming'". The future is now, be a part of it.n me?
Vehicle specifications
