2012 Nissan LEAF User Reviews

Pros

No gas. Helps the environment. Cool GPS map

Cons

has a computer/brake problem, and Nissan cannot figure out why. Bad spare management,

Purchased As New

I bought this car as a vote for electric cars which I believe in. However I would tell anyone any time to NEVER buy a first year model! This car did not change my mind about that.

The car did well until the first flat. It does not carry a spare in its limited trunk space, so instead they have an inflation/sealing system. The liquid in the sealing system costs $110.00 to replace!! It is guaranteed to ruin the tires pressure sensors ($150.00), so the minimum cost of a flat if you use their inflation system is $300.00 if the tire is repairable! WHO THOUGHT OF THAT?? When I used it at night (no light on the pump, and 14 instructions need to be followed) the pump spewed the liquid all over the car, and me, also ruining the pump ($350.00)! I bought a "Slime tire inflating kit for less than $20.00 which is guaranteed not to ruin the pressure sensor, with a light, which can be used to inflate only which the Nissan pump cannot. FIRE THE PERSON WHO THOUGHT OF THIS ONE!

However the main problem occurred when I took the car into the dealership for repair: The car had had a slide to it where I would press the brake and the car would not brake for 1/2 second, however I assumed that this was me until the car would not start, and it gave me the error that the brake peddle was not pressed (needed to start the car). I pressed harder and nothing. Took the car into the dealership (a week ago) and they could not figure out why. Fair enough. So they contacted Nissan. Nissan has not gotten back in touch with them, and they have not returned calls to me when promised.

Obviously the brakes not being seen by the computer is a hazard, as the car uses a computerized braking system. If I press on it, and the computer does not see that I am, the braking cannot work right, and the real possibility of crashing into the car in front occurs. Presently the car cannot be started or charged because of the same problem, and the dealership and Nissan USA has not been able to figure out why, or respond in a week. I have not had my prior car into the dealership for a week in the last 10 years! Knowing it is a braking problem and having had the car slide for a 1/2 second before the brakes grab does not inspire confidence, and the Nissan dealership, than Nissan USA not keeping their word and / or keeping in touch when a problem like this occurs does not inspire confidence either. Further I need a car, but one that is not a hazard!

Besides the fact that the computer will not allow the car to start, and the brakes to work right, the other problem is range on a cold day (using heater) or on the freeway. In both cases expect your mileage to be about 40 when the car is new. Without a battery replacement policy for batteries that will not hold a charge, this virtually kills this car as a serious auto.

I hope to be able to recommend it in the future, but presently Nissan does not have the ability to pull of a radically different new model without problems....read morehide

Pros

So much fun to drive. It drives like a luxury car.

Purchased As Not Purchased

My husband and I love this car, we fight over who gets to drive it every morning. We save tons on gas and like the Quick Charge option we got. Even the base model (S) is equipped with the best.

Pros

$.02/mile operating cost, no belts, hoses, fluids to change, great acceleration, quiet and fun

Cons

Waiting for a bit more range

Purchased As New

Excellent everyday car. 17,800 miles in year one and I've saved a ton on fuel. Quiet and fast! Great stereo too.

Pros

Can't beat the gas price (that would be $0)

Cons

Range anxiety and wimpy horn

Purchased As New

This car is great for everyday driving: work, groceries, errands, etc. You have to be careful in parking lots and residential streets because people will not get out of the way or, even worse, walk right out in front of the car because it's silent. The ride is unbelievably quiet and comfortable since there's no engine vibrations. Now that Nissan is offering a program where you can get a loaner car for up to 10 days a year, I'm basically covered for those occasional long excursions....read morehide

Pros

for short trips it cannot be beat

Cons

needs a longer rated mileage type battery

Purchased As New

the wife and i both love the car it has alot of pick-up and is very-very quite

Pros

decent space

Cons

Good fuel economy, no hp, too heavy, quiet, looks horrific

Purchased As New

Completely boring and un-enjoyable. You will look like a pillock if you drive this. It doesn't have a proper engine, it's far too quiet, very under-powered, and the steering is as vague as a dinner party at your mother-in-law's.

Pros

None

Cons

UGLY

Purchased As Not Purchased

This has to be one of the ugliest cars to be produced in years. Stay away and maybe it will go away.

Pros

Low operating costs, cheap lease, lots of incentives to get an EV

Cons

Short range, looks odd

Purchased As New

I have a predictable daily commute of about 50 miles round trip. I drive another 10-15 miles to run errands after work. This car is a perfect suburban commuter and grocery-getter. The lease and the incentives that go with this car made it at least $100 cheaper for me monthly than to drive my old truck. However, if you can have only one car, this would not be it. The car is comfortable, extremely well built and once you get used it is limitations and capabilities, range anxiety and charging times really does not matter. I charge it at night when I sleep, so it is actually convenient to never have to stop at a gas station on my way to work. The car is nicer than expected for an "economy" car. However, I do find it rather ugly. It looks like a robot frog....read morehide

Pros

Great around town

Cons

Horn is wimpy

Purchased As New

I have had my Leaf for 18MO now, I love it. I use it everyday for errands and about town. I just wish there were more charging stations so I could venture out of town. I do have another traditional car for those long trips. My electricity bill for the months worh of almost daily chaging is about $7.50! Beat that with a gas engine or a Hybrid....read morehide

Pros

Excellent Gas Mileage

Cons

Prepay for the fuel

Purchased As Not Purchased

Why do we have to pay upfront for the fuel that will not be used? The price of the vehicle is not cost effective. Indeed is a green car for the earth however spend too much green to buy in this economy.