2011 Nissan Leaf: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2011 Nissan Leaf is the first pure-electric car offered for sale to the US mass market. This 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback runs exclusively on electric power. Leaf comes in two trim levels, base SV and uplevel SL. All use a 107-horsepower electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. Nissan claims a maximum driving range of 100 miles. Leaf's charging port can accommodate a 110-volt or 220-volt household outlet. It takes about 20 hours to charge the battery from a 110-volt outlet. Using a special in-home 220-volt charging station, a full charge takes about 8 hours. SL models are available with a "quick charge" port that can charge the battery to 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes via a 440-volt station. Note that these quick charge stations are not available for home use. The Leaf comes only with a single-speed transmission that functions like an automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. A navigation system is standard on all. SL models have a rearview camera and small roof-mounted solar panel, which provides a trickle charge to the 12-volt battery that powers accessory items, such as the climate system.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 99.4 inches or longer.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Nissan Versa, Volkswagen Golf, and Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Cruze and Scion xB.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Volt, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Leaf, and Volkswagen Jetta Sedan.