Overview & Reviews

For 2012, the Nissan Leaf gets more standard features, with the trade-off being a price increase of $2,420 on base models and $3,530 on SL models. Cold-weather features such as heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, heated exterior mirrors and a battery heater are now standard on all models, with SL models adding a standard quick-charge port.

• Intelligent navigation system.
• Spacious, quiet cabin
• Snappy acceleration
• Ample features
• No more gas stations

• Small trunk for a hatchback.
• Home charger is a necessity
• Limited recharging points
• Limited cruising range

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 21.00

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  The best car weve owned! - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By ok778 - July 3 - 11:59 am

  We have a 68 mile daily commute to and from work in cold climate Michigan so we looked at the volt, prius, tdi, among others trying to offset costs of gas. We narrowed our choice to a volt or leaf after test driving cars. The volt was a close second but the Leaf beat it out for the following reasons: the volt managed a meager 30 miles in all electric when driven in temps hovering in the mid 40‘s - this wouldnt even get us half way. The leaf pulled out 82 during same weather. The leaf is larger with seating for 5 and larger cargo area. We liked the Leafs dash and gauge layout better than the Volt. The leaf is quiet,yet has tremendous torque and really flies off the line. And price

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  Electric Wonder - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By mikelaw1 - April 18 - 11:16 am

  The Leaf has great acceleration up to about 40 mph, because of the high torque of the electric drive, it is only two wheel drive but feels like four wheels drive, maybe because of large wide tires (55 series) and a low center of gravity, Batteries under floorboard have a lot of weight, so it really hugs the road. Keeps the car about forty mph in ECO mode, (slower mode, slower acceleration ) should get you 150+ mile range. It really begins to use up the juice over 50 mph and by 60 to 70 mph range is only about 75. Frost on inside if left outside is a problem requiring defrosting before starting out. It is a really about town car. Most charging stations appear to charge $3 for a charge.

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  Great little car - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By carguy161 - July 8 - 10:14 pm

  We purchased this car so that we could park our van and only use it for long trips. We use the Leaf in all our around town running. I was pleasantly surprised upon driving the car. It is very quite and rides very good. It seats 5 has all the latest technology and many luxury features such as rear heated seats, heated steering wheel, and heated exterior mirrors. We get around 85 miles per charge. We do not use the 220v charge, but, instead using the 120v charger that came with the car. This isnt an issue for us as we plug it in around 7pm and leave it until 8am which is plenty of charge time.

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  Environmentally Responsible - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By chemiedee - September 14 - 9:44 am

  A great vehicle with excellent acceleration from a stop, quiet, nice ride and handling, and very much an eye catcher. Ive calculated my total cost of ownership over 15 years, 180,000 miles as about $45000. $33000 initial cost after the $7500 tax credit, $5000 in electricity, and $7000 for repairs, tires, and insurance. That is about 25 cents per mile, lower than any conventional vehicle. The mileage is 4 miles per kWh in the city, which at 11 cents per kWh is about 150 MPG. In an area with cheaper electric, and when I get metered service for night charging @7.5 cents per kWh, it goes to over 200 MPG city! The vehicle is fun to drive and has great pickup from a stop.

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  Money Saving Tips - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By kool69 - April 15 - 8:17 pm

  When buying the LEAF start off with the lease. This way get the $7500 deducted from the price right away. After that is done, you refinance and buy it. I did this and got my discount right away without waitng. Next, Home Depot has a 240v battery charger online that is a couple of hundred dollars cheaper than what is offered anywhere else. If you have a gas dryer use the electrical connection for that circuit and save more money. Driving tip, I have found that following behind large trucks on the highway increases the range considerably. I auctually got the 100mpg when I drove under 60mph when following these trucks

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  A Connecticut Leaf Owner Speaks - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By ctleafowner - August 22 - 1:16 am

  I am not your prototypical Leaf owner. For one, I live in Connecticut...one of two Leaf owners in the state...I have a long commute (45 miles one way) and, at the moment, I dont have a Level 2 charger where I work (Im working on that, but the Chevy Volt has made convincing my company to get one very difficult). After a few rookie mistakes (driving 70 mph to work in the cold w/o a full charge), one of which found me driving into my garage with 4 miles of charge left, I have learned to drive back and forth to work with no range issues. The Leaf definitely makes you think about the way you drive and makes you think about your trips before you go anywhere. That being said, I love my Leaf.

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  So far, so good! - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By early_adopter - May 25 - 8:37 pm

  I just purchased a used, 2011 SL Leaf. Such a bargain; theyve taken a huge hit in depreciation so I was able to get one with only 4,900 miles for around $18,500. [non-permissible content removed]

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  Passing Gas Stations! - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By carlover59 - February 26 - 8:40 pm

  Had for over a month and with nearly a 1000 miles, I havent had to purchase any gas yet for our other car (gas of course, we always drive the Leaf whenever possible). The Leaf feels like a luxury car, not a economy car. Quieter than a Lexus, a smooth ride and based upon the electricity used so far, averaging around 140 mpg equivalent. The city driving range has been around 80 miles which for my daily commute has been good.

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  Apotheosis of perfection! - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By woodyas - July 4 - 8:25 pm

  Put off going electric for a plethora of reasons. And hemmed and vacillated on getting the Leaf for about a year. But wow: THIS CAR IS TRULY AWESOME. Hands down...this is the best car I have ever had. And to be able to never put gas in a car again. NEVER! A feeling like no other.

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  Amazing vehicle front to back - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By xando05 - October 6 - 1:36 pm

  What an amazing piece of machinery. I really dont have one bad thing to say about the Nissan LEAF. Nissan really hit the nail on the head with this car. The technology is second to none. It drives a like a dream car. It handles very well and brakes extremely well too. I highly recommend this car all the way around. I look forward to driving the LEAF everyday!!