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 11 through 20 of 21.00

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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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  Excellent first electric vehicle - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By flymia - June 11 - 5:11 pm

  Have been driving the 2012 Nissan LEAF SV for three months now. So far very impressed and glad to be driving electric. Car is smooth, responsive and has many of the features I would like. My only shortcomings are lack of telescoping steering wheel, poorly designed Carwings telematics with limited functionality, and inability to view % state of charge (2013 model offers this). The car design takes a bit getting used to and offers poor visibility when backing up if not equipped with back up camera. Otherwise a solid choice, great reliability and performance so far. Range varies considerably especially with highway driving drains battery fast (about 65 miles)

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  The problem is NISSAN, not the car! - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By patsiefe - March 8 - 1:17 pm

  Things to know: You will NOT get the EPA rated distances, especially at freeway speeds, or with the heater on! I am sure this is also true for the Volt. Besides this, the car did well until I got a flat. Remember that the leaf has no spare, and Nissan has not figured out what to do about that. They include a little electric pump and sealant. DO NOT USE THEM!!! It will cost you a fortune! Worst, the car now fails to start, and the dealership has not been able to get an answer in OVER A WEEK AS TO WHY! No car for me! More disturbing is the fact that it is related to the BRAKING SYSTEM , and the computer does not understand that the brakes have been touched!

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  Nissan leaf built on a Friday - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By richardriver - December 23 - 10:24 am

  Bought the lowest price for 28K. After 3 weeks the car left me stranded, the dealer did not know what to do, it took them 8 days to figure it out. Now, after 3 months, the AC failed completely. But other than that is an excellent car for commuting. I do recommend the quick charging package Chademo with 6.6kw 240 charger. If you dont get it you would regret it, Like I did. This gives you more functionality.

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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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  This car needs a lot of work before ready for driving - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By reginaa - November 29 - 2:37 am

  bought a nissan leaf sl 2012 in Sept 2012. Since the purchase I have not been able to rely on the car for transportation to work, home, childs activities or anywhere. My child is afraid that I will be killed in a car accident cause I cant drive the speed limit and return to where I need to go. The car takes more than 16-24 hours to charge 100% and Nissan told me I bought the special edition quick charge that will charge in 20 min, but actually it takes 1 hr 15 min for 83% charge. I contacted Nissan International (NI) and although they are buying back many nissan leafs, they would not deem my as defective and would not repurchase the car.

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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!!

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  Still great after 11 months - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By early74b - July 6 - 1:29 pm

  We were on the original resv list from 04/2010, picked up the car at the end of Dec 11. We have about 8K miles now and have been quite happy with it. Were in IL so in addition to the $7.5K fed tax credit they offer 10% IL EPA MSRP rebate and 50% rebate on charger + install. Weve averaged about 4.3 miles per kWh (which we pay 6.6 cents per kWh) so very cheap to run. Only maintenance so far is to rotate tires. Car is very, very quiet and smooth ride; so far holding up quite well, no problems at all. We use it on 30 mile daily commutes and 50 to 80 on each weekend day. Heated seats front & back and steering wheel are welcome on cold days!