2013 Nissan Leaf Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.37/5 Average
35 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The 2013 Nissan Leaf receives a new 6.6-kW onboard charger that cuts charging times in half. There's also a new "B-mode" driving mode that increases regenerative braking during deceleration. Finally, Nissan has added a more affordable S model to the lineup.

Pros:
  • Spacious, quiet cabin
  • Ample features
  • Established in terms of reliability and availability
  • Affordable base price.
Cons:
  • Mediocre performance.
  • Limited cruising range

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 35.00
  • Had 36,000 miles so battery only good for about 72 - 2013 Nissan Leaf
    By -

    Low mileage on battery

  • 2013 Nissan Leaf SV - 2013 Nissan Leaf
    By -

    Purchased used in 2017. Car has 36K miles but still has full bars or 84 miles fully charged. My commute is 55 miles daily which fits into Leafs range well. Using Eco mode I usually return with >25 miles left. My commute is through two lane highway at speed limit of 50, which also fits Leaf well. Worst part of the commute is a big uphill about two miles, after which my range will be reduced by 10 miles, then the downhill will recover about 5 miles through regen. In NoCal heater is rarely needed that also helps my decision to buy Leaf. This car has adequate acceleration and good ride, I like the seats (firmer as I need). Im happy driving past gas stations. Charging hasnt been problem and the trickle charger works just fine during night time. Overall very satisfied.

  • Going EV - Sooner the better!! - 2013 Nissan Leaf
    By -

    I sat on it for 6 months before i pulled the trigger. My daily commute is 40 to 60 miles (one way) and I spend $600.00 a month on gas. model:SL with 360 all around view with Bose sound system I stopped by my health club (before or after work) to charge my car while I work out. Travel takes more planning than driving ICE vehicles but eventually becomes systemic. at times when I get low on battery capacity, i just move over to slower lane. i watch power meter like a hawk and rarely go over the 4th circle.

  • 2013 LEAF - 2013 Nissan Leaf
    By -

    We now have a 2013 LEAF. we used to have the 2011 for 2 years and many wants have been added to the 2013 like ECO mode stays on, braking mode. Also better estimate of range. The Air Cod is also more efficient. We love our LEAF. We lease and every 2 years cant wait to see how they improve it and lower the cost. Our daily commute is 44 miles round trip. Its easy with 50 60 left each trip. I can go about 100 miles on city streets when needed. A friend got 188.2miles o 1 charge by driving at the lowest cruise control of 25 mpg. Pretty cool.

  • Getting used to Value! - 2013 Nissan Leaf
    By -

    I have owned my Leaf for about 3 yrs now and I still marvel at all the gas, oil, and maintenance dollars I have saved over the years. I also own a Highlander hybrid and its amazing how much just routine maintenance costs each year. The LEAF still looks new and has not had the first problem. Of course, it would be nice if the range was over 70 miles, but as a 2nd car that is really all I need. From a value standpoint this is one of my best buys. My wife and granddaughters all fit fine in the front and back and its a great car about town. I charge the Leaf about 95% in my garage and my electric bill is still in the same range as it always was - you would never know I charge a car daily.

  • Like riding on a silent magic carpet - 2013 Nissan Leaf
    By -

    The Leaf is a terrific nearly silent comfortable pleasure to drive. Over 45 years Ive owned a lot of different models and brands and the Leaf is hands down the least expensive to operate. There is virtually no routine maintenance beyond tire rotations. No oil changes. No worry about changing spark plugs or exhaust parts. No engine noise. Driving carefully I could go half again as far as the rated 82 miles to over 125 miles before needing a charge. The downside side is trips beyond 80 miles requires careful planning. Charge points are expanding in availability. Update after nearly two years of ownership: I still love the Leaf. The nearly silent ride allows me to relax and listen to music as if Im at home even though Im driving down the highway in traffic. Maintenance costs are minimal. There are no oil changes. There is no internal combustion engine, exhaust, radiator to check and service. There is no transmission to go wrong. There is simply the pleasure of a quiet ride.

  • Not a cold weather car!! - 2013 Nissan Leaf
    By -

    If you live where it rains or snows dont buy this car. The car body designers never drove this car in rain or snow. The spray from the tires creates a truly ugly car within miles. The snow build-up in wheel wells and the 6-12 inches of crud on the running boards is beyond annoying. Try to buy a splash guard post-factory? Not available without a special order and a 4 to 5 week wait. The actual driving range in winter is lowered by several factors: 1. less charge in cold temps (10-12 miles less) 2. if you use the climate control 15 to 20 miles are subtracted from your range estimate. So if you want a car that can go 50 to 60 miles and turn your garage into an ice rink...this is the one.

  • Best Second Car Ever - 2013 Nissan Leaf
    By -

    We were tired of paying $ 80 per tank to run around town getting 16 MPG running errands etc. This Leaf is fun to drive and has lots of room I am 6.4 and do not fit with comfort in many cars but the headroom in this is great. After 2.5 months of ownership very happy get 90 mile range on a full charge. Able to charge for free at many Nissan dealers . Fast charger at dealers will get you a full charge in 40 minutes. Electric bill has gone up about $ 50 per month charging up almost every night. I did not purchase the level 2 charger as I can charge overnight in about 12 hours with the 6.6 KW on board charger. Our utility company gives better rates for EV owners if you use off peak power

  • Loving it! It handles like a sports car. - 2013 Nissan Leaf
    By -

    I absolute love driving the 2013 Nissan Leaf S model that we have leased. It reminds me of the driving dynamics of the Mini Cooper that we used to own. The biggest problem is that I tend to drive about 15 miles above the speed limit with the Leaf because its so quiet and smooth. One thing that Id wish for is better/smoother braking when regenerative braking is being applied. Another is better location of some of the control buttons on the left side of the steering wheel. The majority of these buttons are not illuminated and are hidden by the steering wheel.

  • Great car - 2013 Nissan Leaf
    By -

    Absolutely love the leaf ....dont have anything bad to say about it....

Nissan Leaf Reviews By Year:
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