See “What the Numbers Mean” in The Ultimate Green Car Buyer’s Guide, 2012 for a full description of the metrics we collected for each model.

Fisker Karma

Plug-In Hybrid, Sedan

Price Range: $95,900 – $108,900
Combined MPGe: 52
Annual Fuel Cost: N/A
Air Pollution Score: N/A
Greenhouse Gas Score: N/A
ACEEE Green Score and Class Ranking: N/A
Safety Ratings: N/A
Space: 95.7 cu. ft. p.v./seats 4
Drive Score: 5
Similar Used: New for 2012

Good to Know:

• This car is marked by excess — 400 horsepower and a bloated 5,300 pounds of weight. The result is a disappointing 52-mpge rating when running on electricity and a sad 20-mpg rating after the battery is depleted.
• The electric-only range of the car is estimated at 50 miles.
• Critics say that the Karma is more of a niche automotive curiosity than a legitimate vehicle.
• The company’s path from concept car to production vehicle has been bumpy, with multiple delays, technical glitches and price increases.
• Technical problems have continued even after delivery to media reviewers and first customers.
• A pending grant of half a billion dollars in federal funds has put Fisker Automotive under the media microscope.
• The first drivers have complained about a loud whine from the electric motor.
• The Karma is offered with an option for an “Eco-Chic” interior, with a liberal use of bamboo and natural fabrics.

What the Press Says:

• “Imagine a quicker and more luxurious Chevy Volt and you won’t be far off.” — Car and Driver
• “The bottom line is that the Fisker Karma is a rolling dream machine for anyone who wants something very different that works and drives exceptionally well for any company’s first go at it all.” — Autoblog
• “The Karma is a beautiful and highly dramatic automobile, unlike anything else on the road today and yet very much like dozens of the most beloved sports cars of the past.” — Automobile

More 2012 green cars: Find details about many more green cars from other automakers in The Ultimate Green Car Buyer’s Guide, 2012.

Photo from Fisker