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5.4

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: January 29th, 2022

Tesla is a sustainable energy company owned by Elon Musk that makes electric vehicles. The California-based company’s current lineup is the Model S, Model X, and Model 3. While other electric car manufacturers use large battery pack cells to power their electric motors, Tesla utilizes thousands of small lithium-ion commodity cells. 

Named for inventor Nikola Tesla, this is a tech company first and an automaker second. The first Tesla model, wich was released in 2006 and called the Roadster, could go 244 miles on a single charge and accelerate from 0-60 in 3.7 seconds. 

Tesla’s wider production models are the Model S sedan and Model X SUV. The newest option, the Model 3, is meant to target a broader audience with a starting price of $35,000. All three models are still considered to be in the luxury car market. 

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The Good

  • Sustainable
  • Safety

Sustainable

Tesla’s sole focus is manufacturing sustainable energy products, even when it comes to cars, and its goal fits into that mold. The company does't offer hybrids—only plug-in, fully electric cars. 

As an all-electric vehicle company, users have to think ahead about charging cars. Tesla even offers solar roofing and Powerwall batteries to get for your home and help with powering your car. 

Drivers can use EV charging stations; however, Tesla Supercharger stations are optimized to charge faster than regular stations. 

Safety

Tesla cars crash tested by the US NHTSA have received 5 stars across the board, on all options: front, side, and rollover. This is rather rare for a company. 

Models include rearview video systems, plus forward collision and lane departure warnings standard. Newer models even have dynamic brake support. 

All three models have the hardware needed for self-driving. The Enhanced Autopilot will: 

  • Match traffic speed
  • Stay in your lane
  • Independently change lanes
  • Park itself
  • Go to and from your garage on its own

According to Tesla, these autonomous driving features can help you to drive twice as safe as the average human. 

While your car includes the hardware, it will be subject to a software update and validation before you use these features.

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The Bad

  • Test Drive
  • Waiting List

Test Drive

If you are the kind of shopper who needs to test drive before purchasing a car, you will likely have a difficult time doing so. There just aren’t as many Tesla stores as there are dealerships for more traditional or longstanding car brands. 

For the time being, Tesla dealerships are only located in major cities across the US. However, if you are going to be traveling near a store, or you want to make a trip to see one, you can schedule a test drive online if you wish. 

Waiting List

Getting your hands on a brand new Tesla is a whole different experience. You can’t just buy a Tesla and drive it away today. The company’s business model and shopping model is different. It uses a waiting list system for currently in-production models. 

If you order a base Model 3, you are likely to have to wait several months, as higher-priced models are being produced and delivered first.

However, if you do order your car in advance, then you wish to cancel or return, you can return it within three days of delivery if it hasn’t been driven. 

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The Bottom Line

This electric car maker/tech company and its founder, Elon Musk, are two of the most over-exposed and polarizing topics of conversation in the auto industry. 

With that being said, here is what we do know: Tesla is making an effort to make sustainable vehicles mainstream and offers the more affordable Tesla Model 3 at a base price tag $35,000. This forward-thinking company makes cars that are capable of incredible safety and autopilot features, even before they are able to be legally used in all jurisdictions. 

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Star Rating

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4.8

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19 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

79%

4 grade

16%

3 grade

5%

2 grade

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1 grade

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Smart Electric Markham, ON

Tesla builds amazing products. Our 2013 Model S has no squeaks or rattles and the battery is 95% original capacity after 150,000 km with 90000 km supercharged road-trips. Best car we've ever owned. After initial reliability improvements, no service of any kind for past 2 years, no oil change, just tires and washer fluid. Feed it daily with cheap overnight electricity.

5 years ago

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Matthew Driggs Salt Lake City, UT

We have loved our new Tesla. So fun to drive. very comfortable and enjoyable. We use our Tesla as our "around town" car. we have done a few long trips but it is still a bit of a hassle and definitely takes longer because of charging.

7 years ago

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Doug R

Product quality is about 9 out of 10, with most issues being software-based and therefore correctable remotely. Service quality is excellent with response times much better than other brands I have owned, foreign and domestic. If quality and service continue to improve as they have, media will need to also improve their reporting on those items.

7 years ago

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Timothy Rich Herriman, UT

The thing I really like is that they are quality electric cars. Electric cars are really cool because it eliminates some things that you need to worry about with other cars, such as filling up the gas tank or doing an oil change. Overall I really like Tesla.

4 years ago

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Cam McClellan Magna, UT

I would have never bought an electric car before Tesla because they looked different and not at cool. When Tesla came out with their good looking cars, I jumped at the chance to buy one. I have no regretted it. It runs so smoothly and helps save the environment.

6 years ago

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Anne Sainsbury Payson, UT

Okay, so probably contrary to popular belief, I didn't love this car. Yes the acceleration was amazing, and the automatic doors are awesome, but if you're not sitting in the driver or passenger seat, there is no space. The captain chairs aren't terrible, but every time we stopped and parked, the drivers seat would scoot back and I would no longer have any leg room. However, if you are in the drivers seat, than yes, this car is absolutely amazing and fuel efficient, and such a smooth ride!

7 years ago

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Dwhoush ,

I rented a Tesla for a weekend and let me tell you. That is a beautiful car. The craftsmanship of the interior blew me away. The technology that is shoved into that car is amazing.

6 years ago

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Christyan Bennett New Orleans, LA

Tesla is definitely the new “it” car. It has state of the art, high technology that can’t be found in any other car. Yes, it is expensive but it is worth it in the end. My tesla also has amazing mileage.

6 years ago

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Vincent Leuzze San Jose, CA

The tesla my family has is by far the best car we have ever owned. It is powerful, fast, and very nice inside all while being an electric car that is great for the environment!

7 years ago

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Connor Farmington, UT

I've only been in a tesla a few times, but this is the perfect blend of luxury and quality driving. The car feels safe and futuristic, even just as a passenger.

6 years ago

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Abby Driggs Provo, UT

Expensive but worth the cost in the end. Love that the car can update the way an iPhone would. Love that I don’t have to pay for gas because it is electric. Car accelerates very fast.

7 years ago

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Ronald Beebe

They are very efficient and car doesn't require any maintenance Tesla technicians inspect it once a year.

7 years ago

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Rocio Diaz Jacksonville, FL

The technology speaks for itself. Amazing and next level engineering. However, I have been in a situation where I had to trade in my Tesla model X for another car due to the inconvenience of finding plug ins.

6 years ago

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Treyson Lewis Pleasant Grove, UT

The quality of these cars are off the charts, they don't have lots of problems and have a very well working engine. Some of my favorite cars.

6 years ago

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Carter Hudson Norcross, GA

These cars make rides extremely enjoyable and are very comfortable. I would highly recommend them.

6 years ago

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Spencer Barclay

Phenomenal car. Amazing attention to detail. Is more capable than any other comparable car.

7 years ago

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Luna Rockville, MD

A special car brand that uses electricity instead of gas. It looks great and it has comfortable seats.

6 years ago

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Jacob American Fork, UT

Tesla's are super cool. With hidden door handles and state of the art interiors, Teslas drive smoothly and save lots of money on emissions and fuel.

6 years ago

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Don Lafferty

Outstanding technology but sales support needs to improve.

7 years ago