2012 Fisker Karma

Fisker is a name shared by two defunct companies started by automotive designer Henrik Fisker. Fisker Automotive failed in 2013 after burning through $1.4 billion building fewer than 2,500 Fisker Karma hybrid luxury cars. Fisker, Inc. filed for bankruptcy in 2024, shortly after debuting the all-electric Fisker Ocean SUV. The Ocean EV earned one of the lowest Overall Scores that Consumer Reports has ever recorded. Considering how few vehicles were built, the lack of factory support, and the difficulty of obtaining parts and service, we would strongly caution against purchasing a used Fisker.

The Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid can run on battery power for the first 38 miles. Its 2.0-liter, 160-hp turbocharged GM-supplied gas engine kicks in and turns a generator for longer trips. The cramped backseat, coarse-sounding engine, frustrating controls, and haphazard fit and finish belie $108,000 sticker price. As heavy as some full-size SUVs, the 5,400-pound Karma rides and handles well, but its sheer bulk hampers agility and the car doesn't feel very quick despite a nominal 403 hp. On electric power we got the equivalent of 66 mpg, but only 22 mpg overall running on gas. It takes about 6 hours to recharge the 20-kWh-battery on 240 volts and 16 hours on 120V. 2012 was the Karma's only model year.