On Saturday, I test drove a Nissan Leaf ... [View All]

... and that is one sweet little ride.

Our 17 month old was fussy and not feeling well, so he and the wife didn't go for the test drive. I think I can get a car seat, a booster, and a nine year old in the back without squishing all three.

We drove it in Eco mode, which is geared down for low speed driving, and it did just fine. For city or around town driving, I would probably keep it in Eco mode. While we were driving, the Nissan rep said, "OK, now I'm going to switch it from Eco to Drive", and the car noticeably pulled away. Another of the reps had said earlier, "I'll deny it if you test Nissan Corporate, but if you punch it you can chirp the tires." I believe it. Acceleration was smooth and strong.

I won't be trading our minivan for a Leaf, but as a second car I want one. It's cozy, but very functional and not a golf cart. My wife complained the car looked bug-eyed, but I really like the bug-eyed look to the Leaf.

It was a chilly day so the heater was on. The fan was on low, and it was very toasty warm inside.

My nine year old was playing around with the display on one of the parked units. I didn't muck with it much, but it seems fairly intuitive from watching him.

The "Approaching Vehicle Sound" was switched off, but I rather like what I hear.
http://nissan-leaf.net/2010/06/11/nissan-leaf-sound-revealed/