[metalica23]

Articles like this are littering all of the financial web sites this morning...

Karma slammed by Consumer Reports...

I really want something positive to come from the Karma. Hopefully, things (including their image) can get turned around...

 

[Weird Fishes]

I've never bought so much as a blender based on a Consumer Reports review, and I'm certainly not going to let their opinion affect a purchase of something so personal as my car.

 

[metalica23]

I've never bought so much as a blender based on a Consumer Reports review, and I'm certainly not going to let their opinion affect a purchase of something so personal as my car.

That's fine. I'm guessing you (as like myself) have a much more intimate relationship with our cars. A majority of folks don't have that same personal connection...even at this price point. So, while they are certainly not the automotive be all end all, many people will read into (and many people will SEE) their research. In the end, it's not their "opinion" that matters so much as the experience (i.e., problems in this case) they relate.

 

[MyColorIsGreen]

Its funny how if you google
https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=consumer+reports+lowest+rating

Fisker Karma article is one that comes up to the top.. although in reading the article.. 24 Vehicles rated lower!

Why is Fisker being targeted in the media? probably due to the fact that fisker corporate was trying to defend the car by criticizing consumer reports...
obviously pissing CR off!

 

[Fabulist]

It would have been nice to get a good review from CR, but realistically, this is not the kind of car that is sold on the strength of a CR review, or as Fisker PR said, this is not a minivan. Even if I had read all the negative reviews, I would have still bought the Fisker. The obscene complexity of the drive system and the fact that it is pushing a lot of different technologies to edge of what is possible is what I find attractive in a Karma. If I wanted bland reliability, I would buy a Honda Civic.

 

[Weird Fishes]

That's fine. I'm guessing you (as like myself) have a much more intimate relationship with our cars. A majority of folks don't have that same personal connection...even at this price point. So, while they are certainly not the automotive be all end all, many people will read into (and many people will SEE) their research. In the end, it's not their "opinion" that matters so much as the experience (i.e., problems in this case) they relate.

[/quote]

I understand your point and don't necessarily disagree. But to take it a little further, I don't think the Consumer Reports audience is made up of many people who would be seriously considering a Karma anyway. And for those of us who have bought, or are considered purchasing, a Karma, other factors--such as the newness of the technology, the green factor, the beauty of the car, the exclusivity--will far outweigh anything Consumer Reports has to write.

To put it another way, going to Consumer Reports to make a decision about whether or not you should buy a Karma is sort of like going to your accountant for an opinion of who you should choose as your mistress (or mister, as the case may be).

 

[ct-fiskerbuzz]

I have a rule of thumb about using CR guides: use them when you don't care about the product you are buying. If you just want an appliance and they do function and reliability tests (especially statistically significant tests, which are hard) that's fine.

If you're buying something you work with every day and read CR's reviews, you'll see how they miss important things. In my case, my main field is computing, and CR's reviews are for "granny using computer for recipes and email with the kids" and completely miss what I care about. The computers they wind up recommending, I wouldn't touch with a ten foot keyboard cable.

 

[MyColorIsGreen]

you still use keyboard cables for measurement?

haha.. I have how tied all my 1m ipod 30pin connector cables together so I have pretty quick and accurate measuring..

Sent using my iPhone 5 with its new lightning connector

 

[metalica23]

I understand your point and don't necessarily disagree. But to take it a little further, I don't think the Consumer Reports audience is made up of many people who would be seriously considering a Karma anyway. And for those of us who have bought, or are considered purchasing, a Karma, other factors--such as the newness of the technology, the green factor, the beauty of the car, the exclusivity--will far outweigh anything Consumer Reports has to write.

To put it another way, going to Consumer Reports to make a decision about whether or not you should buy a Karma is sort of like going to your accountant for an opinion of who you should choose as your mistress (or mister, as the case may be).

Here's the problem, while "Consumer Reports" doesn't likely distribute to the people who are interested in the Karma, they were still exposed to it in the same fashion I was...CNBC, CNN, etc. I was looking up some financial news and the article hit me in the face.

I wonder if Fisker regrets trying to rush to get the car out the door sometimes. They always pat themselves on the back for getting the car from concept to showrooms so quickly, but at what cost? I was on board with being an early adopter and they had my deposit for 2 years. I saw the car, I loved the car, I wanted the car. But, then the delays, the lack of information (I was constantly telling my dealer things that they didn't know, because Fisker didn't communicate with them), and then finally reading all the problems here, just shut me off. I went to the dealer next door and got a GranTurismo. I consider myself not the same as others. I thought it was cool that the car was green, but it was not my sole reason for buying it. I liked the look, and the performance, etc. The problems just ruined the honeymoon phase for me and I ended up turning to something I was more confident in.

I really hope this turns out well. I still love the look and concept of this car. I want it to improve so that down the road it's around for me to take another shot at buying one! (Hopefully, a faster and more reliable version!)

 

[Sigurd]

My Karma couldn't be more reliable. I have over 6K miles on it and it has never left me stranded or anything close to it. I have never worried about taking it anywhere. It's my daily driver and I get over 240mpg. I don't get the critics. What exactly is it I'm supposed to be unhappy with?

 

[EVer1]

I have a rule of thumb about using CR guides: use them when you don't care about the product you are buying.

Touch and feel, like beauty are in the eye of the beholder. They aren't testable.

If you're buying something you work with every day and read CR's reviews, you'll see how they miss important things. In my case, my main field is computing, and CR's reviews are for "granny using computer for recipes and email with the kids" and completely miss what I care about. The computers they wind up recommending, I wouldn't touch with a ten foot keyboard cable.

So true! I'm a financial professional and anyone who uses their analysis of financial products will get a mediocre portfolio or worse.

 

[metalica23]

My Karma couldn't be more reliable. I have over 6K miles on it and it has never left me stranded or anything close to it. I have never worried about taking it anywhere. It's my daily driver and I get over 240mpg. I don't get the critics. What exactly is it I'm supposed to be unhappy with?

That is awesome! I think the problem is that the impression is that you are in the minority, not the majority. It's an easy impression for the media to sell as well. When you come to the forum, just look at the thread titles on the front page:

Cracked Screen Update (Pages: 1 2 )
memory will not work
I have a problem with my radio when stopped
Doors Suddenly Misaligned
Mileage/ command center bug
Driver window seals
Loosing memory
Petition to Karma to Replace Lori's Cracked Command Center Screen under Warranty (Pages: 1 2 )

I know it is in human nature to complain more to compliment, and the forum is a source to solve problems, but it definitely fuels the fire.

 

[ceksalo]

Probably the engineer and the organization that commissioned the road tests are friends of some company linked to that of traditional car with only the engine. In many cases, the opinions follow the flow of money and not the flow of pure thought ...:-/
My opinion is that the Fisker Karma can not be directly compared to other traditional passenger cars which have the advantage of having only one motor instead of two and the tank instead the batteries.
Next Saturday I will be the owner of a new Karma red inferno and internal Canyon tritone. :thumbup:
Frankly, when I observed for the first time the car I saw that the tunnel was occupied by the batteries and the rear trunk had no space, but the concept car as unique as the Fisker I'm passionate about and that makes me overshadow other any minor inconveniences.:heart:
Greetings from Italy, Greeting fron Sandro

 

[Nin ja]

Probably the engineer and the organization that commissioned the road tests are friends of some company linked to that of traditional car with only the engine. In many cases, the opinions follow the flow of money and not the flow of pure thought ...:-/
My opinion is that the Fisker Karma can not be directly compared to other traditional passenger cars which have the advantage of having only one motor instead of two and the tank instead the batteries.
Next Saturday I will be the owner of a new Karma red inferno and internal Canyon tritone. :thumbup:
Frankly, when I observed for the first time the car I saw that the tunnel was occupied by the batteries and the rear trunk had no space, but the concept car as unique as the Fisker I'm passionate about and that makes me overshadow other any minor inconveniences.:heart:
Greetings from Italy, Greeting fron Sandro

Piasano, Glad to hear your thoughts from a fellow countryman who appriciate style and fashion. As an owner for the past 7 months, problems and all, I agree with you fully. Fisker Karma is a concept car we drive, not just admire, that in itself say a lot about Henrik and his team. BTW, i was born near avellino , where are you from?

 

[dennis]

That is awesome! I think the problem is that the impression is that you are in the minority, not the majority. It's an easy impression for the media to sell as well. When you come to the forum, just look at the thread titles on the front page:

Cracked Screen Update (Pages: 1 2 )
memory will not work
I have a problem with my radio when stopped
Doors Suddenly Misaligned
Mileage/ command center bug
Driver window seals
Loosing memory
Petition to Karma to Replace Lori's Cracked Command Center Screen under Warranty (Pages: 1 2 )

I know it is in human nature to complain more to compliment, and the forum is a source to solve problems, but it definitely fuels the fire.

Go to a BMW M5 forum and see what the posts are: delivery delayed over and over, certain VINs must be trailered to the dealer and are not allowed to be driven or sold by the dealer because of a faulty part, etc. This the reality of being an early customer of any new car.

The fact that almost all of the owners on this forum are happy with their car, in spite of the complaints you cite, should tell you something about how special the Karma is.

 

[ceksalo]

Probably the engineer and the organization that commissioned the road tests are friends of some company linked to that of traditional car with only the engine. In many cases, the opinions follow the flow of money and not the flow of pure thought ...:-/
My opinion is that the Fisker Karma can not be directly compared to other traditional passenger cars which have the advantage of having only one motor instead of two and the tank instead the batteries.
Next Saturday I will be the owner of a new Karma red inferno and internal Canyon tritone. :thumbup:
Frankly, when I observed for the first time the car I saw that the tunnel was occupied by the batteries and the rear trunk had no space, but the concept car as unique as the Fisker I'm passionate about and that makes me overshadow other any minor inconveniences.:heart:
Greetings from Italy, Greeting fron Sandro

Piasano, Glad to hear your thoughts from a fellow countryman who appriciate style and fashion. As an owner for the past 7 months, problems and all, I agree with you fully. Fisker Karma is a concept car we drive, not just admire, that in itself say a lot about Henrik and his team. BTW, i was born near avellino , where are you from?

I come from Parma near Milan
I'm glad you understood and appreciated my thoughts.
The market for cars, but not only, always try to propose models that differ very little between them to avoid mistakes and offer the same things. I call it marketing structural and complicated.
Fisker Karma has something of engineering and technology completely different from the others.
20 years ago people thought I was crazy when I mounted my solar panels for 100 gallons hot water and the same 15 years ago when I put my 10 kw photovoltaic panels.
Now we have all the people that think the same, and it is normal, but in the meantime these years I've produced a lot of hot water and electricity has no cost and no pollution!
Very, very nice to meet you...and excuse me for my English
Sandro

 

[Nin ja]

Probably the engineer and the organization that commissioned the road tests are friends of some company linked to that of traditional car with only the engine. In many cases, the opinions follow the flow of money and not the flow of pure thought ...:-/
My opinion is that the Fisker Karma can not be directly compared to other traditional passenger cars which have the advantage of having only one motor instead of two and the tank instead the batteries.
Next Saturday I will be the owner of a new Karma red inferno and internal Canyon tritone. :thumbup:
Frankly, when I observed for the first time the car I saw that the tunnel was occupied by the batteries and the rear trunk had no space, but the concept car as unique as the Fisker I'm passionate about and that makes me overshadow other any minor inconveniences.:heart:
Greetings from Italy, Greeting fron Sandro

Piasano, Glad to hear your thoughts from a fellow countryman who appriciate style and fashion. As an owner for the past 7 months, problems and all, I agree with you fully. Fisker Karma is a concept car we drive, not just admire, that in itself say a lot about Henrik and his team. BTW, i was born near avellino , where are you from?

I come from Parma near Milan
I'm glad you understood and appreciated my thoughts.
The market for cars, but not only, always try to propose models that differ very little between them to avoid mistakes and offer the same things. I call it marketing structural and complicated.
Fisker Karma has something of engineering and technology completely different from the others.
20 years ago people thought I was crazy when I mounted my solar panels for 100 gallons hot water and the same 15 years ago when I put my 10 kw photovoltaic panels.
Now we have all the people that think the same, and it is normal, but in the meantime these years I've produced a lot of hot water and electricity has no cost and no pollution!
Very, very nice to meet you...and excuse me for my English
Sandro

Sandro,
Il tuo inglese è molto meglio con rispetto di molti americani. Ho completato solo la prima elementare in Italia - quindi devo usare il traduttore di Google per scrivere questa nota.

Sono stato in Italia questa estate e visitato la famiglia a Firenze e Bellaggio - mi piace il nord Italia. Amo vini Barolo e Amerone ancora di più;-)

Mi piace mia Karma, e con tempo, sono sicuro che tutti i difetti verranno risolti. Come proprietario di un Karma e' collega e compagno italiano, spero di continuare con lei in futuro - buon Karma. ciao - michele