Consumer Reports: Fisker Karma “Full of Flaws”

Fisker Automotive Inc.'s $107,900 Karma extended-range hybrid handles well and uses first-rate materials in the passenger compartment. But Consumer Reports complains that the car is hobbled by a cramped interior, overly complex controls and poor outward visibility.

The magazine's harsh review notes that the Karma, which can travel 38 miles on a fully charged battery, delivers the equivalent of 66 mpg. But it complains that the onboard charging system's "raspy" four-cylinder engine produces an "unrefined roar" and reduces fuel economy to 22 mpg.

The Karma suffered an embarrassing and highly publicized battery failure when CR first attempted to test it in March. The magazine reports continuing intermittent electronic problems with the gauges, radio, power windows and warning lights, concluding "the Karma's problems outweighed the good."

The car, which is assembled by Valmet Automotive in Finland, has had two battery recalls since it went on sale late last year.

Fisker hopes to begin building the $50,000-$60,000 Atlantic extended-range hybrid sedan sometime next year. But the company said in April it might scrap plans to do so in a former General Motors Co. plant in Wilmington, Del., because of financing difficulties.