DRIVEN + VIDEO: Consumer Reports Gives Us Its FIRST Impression Of The Tesla Model 3 — What's It Mean To YOU?

One of the world's best automotive reviewers is Consumer Reports. I know that statement may turn enthusiast's against me, here's the reality:

CR is looking out for the traditional buyer. 95 percent of those people are not enthusiasts. They want something great to get them from point "A" to "B."

What I've been waiting for is for CR to purchase its Model 3 and weigh in. That's because there's been some major warning signs from those who have received Model 3s so far. Predominantly, there's been some quality issues right out of the gate.

So, what does CR make of its all-new Model 3? The results are quite good actually. But, keep in mind, this is a first impression and CR is known to change its opinion on a car quickly. Just recall, the publication went from praising the Model S to not even recommending it.

Having said that, what does CR's FIRST impression say to you about the all-new Model 3?

The Tesla Model 3 makes its debut at the Consumer Reports Test Track. With futuristic styling, a unique take on driver controls and a $35,000 starting price, Tesla aims to widen its appeal to consumers shopping for an all-electric vehicle.

TheSteve - 3/2/2018 2:21:46 AM

+4 Boost

I'm not looking to get into an EV any time soon, but I am following their progress.

TomM - 3/2/2018 6:10:56 AM

+9 Boost

No purpose in deciding you want a Tesla 3 right now - they are sold out for several decades based on current production

By the time they could be available again - there will be dozens of competitors and probably several advances in battery technology as well.

carloslassiter - 3/2/2018 7:26:57 AM

0 Boost

I like the wheels.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 3/2/2018 8:43:57 AM

+1 Boost

At $59k as tested, this car is priced along with a lot of other automotive luxury/sport choices. Add in AWD and other options you are likely into the $70k range. While some may hate, I am sure other makers would love to have an EV to sell at full pop to a willing market at these prices.

MDarringer - 3/2/2018 10:46:35 PM

+4 Boost

$70K is $30K too much.

mre30 - 3/2/2018 9:20:15 AM

+5 Boost

I think history will see the Model 3 as a curiosity, nothing more, nothing less, once Tesla bites the dust.

Although these have perhaps been out among the general public in the Left Coast for a few months - I saw my first end-user Model 3 on Amsterdam Ave and W80th St in front of "Luke's Lobster" on the Upper West Side about three weeks ago.

I was on my bike and I first observed the car a few blocks south, stopped and blocking traffic, I rode on. A few blocks later the Model 3 passed me on and parked as I note above. The driver was a 40-something mom (there were two 3 or 4 year olds in child seats in the back) and the passenger was a 60-70 something woman (grandma?) and both women were pulled over, staring incrutably at the large center screen. It was raining and the Model 3's wipers were not on - perhaps they were trying to figure this out?

Just like the Model X "Falcon Doors" (cue the trumpets), the Model 3 has a bunch of content that no one asked for and which will likely make life for most owners more inconvenient. My take is that the Model 3 is a novelty item whose flashiness detracts from the whole and will kill sales once it is in the marketplace.

I took the hour-long Model 3 demo at the Washington St NYC Tesla store and although it was a nice looking design, the whole car struck me as one of those marcel breuer modernist sofas that is beautiful to look at but which no one can sit on for more than 15 minutes.

Novelty - nothing more, nothing less.

222max - 3/2/2018 10:32:00 AM

+6 Boost

They need to figure out a decent front end design theme and ditch the "angry Donald Duck" look on all their products.

MDarringer - 3/2/2018 10:46:54 PM

+1 Boost

Well said.

MrEE - 3/3/2018 8:25:22 AM

0 Boost

Like it or not, the biggest disruption to the industry since the Prius. Looks like it will be two decades for the old guard to match Tesla innovation. A similar timeframe for the Prius, though Toyota has maintained the hybrid crown and Tesla clearly has this same opportunity.

mre30 - 3/3/2018 10:00:40 AM

+2 Boost

Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha! Yes, Nissan Leaf sales have certainly been disrupted!

MDarringer - 3/3/2018 10:51:09 AM

+1 Boost

What utterly laughable BS.

t_bone - 3/3/2018 1:36:17 PM

+3 Boost

Well, the Leaf was what everyone expected of electric cars - kind of like the Black & Decker electric screwdrivers of the 80s. I think Tesla got us a lot quicker to the Dewalt/Milwaukee/Makita phase than would have been the case if left to the auto giants.