Consumer Reports picked a widely panned EV as its worst car of 2024

The widely-loathed Fisker Ocean is Consumer Reports’s worst car of 2024

BillGotes

Jan 16, 2025 - 13:41

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Consumer Reports picked a widely panned EV as its worst car of 2024

If you’ve heard of the Fisker Ocean, we’re willing to bet what you learned wasn’t positive. The widely panned vehicle has now earned possibly the worst distinction of all: Consumer Reports’s least favorite vehicle.

In its review of the best and worst vehicles of 2024, Consumer Reports staff say it was “almost a given” they’d choose the Fisker Ocean. In discussing the field, one Consumer Reports reviewer said, “I think the one that really offended me was the Fisker Ocean.”

Why does Consumer Reports hate the Fisker Ocean?

The simple answer is that it's just a terrible vehicle.

In a video published this month, Consumer Reports says the Ocean “feels unfinished” and “needs a lot more R&D.” Though reviewers say the Ocean drives well, Consumer Reports notes there are too many creaks for a new car, the body lean is concerning, and the ride is far too loose on bumpy roads.

While Fisker tried to couch its shortcomings as early startup woes, that “aww shucks” PR campaign didn’t work. That's because the Fisker Ocean had some significant issues that were impossible to overlook, according to an owner. Here are some of the most egregious ones:

The gear shifter didn’t always put the vehicle into the proper gear (its only function!)

Locking the car when you walked away didn’t turn the vehicle off

Air conditioning on the driver's side didn’t work (the only person always in the car has no AC?)

Plenty of other issues, like the inability to adjust the rearview mirror, are incredibly annoying if not outright offensive.

Fisker might not make a comeback

Style is subjective, but the Fisker Ocean was pleasant to most. From the outside, it looks like a typical SUV, but the interior adopts a Tesla-esque portrait central display.

The company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, which gives it time to restructure. Given that its flagship vehicle has been so poorly received, though, we suspect Fisker will have raised eyebrows for a sophomore offering.

That is, if we even see another vehicle from Fisker. Depending on its intellectual property, it’s possible Fisker will be acquired for its IP and shuttered as a brand. At this point, there may be no coming back.

Final thoughts

Fisker came out swinging in the early days of EVs, with many considering it on par with other upstarts like Rivian. Like so many other EV startups, Fisker quickly realized that designing and manufacturing vehicles is not as easy as it might seem.

As major auto manufacturers like BMW, Hyundai, and Toyota involved themselves in making EVs, Fisker needed to hit a grand slam to stay relevant. They struck out swinging instead.