Are Fisker Cars Good

Fisker cars offer stylish design, eco-friendly innovation, and impressive range—but reliability and build quality concerns may give some buyers pause. While they shine in sustainability and tech features, potential owners should weigh long-term support and service availability before committing.

Key Takeaways

• Eco-Friendly Design: Fisker emphasizes sustainability with recycled materials and solar roof options, appealing to environmentally conscious drivers.
• Impressive Range: The Fisker Ocean delivers up to 360 miles of range on a single charge, competing well with other electric SUVs.
• Stylish and Modern Aesthetics: With bold curves and a minimalist interior, Fisker cars stand out for their eye-catching design.
• Tech-Forward Features: Includes a large touchscreen, over-the-air updates, and advanced driver-assist systems.
• Service and Reliability Concerns: Limited service centers and early reports of software glitches raise questions about long-term ownership experience.
• Competitive Pricing: Starting around $37,000, the Fisker Ocean offers strong value in the electric SUV market.
• Direct-to-Consumer Model: Fisker skips traditional dealerships, offering online purchases and mobile service for convenience.

Are Fisker Cars Good? A Honest Look at the Electric SUV Upstart

If you’re shopping for an electric SUV and keep hearing about Fisker, you’re not alone. This California-based automaker has been making waves with its bold designs, eco-conscious mission, and surprisingly competitive pricing. But are Fisker cars actually good? That’s the million-dollar question—especially when you’re considering a vehicle that costs tens of thousands of dollars and will be part of your daily life.

Fisker burst back onto the scene in 2022 with the launch of the Fisker Ocean, its first production vehicle. Designed as a sustainable, tech-savvy electric SUV, it quickly attracted attention for its solar roof, vegan interior, and starting price under $40,000. But beyond the marketing buzz, real-world performance, reliability, and ownership experience matter most. So, let’s dive in and see if Fisker lives up to the hype—or if it’s all style and no substance.

Design and Aesthetics: Bold, Beautiful, and Built for Attention

One thing’s for sure: Fisker cars are hard to ignore. The Fisker Ocean, in particular, turns heads with its sleek, coupe-like SUV silhouette, muscular wheel arches, and a front end that blends aggression with elegance. It’s the kind of vehicle that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie—but in the best way possible.

Exterior Styling That Stands Out

The Ocean features a panoramic glass roof that can generate solar power to extend range slightly—something few competitors offer. The 20-inch wheels, LED lighting, and flush door handles add to its modern appeal. Available in vibrant colors like “Great White” and “Stealth Green,” Fisker lets buyers express personality without sacrificing sophistication.

Interior: Minimalist, Sustainable, and Surprisingly Spacious

Inside, the Ocean feels airy and uncluttered. The dashboard is dominated by a 17.1-inch rotating touchscreen—yes, it rotates from portrait to landscape mode—which controls nearly every function. Materials are largely vegan, with options like recycled polyester upholstery and carpets made from regenerated fishing nets. The rear seats are roomy, and cargo space is generous at 16.3 cubic feet, expandable to 47.9 with the seats down.

Performance and Range: How Does the Fisker Ocean Stack Up?

When it comes to electric vehicles, range and performance are king. So, how does the Fisker Ocean perform on the road?

Impressive Range for the Price

The Fisker Ocean offers up to 360 miles of EPA-estimated range on the top-tier Extreme trim with the optional Hyper Range battery. Even the base Sport model delivers around 273 miles—more than enough for daily commutes and weekend trips. That puts it ahead of rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and on par with the Tesla Model Y Long Range.

Acceleration and Handling

The Ocean isn’t a speed demon like some Teslas, but it’s no slouch. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive versions can go from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.6 seconds—plenty quick for merging and passing. The ride is smooth and quiet, with well-tuned suspension that handles bumps and corners with confidence. Steering feels responsive, and the low center of gravity (thanks to the underfloor battery) adds stability.

Charging Speed and Flexibility

Fisker supports DC fast charging, allowing the Ocean to recharge from 10% to 80% in roughly 35 minutes. It’s compatible with the growing network of CCS chargers, and Fisker offers a mobile app to locate stations and plan routes. Home charging via a Level 2 charger takes about 10 hours for a full charge, which is standard for the segment.

Technology and Features: High-Tech Meets User-Friendly

Fisker has gone all-in on tech, aiming to deliver a seamless digital experience. But does it work in practice?

The Rotating Touchscreen: Gimmick or Game-Changer?

The 17.1-inch display is the centerpiece of the Ocean’s interior. It rotates automatically based on the app you’re using—portrait for navigation, landscape for media. While it looks futuristic, some users report that the interface can lag or freeze, especially after over-the-air updates. Still, the graphics are sharp, and the layout is intuitive once you get used to it.

Over-the-Air Updates and Smart Features

Like Tesla, Fisker pushes software updates remotely, adding new features and improving performance over time. Recent updates have introduced enhanced voice control, better navigation, and improved driver-assist functions. The car also supports smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—something Tesla still doesn’t offer.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The Ocean comes standard with Fisker’s “Pilot Assist” suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. It earned a 5-star overall safety rating from Euro NCAP, with strong scores in adult and child occupant protection. However, some advanced features like hands-free highway driving are still in development.

Sustainability: Fisker’s Core Mission

Fisker didn’t just build an electric car—it built a brand around sustainability. From materials to manufacturing, the company aims to reduce environmental impact at every step.

Eco-Conscious Materials

The Ocean’s interior uses recycled and renewable materials throughout. The seats can be upholstered in Ultra (a vegan leather), EcoFabric (recycled plastic bottles), or Premium EcoSuede. Even the floor mats are made from recycled fishing nets. The goal? A carbon-neutral vehicle by 2027.

Solar Roof: A Nice Bonus, Not a Game-Changer

The solar roof can add up to 1,500 miles of range per year under ideal conditions—about 4–5 miles per day. It’s not enough to replace charging, but it’s a clever way to extend range on sunny days and reduce grid dependency. It’s also a great talking point at EV meetups.

Manufacturing and Carbon Footprint

Fisker partners with Magna Steyr in Austria to produce the Ocean, using renewable energy in the factory. The company also plans to use blockchain to track supply chain sustainability. While not perfect, Fisker is clearly trying to walk the walk when it comes to green values.

Ownership Experience: The Good, the Bad, and the Uncertain

So, you love the design, the range, and the eco-credentials. But what’s it actually like to own a Fisker?

Direct-to-Consumer Model: Convenient but Risky

Fisker sells directly to customers online, skipping traditional dealerships. You configure your car on the website, pay a deposit, and receive delivery at home or a service center. Mobile service technicians can come to your location for maintenance, which is a huge plus for busy owners.

Limited Service Network

Here’s the catch: Fisker has far fewer service centers than legacy automakers or even Tesla. As of 2024, there are only about 30 service locations in the U.S., mostly in major cities. If you live in a rural area, getting repairs or software fixes could mean traveling or waiting for a mobile technician.

Early Reliability Concerns

Some early Ocean owners have reported issues like software glitches, door handle malfunctions, and inconsistent build quality. While Fisker has issued recalls and updates to address these, the lack of a long track record makes some buyers nervous. That said, many owners still rave about their cars—especially the design and driving experience.

Warranty and Support

Fisker offers an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty and a 4-year/50,000-mile vehicle warranty. That’s competitive, though not as strong as Hyundai or Kia. Customer service response times have been mixed, with some users praising support and others complaining about delays.

Pricing and Value: Is the Fisker Ocean Worth It?

The Fisker Ocean starts at $37,499 for the Sport trim, making it one of the most affordable electric SUVs with over 270 miles of range. The Ultra trim starts at $52,499, and the Extreme at $69,499. All qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit (as of 2024), bringing the effective price down further.

Comparing the Competition

At this price, the Ocean competes with the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Hyundai Ioniq 5. It offers more standard features than the base Model Y and a more sustainable interior than the Mach-E. However, Tesla’s Supercharger network and longer reliability history give it an edge for some buyers.

Resale Value and Depreciation

Since Fisker is so new, resale values are hard to predict. Early signs suggest moderate depreciation, but that could change if the brand gains more credibility. Leasing is also an option, with Fisker offering flexible terms through its website.

Final Verdict: Are Fisker Cars Good?

So, are Fisker cars good? The short answer: they’re promising, but with caveats.

The Fisker Ocean is a stylish, tech-packed, and eco-friendly electric SUV that delivers strong range and a comfortable ride. It’s ideal for buyers who prioritize design, sustainability, and value. The rotating screen, solar roof, and vegan interior make it stand out in a crowded market.

However, limited service infrastructure, early reliability hiccups, and the company’s unproven long-term stability are real concerns. If you’re someone who values peace of mind and easy maintenance, you might want to wait a year or two for Fisker to mature.

But if you’re an early adopter who loves innovation and doesn’t mind a few quirks, the Fisker Ocean could be a fantastic choice. Just make sure you live near a service center—or are okay with mobile support.

In the end, Fisker cars are good—especially if you’re willing to embrace the risks that come with supporting a bold new player in the EV space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Fisker cars reliable?

Early Fisker Ocean models have had some reliability issues, including software glitches and door handle problems. However, Fisker has issued recalls and updates to address these. Long-term reliability remains to be seen.

How long does it take to charge a Fisker Ocean?

With a DC fast charger, the Fisker Ocean can go from 10% to 80% in about 35 minutes. Home charging with a Level 2 charger takes around 10 hours for a full charge.

Does the Fisker Ocean have Apple CarPlay?

Yes, the Fisker Ocean supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, unlike Tesla vehicles. This makes it easier to integrate your smartphone with the car’s infotainment system.

Can the solar roof power the Fisker Ocean?

The solar roof can add up to 1,500 miles of range per year under ideal conditions—about 4–5 miles per day. It’s not enough to fully power the car, but it helps extend range and reduce charging frequency.

Where can I service my Fisker car?

Fisker has about 30 service centers in the U.S., mostly in major cities. They also offer mobile service, where technicians come to your location for maintenance and repairs.

Is the Fisker Ocean eligible for tax credits?

Yes, as of 2024, the Fisker Ocean qualifies for the full $7,500 federal electric vehicle tax credit, provided you meet income and other requirements.