Fisker Karma

The Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid can run on battery power for the first 38 miles. Its 2.0-liter, 160-hp turbocharged GM-supplied gas engine kicks in and turns a generator for longer trips. The cramped backseat, coarse-sounding engine, frustrating controls, and haphazard fit and finish belie $108,000 sticker price. As heavy as some full-size SUVs, the 5,400-pound Karma rides and handles well, but its sheer bulk hampers agility and the car doesn't feel very quick despite a nominal 403 hp. On electric power we got the equivalent of 66 mpg, but only 22 mpg overall running on gas. It takes about 6 hours to recharge the 20-kWh-battery on 240 volts and 16 hours on 120V.