Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (201 km/h)
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is bifurcated between the original 2008-2012 Roadster and the announced next-generation model.
5 problems reported (1 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentPerpetual delays and "vaporware" status
Consistently missed production timelines, with priority given to other models (Model Y, Semi, FSD).
- RecurrentObsolete charging and range
Very slow charging, short range, poor cold-weather performance, no Supercharger access.
- RecurrentDifficult deposit refund process
Reservation holders report being "ghosted" or facing significant hurdles when attempting to cancel and get refunds.
+ 2 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedMechanical/Electrical failures in early media reviews
Reports of breakdowns and range depletion during early professional reviews (specifically referenced in a Top Gear review).
- IsolatedSpeculative and potentially unfeasible features
Promised "cold gas thruster" system for performance/airborne capability is criticized in technical discussions as scientifically implausible due to the physics of cold gas propulsion and weight.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available for trim comparisons. For the original model, the "Sport" version is mentioned but without detailed comparative analysis.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Lotus Elise (for original Roadster), MG Cyberster, Porsche 911 and unspecified high-performance electric sports cars.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is bifurcated between the original 2008-2012 Roadster and the announced next-generation model. The original Roadster is viewed as a historically significant, attractive, and fun sports car that established Tesla's brand. It is praised for its design and performance, with its used value noted as rising. However, it is also recognized as having significant practical limitations by modern standards, including very slow charging, short range, poor cold-weather performance, and no access to the Supercharger network, rendering it largely a collector's item. The next-generation Roadster, announced in 2017, is the subject of widespread skepticism and criticism. Owner and community discussions are dominated by its repeated delays, with the vehicle frequently labeled as "vaporware." There are reports of significant difficulty for reservation holders attempting to cancel and secure refunds for their deposits. The promised technical specifications (e.g., 600+ mile range, extreme performance) are seen as aspirational but unproven, with the project's timeline consistently pushed back in favor of other corporate priorities like the Model Y, Semi, and Full Self-Driving development.
Positioning vs competitors
The original Roadster is positioned as a converted Lotus Elise, with community feedback noting that the bulk of the car was built by Lotus, with Tesla performing final assembly and installing the electric powertrain. It is seen as the foundational vehicle that proved an electric sports car was viable. The next-generation Roadster is positioned in discussions as a promised "halo car" intended to deliver a "total smackdown on internal combustion engines" through extreme performance and range, but its perpetual delay has allowed competitors like the MG Cyberster to enter the market. It is contrasted with more affordable, practical Tesla models (Model 3, Y) which are seen as the actual revenue drivers for the company.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available. No specific configurations are discussed with enough detail to form a recommendation.
General recommendations
For the original 2008-2012 Roadster: Only suitable as a collector's item or for enthusiasts with low daily driving expectations. Not recommended as a primary or practical vehicle due to obsolete charging technology, limited range, and lack of modern infrastructure support. Potential buyers should be aware of its origins as a heavily modified Lotus. For the next-generation Roadster: Extreme caution is advised. Do not place a deposit with the expectation of timely delivery. Community reports indicate the cancellation and refund process can be difficult. Consider the vehicle purely speculative until it enters serial production and independent reviews are published.
Remarks
The community data clearly separates two distinct vehicles: the historical first-generation Roadster and the perpetually upcoming next-generation model. Feedback on the original is based on ownership experience, while feedback on the new model is based on anticipation, corporate communication, and pre-order experience. The data includes a notable historical reference to a lawsuit filed by Tesla against Top Gear for its review of the original Roadster, which was dismissed in court. The discussion around the next-generation Roadster is heavily influenced by a broader skepticism toward Tesla's long-term product promises (including Cybertruck, Semi, FSD) among a segment of the community. Analysis based on approximately 60 substantive owner and community discussions spanning 2018-2026.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearNo year grades F. Best year: 2011Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 0 | suspension |
| 2010 | 1 | 1 | power train |
| 2008 | 1 | 1 | vehicle speed control |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices2 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2010 · electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cablescampaign 10V458000
TESLA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 ROADSTER 2.0 AND 2.5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 12V AUXILIARY CABLE. THE 12V AUXILIARY CABLE FOR THE LOW VOLTAGE BACK UP POWER SYSTEM MAY BE IMPROPERLY ROUTED. IF THE WIRE IS IMPROPERLY ROUTED, AND TRAPPED AGAINST THE WHEEL WELL COVER, THE WIRE MAY ABRADE AGAINST THE EDGE OF THE CARBON FIBER ARMATURE AND, OVER TIME, EXPOSE THE WIRE. CONTACT BETWEEN THE BARE WIRE AND CARBON FIBER MAY CAUSE A SHORT-CIRCUIT LEADING TO POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL ARCHING.
2008 · wheels:hubcampaign 09V178000
TESLA MOTORS, INC. IS RECALLING 345 MY 2008 TESLA ROADSTER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 2008 AND APRIL 22, 2009. THE REAR HUB FLANGE BOLTS ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY BE UNDER-TORQUED AND MAY BECOME LOOSE. A LOOSE HUB COULD LEAD TO DEGRADATION IN VEHICLE HANDLING, AND A RUBBING NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE.
Specifications
Sport 53 kWh
Electric · 292 hp · RWD · automatic
Built 2008–2012