Consumer Reports: Tesla Model S Among Best Ever Reviewed

Source: teslamotors.com

Tesla Model S

Consumer Reports, the independent firm which tests and rates new cars and trucks, says the Tesla Model S performs better, or at least as well as, any other vehicle CR has ever driven.

Consumer Reports rates the Tesla Model S a 99 out of 100 points. It is the first time since 2007 the firm has given a rating that high for a vehicle it reviewed.

"The Tesla Model S is packed with technological innovation," said Jake Fisher, director of Automotive Testing for Consumer Reports. "It accelerates, handles and brakes like a sports car, it has the ride and quietness of a luxury car and is far more energy efficient than the best hybrid cars."

The glowing review comes one day after Tesla reported much better than expected earnings for the first quarter. Tesla earned 12 cents a share while analysts estimated the company would make just 4 cents a share.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency Praised

Consumer Reports lauded the Model S for delivering the quietest ride of any vehicle since 2007 when it test drove the Lexus LS460 L. It also heralded the car's acceleration and handling.

In commenting on the electric car's fuel efficiency, Consumer Reports wrote, "The Model S has been delivering closer to 200 miles-ample for commuting, running plenty of errands and still being able to take the long, winding road home. Range has varied from about 180 miles on cold winter days to about 225 in more moderate temperatures.

(Watch Now: CNBC's Tesla Test Drive )

Over that distance, CR's Model S returned the equivalent of 84 mpg. And with a full charge costing about $9 (at the national average of 11 cents per kWh), it's like running a conventional car on gasoline that costs $1.20 per gallon."

Tesla Raises Model S Forecast

After posting its first profitable quarter, Tesla announced that it expects to sell more the 21,000 Model S vehicles this year. That's an increase of 1,000 vehicles compared to prior guidance.

In the first quarter Tesla sold 4,900 Model S vehicles, 400 above its prior guidance.

(Read More: Tesla Alters Financing Program to Silence Critics)

While Consumer Reports praised the Model S overall it did note some concerns it has about the electric car including its limited range, long charging times and rear visibility.

Tesla shares surged 14 percent on Wednesday afternoon following the company's better than expected first quarter earnings.

—By CNBC's Phil LeBeau. Follow him on Twitter @LeBeauCarNews

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