What is the Obsession with the Tesla Model Y?
 

https://www.greencars.com/news/the-t...r-in-the-world

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https://tsportline.com/cdn/shop/prod...g?v=1650395789

I rarely feel compelled to write about how well a new vehicle sells, but I have to admit that there is something about the Tesla Model Y that seems to be memorizing buyers in droves. Over my lifetime, I've seen a lot of popular newly-introduced vehicles where initial-supply could not keep up with demand, particularly in the first year or two.....Honda CRX, Mazda Miata, BMW Z3, Chrysler PT Cruiser, etc....to name a few, but then demand for them lessened as the novelty wore off. Some vehicles, like the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado, Toyota Camry/RAV-4, Subaru Outback/Forester/Crosstrek, and Honda CR-V have been on the top-selling list for years, but still, their numbers, although very high, remain relatively stable. But, recently, I noticed that not only have I been seeing the usual top-selling vehicles in my area (particularly those I have just listed above)...but the Tesla Model Y seems to be multiplying on local roads here in the D.C. area like pregnant rabbits....particularly in the white body color. To be honest, I don't think I have ever seen anything like it....even with the previous top-sellers I mentioned. It didn't really hit me until recently, maybe a couple of days ago. I had sub-consciously saw them, but the sheer numbers of them didn't really register on my mind until now....they just quietly blended in with the rest of the huge nubers of vehicles in the D.C. region. So, something told me I better do some research to see what may be going on...and, sure enough, several links verified that I was not just seeing or imagining things.......the Model Y has become the best-selling new vehicle IN THE WORLD. In the U.S., it still lags behind the F-150 and Silverado, but its numbers are gaining so fast that, by the end of this year, it will likely surpass the large pickup trucks to also become the best-selling new vehicle here.

OK....Fine. Buyer-demand (and their wallets) talk...Yes, I get that. I can't argue with these kind of sales-figures. But, from what I know of the vehicle (although I am certainly not an expert on them) I honestly can't see what makes it sell faster than tickets to Taylor-Swift's concerts. IMHO, the body-styling looks like an egg...particularly from the windshield-pillars back. The dash and interior has the same (IMO ridiculous) design as the Model 3.....a centrally-mounted rectangular electronic-screen as large as the screen in a movie theater, while the rest of the dash is essentially blank, with nothing else but a few controls on the steering-column-stalk. At least the Model 3 has a nice strip of wood-tone trim (well-done, I'll admit) across the dash behind the screen...the Model Y doesn't seem to have even that. The ground-clearance is only 6.6 inches, which is not really up to what a lot of even smaller crossovers have these days for going through snow. The front end, IMO, looks rather goofy without any kind of grille...but, of course, that is a characteristic of a number of all-electric vehicles which don't have conventional engine-cooling, so I can't really criticize the Model Y any more than the rest of them. Tesla vehicles have a reputation for iffy build-quality and the need to correct defects. And, of course, for many buyers who don't have an outside (or garage-located) electric charge-outlet, the constant problem of keeping the battery charged can be an issue, although more and more businesses and localities and now are providing public Tesla-grade outlets, such as Wawa.

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Maybe I should go and sample or test-drive one myself just out of curiosity (I have not done so)...even though I cannot feasibly own an electric car where I live....and moving would be very difficult for me, for a number of reasons.

So, in short, I cannot argue with the huge sales-success of this vehicle...but I still cannot totally see what makes it that way. Anyone else want to chime in or give their opinions? :uh: Fire away.

It's because too many people grew up watching the Jetsons.

Just a heads up, I'm editing your post to remove the political sentence.

This is the answer to your bafflement.. it's very simple.

"I really can't understand what people see in this car that I've never driven"

Yes and no. I have driven the present-generarion Model 3, which has pretty much the same drivetrain. One thing I recall from the Model 3 was its massive low-RPM torque.

I'm also baffled by that question. I would tell you to go through my Model Y thread, it explains what makes it (IMO) one of the best CUV's, as well as my two years ownership experience, but it's better if you experience it for yourself, for all you know, I could be full of it :)

No, you are not full of it. I may sometimes disagree with people on CL, but I would never say they are full of it....and I would hope they would show me the same courtesy.

One interesting point, though.....could you really consider the Model Y a CUV, given the fairly low 6.6" ground-clearance? :uh:

That was just a figure of speech :). I appreciate that we can disagree with Grace.

Well, that's another discussion. It's classified as a CUV, wither it is or not doesn't matter for my purposes. If one wants to call it a "tall Sedan", I'm fine with that description

Mike, you really should take a drive in one. I think you will be very impressed.

That would be awesome.
Have you ever driven an ev?

I'd like your honest opinion of the Tesla if you decide to drive one.

I would please request you to do a couple test drives.

1)outgoing model y vs refresh
2) high mileage model y

Look forward to your mm on cars report.

as you and everyone has said, go test drive the new one. all but one of the pics you posted are the old one and not only is the new one more attractive, it's WORLD'S better in materials, design, quietness, ride quality, etc., etc.

sounds like you might not be able to be very objective in a test drive anyway. :p
specifically, perhaps going into the test to see what things you think (or think others think) are positive, and not focusing just on your strong negative views.

if you read consumer reports. :p but build quality has improved massively in recent years, particularly in their best selling 3 and Y. the X still seems to have issues but is sold in tiny volumes. the S seems to be hit or miss.

i don't know why someone would get an EV if they don't have charging at home or at work (one or the other would probably suffice).

i know you said you've driven a 3 but was that the current highland design or the prior one? (new one is world's better)

i've not driven a new Y yet but praise in reviews is pretty unanimous. about the Y in general though, it has tremendous storage room for its size. it's very quiet, very efficient, excellent ride quality, priced well, is fun to drive (instant torque), and great visibility.

The formula is very simple. Great Tesla software interface, close to (if not) the best efficiency in its class, and packaged in a SUV, crossover body. I believe the Model 3 was the best selling EV for a few months, before the Y came out. If the new Model y got the same build quality improvements as the model 3 refresh, the Y is going to be a great car.

I also think with such negative opinions, he won't test drive it with an open mind. No offense MMarshall.


He's driven the previous generation 3, not the new one.