The Good
The 2011 Tesla Roadster boasts exhilarating performance with instant torque and impressive acceleration, appealing to the enthusiast. Its sleek design is eye-catching. For practical buyers, it offers zero-emission driving and relatively low running costs (electricity vs. gasoline). While reliability is a mixed bag, the innovative spirit is undeniable.
The Bad
The 2011 Tesla Roadster's weaknesses include limited range compared to modern EVs, and battery degradation is a significant concern on older models. Maintenance can be complex and expensive due to its unique powertrain. The Lotus-based chassis offers limited comfort and practicality. Watch out for battery health and potential motor issues.
2011 Tesla Roadster: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: Single electric motor
- Horsepower:
- Standard Roadster: 248 hp
- Roadster Sport: 288 hp
- Fuel Economy: Rated at approximately 109 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) combined. Actual range varied based on driving conditions and battery health.
- 0-60 Times:
- Standard Roadster: Approximately 3.9 seconds
- Roadster Sport: Approximately 3.7 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not applicable; the Tesla Roadster was not designed for towing.
- Trim-Level Features:
- Standard Roadster: Leather seats, premium sound system, navigation system, air conditioning, power windows and locks, removable soft top. Early models had some quirks regarding the center console display.
- Roadster Sport: Upgraded suspension, performance tires, carbon fiber accents, enhanced interior trim, and the higher-output motor. The "Sport" designation prioritized faster acceleration and sharper handling.
- Battery: Lithium-ion battery pack. Initial range was around 244 miles, but this degrades significantly over time.
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
- Transmission: Single-speed fixed gear
2011 Tesla Roadster Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2011 |
| Make | Tesla |
| Model | Roadster |
| Trim | - |
| Style | Convertible |
| Type | Convertible |
| Category | Sports Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | MENLO PARK |
Dimensions
| Doors | 2-Door |
| Curb Weight | 2723 pounds |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | 44.4 inches |
| Overall Length | 155.1 inches |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | 92.6 inches |
| Standard Seating | 2 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | Electric Power |
| Engine Size | - |
| Engine Cylinders | - |
| Transmission | 1 Direct Drive |
| Transmission Type | Direct Drive |
| Transmission Speeds | 1-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | 4-Wheel |
| Steering Type | Power |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $109,000 |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | $1,950 |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2011 Tesla Roadster Have?
Early model years (2008-2010) had issues with the original "PEA 1" motor controller, which was prone to failure. Tesla addressed this with the "PEA 2" controller, but failures can still occur. The car's electronics can be finicky, with occasional issues related to the infotainment system and other electronic modules.
Recalls have been issued for various reasons, including potential fire risks related to the charging system and issues with the seat belt retractors. Long-term reliability is a concern due to the limited availability of parts and the specialized knowledge required for repairs. Finding qualified technicians can be challenging, and maintenance costs can be significantly higher than for a comparable gasoline-powered sports car. Because it's based on a Lotus chassis, some body and trim parts can also be difficult to source. The HVAC system has also been known to be problematic.
How long will the 2011 Tesla Roadster last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Safety features include standard airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. However, the Roadster was never officially crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, so no official crash-test ratings are available. Its Lotus-derived chassis provides a relatively stiff structure, but its small size might compromise safety in a collision with a larger vehicle.
Optional features were limited but included upgraded interior trim and performance enhancements like the Roadster Sport package. The car's central display provided information on battery status, power usage, and other vehicle parameters. While relatively advanced for its era, this display can be prone to glitches and failures. Overall, the Roadster's tech is dated, emphasizing its focus on performance over cutting-edge features. It's crucial to acknowledge its technological limitations compared to contemporary EVs.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2011 Tesla Roadster Prices and Market Value
2011 Tesla Roadster Cost of Ownership
2011 Tesla Roadster Fuel Efficiency
2011 Tesla Roadster Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
2011 Tesla Roadster Warranty
Basic
Drivetrain
Roadside Assistance
2011 Tesla Roadster Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2011 Tesla Roadster Compare to Other Convertible?
In terms of features, the Roadster lagged behind luxury sports cars, especially concerning advanced driver-assistance systems. Price-wise, it was comparable to high-end sports cars. Today, modern EVs like the Porsche Taycan, Tesla Model S, or even newer Tesla Roadsters (if/when they are released) offer vastly superior range, reliability, technology, and practicality. While the 2011 Roadster holds historical significance, a newer EV provides a better overall ownership experience. For a similar sporty experience, a used Lotus Elise combined with a modern EV for daily driving might be a more sensible alternative. The Roadster's main appeal today is its rarity and pioneering status, not necessarily its overall value proposition.
Ranks #20 Convertible
| 1 | 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder | (0.0★) |
| 2 | 2015 Lexus IS | (0.0★) |
| 3 | 2009 Honda S2000 | (4.0★) |
| 4 | 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF | (4.0★) |
| 5 | 2023 BMW 8 Series | (0.0★) |
| 6 | 2021 Ford Mustang | (5.0★) |
| 7 | 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class | (0.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Audi S5 Sportback | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Ferrari F8 Spider | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Porsche 718 Boxster | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2021 Jeep Compass | (5.0★) |
| 12 | 2019 Buick Cascada | (0.0★) |
| 20 | 2011 Tesla Roadster | (4.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2011 Tesla Roadster a Good Convertible?
FutureofCars1 on February 24, 2020
Ramona CA, among 1st of exotic cars!So I met up with one of the 1st to own the 2020 Roadster in Ramona, CA. The car was impressive in all accounts. The handling on the mountain roads of Ramona was absolutely incredible.
frequencydip on February 6, 2013
WorthyI've had my Roadster for over a year and still love how fast it accelerates. Tesla has provided the best service of any car company I've owned. The range is great, I have a full charge when I leave the house every morning giving me more than 180 miles of range while driving the car spiritedly.
Normandy on November 17, 2012
Fantastic sportscarThe Tesla Roadster is a fantastic sports car, but it is a sports car. One would have spend at least $100k more that the price of a Tesla for a car with better performance at legal speeds. Acceleration: 0 to 60 in 3.7 or 3.9 seconds depending whether a Sport model or a non-Sport model. It has excellent cornering. If you have $300k or more to spend and still buy a Tesla Roadster, it is because it is good for the environment. For pure performance with over $300k to spend, there are lots of great cars available. It is all electric and I just plug it in each night and do not even think about range restrictions while driving in my large metropolitan area. I would think about range for taking a road trip. The car has been trouble free and Tesla service has been excellent. I hardly notice the cost of electricity. To any of my friends who would have been a good candidate for a Jaguar E-Type in its heyday, I would highly recommend the Tesla Roadster. My Tesla has been much more reliable than most of the many sports cars that I have owned.
Rooney on June 2, 2012
Very Fast, No Gas or other Bills!Great Fun Fast Electric Sports Car! Never worry about gas prices again! Very reliable, just plug it in @ night, and you're ready to go again.
Tesla Owner on June 1, 2011
Unparalleled acceleration in this price bracket.This car is a lot of fun and the torque from the electric engine at any speed is amazing. The negative is obviously its limited ~250 mile range, but as long as you're not going across country this is an amazing car to drive around in. It's novelty is backed up by incredible performance matched only by Lamborghini and similar companies for hundreds of thousands more. A symbol of the future of automotive power and a great car to drive.
Darth Vader on March 30, 2011
Really bad car.I have to admit i have owned dozens of cars.( cause i have millions of dollars) But this car was the worst. My friend told me to get one, because they were excellent car. But he was wrong.
FutureofCars1 on February 24, 2020
Ramona CA, among 1st of exotic cars!So I met up with one of the 1st to own the 2020 Roadster in Ramona, CA. The car was impressive in all accounts. The handling on the mountain roads of Ramona was absolutely incredible.
frequencydip on February 6, 2013
WorthyI've had my Roadster for over a year and still love how fast it accelerates. Tesla has provided the best service of any car company I've owned. The range is great, I have a full charge when I leave the house every morning giving me more than 180 miles of range while driving the car spiritedly.
Normandy on November 17, 2012
Fantastic sportscarThe Tesla Roadster is a fantastic sports car, but it is a sports car. One would have spend at least $100k more that the price of a Tesla for a car with better performance at legal speeds. Acceleration: 0 to 60 in 3.7 or 3.9 seconds depending whether a Sport model or a non-Sport model. It has excellent cornering. If you have $300k or more to spend and still buy a Tesla Roadster, it is because it is good for the environment. For pure performance with over $300k to spend, there are lots of great cars available. It is all electric and I just plug it in each night and do not even think about range restrictions while driving in my large metropolitan area. I would think about range for taking a road trip. The car has been trouble free and Tesla service has been excellent. I hardly notice the cost of electricity. To any of my friends who would have been a good candidate for a Jaguar E-Type in its heyday, I would highly recommend the Tesla Roadster. My Tesla has been much more reliable than most of the many sports cars that I have owned.
Rooney on June 2, 2012
Very Fast, No Gas or other Bills!Great Fun Fast Electric Sports Car! Never worry about gas prices again! Very reliable, just plug it in @ night, and you're ready to go again.
Eugene S
Eugene is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. As a writer at VINCheck.info, he brings deep industry insight and a passion for cars, helping readers make smart, informed decisions. Eugene has written hundreds of used car reviews and is known for breaking down complex automotive topics into clear, actionable advice. Over the years, he has driven and worked on a wide range of vehicles—starting with tuning street cars in his early days and eventually focusing on performance upgrades and reliability improvements. Today, he specializes in evaluating used vehicles through the lens of real-world ownership and enthusiast needs. A longtime fan of Porsche, Eugene especially appreciates vehicles that blend durability with driving enjoyment.