Overview & Reviews

While two-seat sports cars have become more comfortable, more reliable and safer in recent decades, they have also become rather portly. If you wanted both performance and light weight in one machine, you had to give up that new-car smell and start shopping the classifieds. But all that ended with the introduction of the Lotus Elise roadster to the U.S. market in 2005. It's actually been on sale overseas since '96, but European demand for the vehicle along with stringent U.S. crash standards kept it from crossing the pond until more recently.

Meeting U.S. crash standards required the addition of airbags and other safety features that add weight. But Lotus knew that even sports car fans in this country would have trouble giving up comfort for the sake of extreme performance, so the U.S. Lotus Elise comes standard with air-conditioning, antilock brakes and a CD audio system. But don't look for stability control or power steering on this sports car. Lotus was willing to bend, but not break its "simplificate, then add lightness" rule for American tastes by keeping the U.S. Elise's curb weight under 2,000 pounds. That made it easily the lightest performance car sold in this country.

With so little weight to push around, power requirements are minimal. Most Lotus Elises feature a Toyota-sourced (and Yamaha-built) 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. It's the same high-revving mill that's been used in Toyotas such as the Celica GT-S and Corolla XRS, but in this case it's been tuned by Lotus to broaden the power band and bump horsepower to 190. That's more than enough power to slingshot the Elise to 60 mph in under 5 seconds. For 2008, a supercharged version debuted, with output bumped up to 218 hp that reduced the 0-60 sprint to a mid-4-second exercise.

There's no doubt the Lotus Elise is a special car -- for the money, you simply won't find a more thrilling driving experience. Just be aware that it's also a no-frills, racetrack-oriented machine. Those desiring an exciting roadster that can provide more day-to-day functionality will want to order the Elise's optional Touring package or check out other more comfortable-riding European rivals. On the other hand, if you want even more excitement, consider the Sport package option or the track-ready Exige.

Current Lotus Elise
The Lotus Elise is a two-seat midengine roadster available in base and SC trim. The interior is understandably spartan, and the standard air-conditioning can be deleted to save even more weight. A few options packages, such as the Touring and Sport packages, offer a bit of customization. To maximize protection, a hardtop roof is available as a stand-alone option.

Power for the Lotus Elise comes from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The Toyota-sourced engine benefits from Lotus-designed intake and exhaust components and a tweaked engine controller. The result is a broader power band and an increase in output to 190 hp at 7,800 rpm and 133 pound-feet of torque at 6,800 rpm. Should the standard Elise be inadequate, there's always the supercharged Elise SC, boasting a 220-hp version of the standard Elise's engine.

As far as safety equipment, don't expect much more than federally mandated items -- antilock brakes are included and traction control is optional, but neither stability control nor side airbags are offered.

Interior accommodations are pure sports car: Lightly padded composite sport seats provide plenty of support and controls are simple enough to keep your attention on the road. The wide door sills and low steering wheel require some fancy body motions and footwork when entering or exiting the vehicle, however. Naturally, the Elise's cockpit emphasizes driving above all else and there are minimal comfort and storage features for longer road trips.

The non-power steering feels as natural as anything we've ever driven and the 1.8-liter engine is indeed tuned to be very responsive, with plenty of torque. Braking is handled by AP Racing and Brembo calipers with 11.5-inch rotors all around. It all adds up to a car that feels as race-oriented, unfiltered and capable as an Italian exotic, at roughly a quarter of the cost.

Used Lotus Elise Models
Lotus introduced the Americanized "111R" version of the Elise in 2005, enabled by a three-year NHTSA exemption as the car had failed to meet U.S. bumper regulations. Changes for 2006 included the option of traction control and a limited-slip differential, lightweight forged alloy wheels and a matte black appearance package. Daytime running lights were made standard, along with LED taillights with integrated reflectors. Inside, the seat padding was upgraded for increased comfort and a new, lighter pedal set was installed to save a few more precious pounds.

For 2007, a set of so-called "bumperettes" were added to the tail to satisfy U.S. bumper regulations. The supercharged Elise SC debuted for 2008. That year also saw a new instrument display with a trip computer, while a value-minded performance package debuted two years later. For the 2011 model year, the Elise received some minor styling updates as well as a few feature availability changes. A Roger Becker special edition Elise also debuted, honoring the recently retired head of Lotus vehicle engineering.

User Reviews:

Showing 81 through 90 of 104.00

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  1st Month with My New Lotus Elise - 2006 Lotus Elise
  By Brian - November 6 - 2:10 pm

  This is definitely a car for the person that likes to get noticed, and enjoys performance and handling. I bought a black Elise with a hard top and the neighbors thought I was driving the Batmobile. If you want a car that has a fun factor of 10+, its a no brainer; however, it is a bit of a challenge to get in and out of, and if youre a large person, or over 60, Id say, dont even try to get in and out of it. Braking and acceleration are great. Love the exhaust sound as your driving. Beware, its an attention getter! For people with large feet, it may pose a challenge to operate pedals, I have to wear certain shoes when I drive as the pedals are close together.

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  great car to drive - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By chris murphy - August 5 - 2:10 am

  the Elise is the most fun car to drive I sold my Ferrari 308 gts 3 weeks after i got my elise and the elise is a better made car and handles like a dream.you get more looks in the ferrari and is a lot easier to get in and out of but not as much fun to drive

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  Best experience ... LOL!!! - 2006 Lotus Elise
  By Steve - July 9 - 1:03 am

  Have owned many other performance cars including Porsche, Ferrari, Lambo...etc. This is just an honest race car for the street. I have a touring pack, sport pack, with two tops. The only complaint is that I had to index the tires to stop a high speed (120mph+) shimmy when I bought it. Big deal. I had to do that in the Ferrari and Porsche 996 GT3... its not uncommon. Just ordered the Turbo kit from Force Fed to bring the hp to 275 from 190. Does it need it? Not really...its just more fun to be had. Car handles stock better than most prepared gt3 cars. This is the best "bang for the buck" out there bar-none.

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  ALL SMILES - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By Batmanrick - May 2 - 10:00 am

  It took three years from the date of deposit to pick up my starlight black Lotus Elise ... and the smile hasnt left my face yet !

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  Pure Fun - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By dk - May 2 - 9:06 am

  If you just want to have kick butt driving fun, this is your car. Dont expect posh comfort but do expect the most fun that you have ever had driving a car. No cup holders but then again, it would spill anyway. You will also become a minor celeb as people will take your picture, and will follow you all over the place. It can actually get a little annoying but once again, fun. No matter what other cars on around you, you will become the focal point. I have had mine for 4 years and I still love to just look at it. The temptation to drive too fast is overwhelming but it looks fast just parked so you get over it. Fantastic car.

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  Colin Chapman LIVES! - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By Eric - March 27 - 5:26 pm

  What a stunning car- Lotus has really done a super job with this Elise. Its a very evolved car to be used for one purpose: driving. Whiners looking for more room, more features, more whatever- hey, theres an Acura dealer just around the corner from your house. Paraphrasing the words of Mr Chapman, more power is faster in the straightaway, less weight is faster everywhere. Hee-YAH!!!!

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  Ubelievable fun, not an everyday driver - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By Brian - March 13 - 6:36 pm

  I have had a lot of sports cars, and this is the most fun pure sports car I have ever owned. If this would be your only vehicle I would not recommend it. Ride is very stiff; daily potholes into the city may rattle your fillings out. But as a toy, there is no more fun to be found for under $100,000.

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  my 2005 Lotus Elise - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By larry - February 23 - 5:23 am

  Handles better than any car Ive ever driven. Excellent brakes. With top off, easy in and out but requires a good back and knees to get in and out with the top on. Air and heat work great.

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  Dream car... - 2006 Lotus Elise
  By pw378 - January 30 - 2:06 pm

  This is the most exciting, exhilarating car I have ever known. My daily commuter is a BMW Z3 that I really like, but compared to the Lotus Elise, the Z3 is about as exciting as a 1960s Volkswagen Beetle. From the body styling, to the acceleration and cornering, this car simply cannot be beat by any car under $150k. If you love driving, get this car! Sell everything you have if needed, but this car is not to be missed.

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  A True Weekend Racer - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By JK - December 16 - 6:06 pm

  The Elise is certainly not for everyone. It is not a luxurious vehicle, a daily driver (for most people), or extremely powerful. However it is very unique, very light, very fun, relatively affordable, reliable, and pure! This car weighs 25% less than a Mazda Miata, and maneuvers precisely. The steering car is very communicative, through its steering, ride, and pedals. Because of its light weight and low center of gravity it sticks to the road like glue. The engine isnt too powerful, but it is reliable with Toyotas 1.8L VVTi engine. At 6 RPM the VVTi kicks in and the car pulls very hard to redline.