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 91 through 100 of 104.00

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  Lots of Bang for your Buck! - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By WC Kelly - September 23 - 1:00 am

  This car is a true head-turner. There is absolutely, positively NO other car that competes with the Lotus Elise in either looks or performance for the price. An absolute PLEASURE to drive, this car will give you a perma-grin. I have parked my Chrome Orange Elise next to cars costing twice as much, yet the crowd seems to gather around the Lotus. If you are shy, this is NOT the car for you, unless, perhaps, you are looking to come out of your shell. This is an excellent car for for women or men with small feet, as the pedals are located close together. It is certainly not the most graceful car to enter and exit... (dont wear a skirt ladies!) All in all a fantastic car to drive!

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  So Much Fun It Must Be Immoral - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By JimmyJoe - September 12 - 2:43 am

  This car is a no-compromise toy that can be used to actually get you from one place to another when thats what you need. The main thing though is that its obscenely fun to drive. Others have said it before and its true: The Elise is a perfect combination of jumbo-sized go-cart and wannabe race car. And its so fantastic looking that people cant help but smile and comment and ask about it. The only real problem is everyone is always looking at you.

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  111R - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By bryan conlee - August 29 - 4:26 am

  I am very impressed with the performance and build quality for this low production, hand built, semi- affordable automobile. The interior is a bit Spartan, but its really all you need. This car is meant for driving enjoyment, not cruising in the lap of luxury. Ingress/egress is a bit tricky, but once inside, the car fits you like a glove, and the seats are surprisingly comfortable. The stereo leaves something to be desired, but that is minor and can be changed. The exterior design is one of the most beautiful ever dreamt up, in my somewhat biased opinion. Performance is incredible, even with its mere 190HP. I plan on enjoying this car for a lifetime...

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  9000 miles in an Elise - 2006 Lotus Elise
  By Joe - June 30 - 6:20 pm

  A fun car that takes a little getting used to. Getting in and out for me, 6 foot 2 inches, 205 pounds was a little tricky at first, but now feels normal, taking about 2 weeks to adjust. Driving the Elise is tons of fun and manuevering it is easier than any other car Ive ever driven. It is very forgiving, especially for a RWD sports car. Over rough roads or on long trips (with the stage II exhaust fitted) the Elise is definitely not at home. You will feel every bump and the drone of the engine will likely wear on you. Nonetheless, the Lotus is an amazing car, even as a daily driver. There is nothing on the market that comes close in performance and looks for anything near the money.

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  "Grin" - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By Robert Hoar - April 22 - 2:10 am

  If I were to get a vanity plate for this car it would be "GRIN". It is so much fun to drive that I come up with the most ridiculus excuses to take it out. The car is beautifully engineered, very well built, and handles better than any car I have ever driven. And it has show-stopper looks! The Elise makes all but the most exotic cars look "normal".

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  Awesome Car! - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By MattB - February 20 - 5:03 am

  If you are looking for a weekend sports car with no compromises- this is it!

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  Lotus Elise 2005 - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By Vance - February 19 - 5:36 am

  The car of my dreams. Its really a fun car to drive and the sexiest car on the road today.

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  Pure Sports Car - 2006 Lotus Elise
  By mms - December 2 - 2:03 pm

  In sum... a Pure Sports Car. Dont come looking for luxury or comfort, but thats not to say it isnt perfectly comfortable for 1+ hour commutes. Couldnt be happier with the performance and handling. Had to upgrade the stereo. Also must watch out for potholes and steep inclines. Great fuel economy... its working out as our only car (for now).

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  Must have toy of the year, poor service - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By Tim - October 30 - 5:06 am

  This car feels like all Porsches should feel -- elemental. Best handling car that Ive ever driven (all Porsches, BMW M3, S2000, 348, 355, 360, Corvettes, etc). Must get it while you are still young enough to climb into the cockpit!

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  Remember what its for... - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By Jay - October 15 - 6:13 pm

  The Elise is a pure, unadulterated sports car. It does not try to be anything else. It is one of the fastest street legal cars, and handles arguably better than just about anything else on the road. Its form (all the vents are real and needed) is functional - you can like the look or not, but there is nothing extra, e.g. a big rear spoiler. That it manages to do this for under $50K is stunning. It does this by sacrificing weight (e.g size,gadgets, electronics, "comfort" stuff) and by designing to the best ergonomics once you are in it. My Elise puts a grin on my face every time I drive it, and feels as comfortable as a glove. Complaints about cupholders, ease of entry, etc. miss the point.