Overview & Reviews

After years of letting Europeans have all the fun, the lightweight Lotus Elise sports car finally makes it to the States.

• Ultralightweight chassis, free-revving four-cylinder, uninhibited steering, supercar performance without the supercar price.

• Spartan interior, engine still a bit peaky for U.S. tastes, ride quality more Formula One than grand touring, limited dealer network.

User Reviews:

Showing 51 through 60 of 73.00

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  WOW! - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By Jud - March 31 - 8:06 pm

  I purchased a 5,700 mile Magnetic Blue Elise on eBay, during a hurricane. Once I finally got the car, I never wanted to get out, and did but only to sleep (although I did sleep in the Elise on a long trip and found the high sills to be an excellent perch for my feet as I spread out across the cabin). I cannot explain the fun, the performance and the economy in running one of these fantastic machines. At some point every gearhead must own one. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! I may have to sell to buy a Ferrari but it is only to get more luggage space. Yes, a Ferrari can be the mature choice; but you have to start in an Elise.

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  Wow! - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By Erich - February 27 - 3:33 am

  This is a car only for those who love to drive and KNOW how to drive well. This car will outperform most everything out there with the exception of some super cars. It is not for the driver who wants creature comforts... not a cup holder, climate control, heated seat to be found. This is essentially a street legal track car. The cool thing is that you can drive her to the track, put on your helmet and eat up a 911, Miata, Cobra, or what ever else gets in your way. Then have a nice drive home. I use mine as a daily commuter for a 110 mile round trip. It makes the drive fun and economical.

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  Cooler Than I Thought - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By April G. - January 5 - 12:40 pm

  I had no idea....this car is so much more fun than I thought. I have a very active lifestyle, and driving has always been something I just had to do - until now. Now I LOOK for reasons to. I love being first "in line" at the red light, so when its time to go, I can red line it through the first couple few gears before I bring it to an acceptable and legal speed. :-) I get so many looks w/ this car. When I come back to my car after parking somewhere, inevitably there is more than one person crouched over looking at "my girl". (Ive had people actually take pictures of her on several occasions, which one of you "Big Boys" can say that?) Good decision buying this girl, shes uniquely mine

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  Fits like a tailored glove - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By Chris - November 24 - 4:13 am

  An awesome handling car. Sometimes it seems the car anticipates what I am going to do. The biggest problem I have noticed with this car is all the attention you get. Sounds like a cool thing but try changing lanes rapidly (you will understand if you drive one) to get set up for that nice curve you want to accelerate through and you cant because all the cars around you are slowing down to figure out what type of car you are driving. Not to mention wanting to run a quick errand and being stopped by everyone as you exit the car asking how fast, how much, can I ride (women love this car).... Just buy one, you wont regret it.

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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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  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.