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 11 through 20 of 104.00

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  Pocket Rocket - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By SP - September 9 - 1:20 am

  Really a fabulous sports car package: lightweight, fantastic performance, Kart like handling and high tech construction.

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  Lotsa fun - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By Zack Jones - August 19 - 2:46 pm

  I have felt the need to have the dealer do the service which tends to be expensive. I was involved in a minor accident (not my fault), but the repairs were extremely expensive. That said, it really is fun and will turn heads and have lots of people asking what it is and how much it cost.

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  proud to be a member of this elite club - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By larry - August 6 - 7:53 pm

  if you want a car unlike anything youve ever seen or driven before, this is it. If you are shy and introverted and do not want to draw attention to yourself, this is not your car. It stands out in the crowd of cars 3-4x more expensive. It is very quick and handles better than any other car ive ever driven. getting in and out with the roof on is initally a little challenging, particularly if you are tall. It was definitely worth the 17 months i had to wait to get it.

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  Awesome - 2006 Lotus Elise
  By Phil - August 6 - 10:20 am

  This car is awesome. It handles well and its a thrill to drive. Even though the gas mileage isnt the greatest its worth it.

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  Lotus Experience - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By Ken - June 7 - 11:00 pm

  Back in the sixties when I was driving MGBs and Triumphs the car that stood out for me even then was the Lotus, particularly the Europa. This was a car that a true enthusiast would want. I never did get that Europa but, finally,in my later years, I was able to get the new Lotus Elise (an 05). The car has been a joy to drive and its handling and braking rival that of any sports car at any price. I cant count the number of times people have approached me with questions about the car and how much they liked it. I have had complete strangers come up to me and ask me if it was OK to take pictures of the car. The car has been a true driving experience, unlike any other sports car.

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  Sold for a better car - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By Sal - October 12 - 7:10 am

  I owned the Lotus Elise for about 7 months. I enjoyed the car and thought that there was no better car for the same price. Then I test drove a Honda S2000. Every feature that the Lotus lacks the Honda makes up for it. more horse power, higher RPM Redline (9000RPM) and the handling is just as effective. 0-60 time is a little bit slower but 0-100 time is quicker and thats really what counts in my book. Lotus was okay but the S2000 beats it in speed and handling.

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  Mountain Drive - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By Mike - May 22 - 4:50 am

  This is my daily driver. The handling is unbelievable on the narrow mountain roads in Western Virginia. It is the best handling car that I have owned. Interior is scarce, but more comfortable than it looks. Takes some time to get use to getting in and out of, especially with the hardtop on.

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  Youll Love It! - 2006 Lotus Elise
  By B - April 21 - 3:23 am

  I just purchased my 2006 Elise three days ago. It has the touring pack, sport pack, hardtop, metallic paint, and Starshield. I have already put on more than 500 miles and here are my thoughts. I am 61" and about 200 pounds and I fit quite well in the seat. Yes, getting in and out is a pain, but well worth it. Power and handling cannot be beat. Love the exhaust note and power curve. Cant wait to get out of the break-in period. Interior storage is minimal, but the net and shelf behind the seats can hide many little items. The exterior looks and shines like no other. My previous car was a Porsche Boxster S and it felt like a Buick compared to the Elise. Get it, youll love it!

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  Pound for pound, $ for $, best deal - 2006 Lotus Elise
  By chapman - January 31 - 8:40 am

  I have owned a number of other so called sports cars over the years. I went through a Corvette stage, a Viper stage and a Porsche stage. Pound for pound and dollar for dollar no car can touch the Lotus Elise for pure fun, driveability and performance. Yes it doesnt have a 600 hsp engine and yes it doesnt have a 6 figure price tag but take the Elise out on twisty winding roads and watch the power cars eat your dust.

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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