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 61 through 70 of 104.00

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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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  Elise - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By Dion - August 12 - 3:13 pm

  Wonderful car to drive, if you are realy into driving and enjoy track days. For the price this car has no equal. The Elise puts a smile on my face every time I drive the handling limits are so high It is impossible to explore on public roads, realy is a wonderful track car. I cant believe Lotus deprived us of so much fun for the past 7 years.

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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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  Way Too Fun - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By Chris D - June 22 - 1:06 am

  Driving this car is very comparable to riding on a roller coaster: same sensations going around curves and accelerating, an occasional hard bump, etc. Other "sports cars" seem pointless in comparison. Best toy Ive ever owned. It makes me feel like a teenager again. Beats other exotics more than twice the price in many ways. Love the body lines and the handling. Absolutely a blast to drive.

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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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  One wicked car! - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By Magnetic Blue Elise - May 11 - 3:46 pm

  Bought this car 6 months ago and have the only complaint of driving it too much! Nothing has gone wrong so far and I do my own oil changes with Mobil 1 5w40 synthetic oil. On curvy roads its unbeatable. Me and my friends with fast cars (08 evo, 05 vette, 04 G35 Coupe, 04 STI) go cruising on local back roads and none of them can keep up with me. Try taking a tight turn on the hwy at 130mph... this car can do it! Has a very unique design that is eye catching for all ages!

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  Fast and Fun - 2006 Lotus Elise
  By John Grage - March 30 - 5:26 am

  An absolute true sports car. Not only all show but more than enough go. Tight interior that holds you snug for those twisting roads that push you to the limits. A real eye catcher, lots of looks and plenty of camera phone shots on the road. A bit of trouble entering and exiting but well worth the effort. Excellent power to weight ratio. Not quite a vehicle for winter conditions, which makes one pine for summer.

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  Dont judge. Its better than you think. - 2006 Lotus Elise
  By mikeebear - February 22 - 3:40 am

  This car is amazing. It is like a street-legal road rocket. A race car. A go-kart. Its so fun to drive. I have driven faster cars, but none more gratifying than this. And its no slouch either! Once youre inside, its pretty cozy and roomy. Easy to get comfy in. I have never been in a car that garnered so much attention. Every day I get compliments, questions, comments, and non-stop looks. I dont imagine that Ferrari owners get nearly this much attention. Take this car to some twisty back roads and the magic will come to life. That is where this car belongs and that is where you will have the most fun with it. Its no dragster and if thats what you want, move on, this car isnt for you.

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  Cheap at Twice the Price - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By Joel - December 17 - 5:30 am

  I have the Sport-track model of the Elise. This car is for people who want a RIDE, not transportation. Having said that, though I have an additional car that I have put only 200 miles on since getting the Elise. To be blunt, driving any other car is just a chore. I cant keep a smile off my face when I drive this car. People should have to pay an entertainment fee just to look at it!