Overview & Reviews

Founded in Britain, Lotus is very much a specialty outfit, with output limited to high-performance racecars and sports cars known for their sleek and lightweight designs. Though its cars are prized by enthusiasts seeking maximum handling performance, Lotus has never been particularly keen on sales volume, and it rarely has more than one or two models for sale at a time.

The marque was founded by racing enthusiast Anthony Colin Chapman. The first Lotus was built in 1948, and used by Chapman to compete in races. By 1955, Chapman had officially formed Lotus Cars Ltd. A company milestone was reached two years later with the unveiling of the innovative Lotus Elite. This remarkably light coupe owed its featherweight status to its fiberglass unibody construction. Though the use of fiberglass for a car's body wasn't unique, the Elite was the first vehicle to use this material both in its skeleton and its skin. The resultant weight savings helped the Elite to distinguish itself at Le Mans and other notable races around the world.

The 1960s saw Lotus expanding its line with the addition of the Elan. First available as a roadster, the car offered a twin-cam engine, four-wheel disc brakes and a four-wheel independent suspension. Hardtop versions were later offered. By 1967, Lotus had added the Elan Plus 2 to its lineup. Dubbed Lotus' first family car, the Plus 2 was just as sporty as the Elan, but more practical thanks to a bigger cabin and the addition of two jump seats.

Lotus discontinued the Elite in 1972, but the name was revived in 1974. The new Elite was a four-passenger model with a 160-horsepower engine. Two years later, the Lotus family grew yet again, with the addition of the Esprit. The two-seat sports car continued Lotus' ethos of lightweight design, and it was instantly recognizable due to its distinctive wedge-shaped exterior and appearance in two James Bond movies.

Movie stardom aside, this was not a good decade for Lotus. The brand's vehicles had evolved significantly since the first Elite cruised off showroom floors. But Lotus cars of the 1970s were bigger and more expensive than their predecessors, and the brand had muscled its way into a segment populated by the likes of Ferrari and Porsche. Lotus cars were now premium-priced exotics; unfortunately for the brand, this segment saw a dramatic fall-off in demand in the wake of that era's fuel crisis. As a result, the niche-market automaker suffered significant losses.

In 1986, General Motors took full control of Lotus and created Lotus Cars USA in 1987. That relationship lasted until 1993, when GM sold Lotus to Bugatti. Bugatti's ownership was even shorter; Lotus was sold to a Malaysian firm in 1996. The same year, Lotus began producing the flyweight Elise, a car that would quickly become the company's main product and financial savior. The Elise was finally imported to North America in 2004 after safety and emissions considerations were overcome.

Today, Lotus remains true to Chapman's original desire of producing lightweight and race-oriented sports cars. With tight cabin accommodations, a stiff ride and minimal comfort and storage features, modern Lotus cars make poor grocery-getters. But for the enthusiast looking for world-class handling, sporty style and an unfiltered connection between car and driver at a reasonable price, the Lotus brand is hard to beat.

User Reviews:

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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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  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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  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.

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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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  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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  Worth the trouble - 2004 Lotus Esprit
  By thurscarguy - September 5 - 10:00 am

  This car is fast and fun. It isnt reliable but worth the trouble. If your going on a long trip dont even think about taking one but if you want a sporty, enique, and fast this is your ride.

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  Exhilerating - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By JLElise - July 3 - 10:56 pm

  Picked up the car 2 weeks ago. Performs exceptionally well. Handles like its on rails. Very quick. Comfortable driving position. Exterior styling is second to none. Interior is a bit sparse, but, heh, its a sports car. Amazing how many "thumbs up" one gets!! Cant wait until the spring and do some real, open air motoring.