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 1 through 10 of 73.00

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  Nothing else even similar - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By Jerry - November 30 - 4:10 pm

  This car is such a total departure from any other street car that Im shocked it made it to production, much less DOT and EPA certified. The car is so light, rigid, and responsive to input that the driving experience is simply not comparable to driving anything else. The noise and ride arent as harsh as you would expect and the driving position and seats are excellent. 30+ mpg. Terrible radio and alarm. There is a rattle in the gear box the dealer says is not normal but they wont do anything about it. Fit and finish are pretty good for a low production hand built car requiring unconventional materials and manufacturing processes.

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  Handles great - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By Tom - November 20 - 1:56 am

  Tired of feeling like you are driving your living room sofa around? This car handles great and gives more sense in being in control of the driving situation than any car I have ever owned. You feel connected to the road, and the ride is not bone jarring. The car can go from 0-60 in under 5 seconds and still get over 30 mpg on the highway.

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  the best - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By Bla Bla - November 5 - 10:00 am

  Best riding car around

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  Ridiculous handling, awesome reliability - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By Leno - October 29 - 6:13 am

  Unless you have track driven much more expensive world class sportscars you can in no way begin to appreciate the value of this car. Amazingly is doesnt grow uncomfortable, and the Toyota drivetrain is bulletproof, proven, durable, servicable, and torquey. No downshifts required. And the exhaust note is second to none. Im not sure how they get that throaty roar from a 4 cyl, even my M3 with a Remus didnt sound this good! Dont know why I got the MP3 player, Id rather listen to the engine. Rides suprisingly well, road noise not bad. No buffeting at any speeds with the top off. No room for storage but who needs it, and this much fun is reserved for small people, or youll bump shoulders.

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  Elise - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By seven - June 27 - 5:03 pm

  I am thrilled to own this car. It is fast and gets looks constantly.

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  Fun to dirve - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By dave jackson - May 27 - 12:30 am

  The Elise will make Colin Chapman smile .Lotus is back and better than ever.This is our 4th Lotus (after a "real" Dodge Daytona, with all its muscle. The Elise is reminsecent of our Europa Series 6, but is mnuch better constricted, with much better performance and much more striking beauty. I have never driven a car that handles this well, combining sub 5 second accelleration with ultra-responsive handling and eye turning beauty. One does have to take care getting into the car, especially if you are tall like me. But once in driving position, it is quite comfortable. The air conditioner works here in Florida. All in all, the value and fun quotient for the Elise is unmatched anywhere

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  Amazing. - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By John - December 22 - 2:16 am

  This is my third Lotus, and they have done an excellent job with this design.

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  wild car - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By Raul - December 20 - 1:56 am

  The most fun to drive car Ive owned. before i got it i had forgotten driving could also be fun.

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  GOOD CAR - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By zleduc - November 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a really reliable car! Fun to drive and makes everyone go wild.

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  The most amazing car Ive ever owned - 2005 Lotus Elise
  By Paul - October 11 - 3:20 pm

  This car is absolutely amazing. It handles like no other street legal car you can buy. I looked at Porsche, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari and others. Handling-wise it blew them all away hands down. In a straight line there are faster cars but nothing handles and connects you to the road like the Elise. Its a true drivers car. This was not intended or designed to be an everyday grocery hauler. If thats what youre looking for, buy something else. But if you want the real "Ultimate Driving Machine" then the Elise is it.