2010
Lotus Elise

Starts at:
$47,250
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr Conv
    Starts at
    $47,250
    21 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Conv SC
    Starts at
    $54,990
    20 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Supercharged Gas I4
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2010 Lotus Elise 2010 Lotus Elise 2010 Lotus Elise 2010 Lotus Elise 2010 Lotus Elise 2010 Lotus Elise 2010 Lotus Elise

Notable features

Lotus-tuned 189-hp four-cylinder
Available supercharged Elise SC
Six-speed manual
Removable hardtop available
New Performance Value Package

The good & the bad

The good

Handling
Racing heritage
Performance
Gas mileage

The bad

Seating space
Ride comfort
Cargo room
Sparse cabin
See all specifications

Expert 2010 Lotus Elise review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
The Elise is a compact, lightweight sports car meant for track driving. As such, its competitors, such as the BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxster, generally boast more comfort but fewer at-the-limits performance attributes. The Elise comes in two trims: the entry-level Elise with a non-supercharged four-cylinder, and the Elise SC, which adds a supercharger for more horsepower.

New for 2010
Aside from some regrouped options, there are no significant changes to the Elise and Elise SC for 2010.

Exterior
Countless cars are described as “aggressive,” but the Elise truly looks the part, with its huge air intakes behind the doors; its long, sloped headlight covers; and its ground-hugging stance.

  • Chassis weighs just 150 pounds
  • LED taillamps
  • Composite body panels are used, and the entire car weighs slightly less than 2,000 pounds — about 300 pounds less than a Toyota Yaris hatchback
  • Standard removable black cloth top, available body-colored hardtop
  • Sixteen-inch alloy wheels up front, 17-inch alloys in back

Interior
Two occupants sit in composite sport seats. The cabin is sparse, with an Alpine head unit for the stereo and an aluminum gearshift knob and handbrake.

  • Momo steering wheel
  • LCD screen displays essential vehicle information
  • Standard air conditioning
  • CD stereo with optional iPod compatibility
  • Power windows and locks
  • Starter button and immobilizer alarm
  • Optional leather sport seats, center cupholder, stowage net and additional sound insulation

Under the Hood
The Elise has a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine sourced from Toyota and tuned by Lotus. It incorporates variable cam timing and lift technology to produce 189 hp at 7,800 rpm and 133 pounds-feet of torque at 6,800 rpm. The Elise SC adds a supercharger to make 218 hp at 8,000 rpm and 153 pounds-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm.

  • Six-speed manual transmission
  • 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds in SC, 4.9 seconds for base Elise
  • Coil-spring suspension can be equipped with Bilstein shock absorbers
  • Eight-spoke cast-aluminum wheels
  • Yokohama tires: P175/55R16 in front and P225/45R17 in back
  • Optional lighter wheels (56.2 pounds for all four, versus 70.4 pounds with the standard wheels) and ultra high-performance Yokohama A048 LTS tires
  • AP Racing twin-piston front brake calipers and Brembo single-piston rear calipers; all four discs are cross-drilled to resist brake fade
  • Optional traction control and limited-slip differential

Safety
While traction control is available on the Elise, stability control is not an option. Safety features include:

  • Dual front airbags
  • Antilock brakes

2010 Lotus Elise review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
The Elise is a compact, lightweight sports car meant for track driving. As such, its competitors, such as the BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxster, generally boast more comfort but fewer at-the-limits performance attributes. The Elise comes in two trims: the entry-level Elise with a non-supercharged four-cylinder, and the Elise SC, which adds a supercharger for more horsepower.

New for 2010
Aside from some regrouped options, there are no significant changes to the Elise and Elise SC for 2010.

Exterior
Countless cars are described as “aggressive,” but the Elise truly looks the part, with its huge air intakes behind the doors; its long, sloped headlight covers; and its ground-hugging stance.

  • Chassis weighs just 150 pounds
  • LED taillamps
  • Composite body panels are used, and the entire car weighs slightly less than 2,000 pounds — about 300 pounds less than a Toyota Yaris hatchback
  • Standard removable black cloth top, available body-colored hardtop
  • Sixteen-inch alloy wheels up front, 17-inch alloys in back

Interior
Two occupants sit in composite sport seats. The cabin is sparse, with an Alpine head unit for the stereo and an aluminum gearshift knob and handbrake.

  • Momo steering wheel
  • LCD screen displays essential vehicle information
  • Standard air conditioning
  • CD stereo with optional iPod compatibility
  • Power windows and locks
  • Starter button and immobilizer alarm
  • Optional leather sport seats, center cupholder, stowage net and additional sound insulation

Under the Hood
The Elise has a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine sourced from Toyota and tuned by Lotus. It incorporates variable cam timing and lift technology to produce 189 hp at 7,800 rpm and 133 pounds-feet of torque at 6,800 rpm. The Elise SC adds a supercharger to make 218 hp at 8,000 rpm and 153 pounds-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm.

  • Six-speed manual transmission
  • 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds in SC, 4.9 seconds for base Elise
  • Coil-spring suspension can be equipped with Bilstein shock absorbers
  • Eight-spoke cast-aluminum wheels
  • Yokohama tires: P175/55R16 in front and P225/45R17 in back
  • Optional lighter wheels (56.2 pounds for all four, versus 70.4 pounds with the standard wheels) and ultra high-performance Yokohama A048 LTS tires
  • AP Racing twin-piston front brake calipers and Brembo single-piston rear calipers; all four discs are cross-drilled to resist brake fade
  • Optional traction control and limited-slip differential

Safety
While traction control is available on the Elise, stability control is not an option. Safety features include:

  • Dual front airbags
  • Antilock brakes

Factory warranties

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
8 years
Powertrain
2 years

Consumer reviews

71% of drivers recommend this car
3.7 / 5
Based on 14 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 2.4
Interior 3.2
Performance 4.0
Value 3.3
Exterior 4.2
Reliability 3.8

Most recent

  • By True lotus fan from WH, FL
    Owns this car
    July 8, 2014

    Don't listen to narrow minded reviews

    Those saying they paid $70,000 are lying or guilble. Fully loaded and brand new doesn't even come close. This car is NOT a daily driver. It's not comfortable. It's not full of features. Why? Because this isn't a fufu car. It's a car that has rivaled and set a standard that many other cars including the corvette, henessey veron and others use in part of their designs. It has proven itself that many others have copied and or followed. This car isn't for bell and whistles. It isn't for top speed. It's a master of a track day. It's super fast if you learn how to drive it. Power comes in around 6500 rpms. Excellent mpg, light, handles curves like NO other. Those who are shallow minded have exactly that in reviews. Look at any reputable testing of this car and you will never find a bad review unless it's from people on here who gave it low ratings.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By WeekendRacer
    Owns this car
    October 31, 2013

    Truely different than all others

    I have owned 2 Lotus Elises (06 Elise and an 08 Elise SC). I have also owned an 05 Corvette and several other sports cars and muscle cars. I've also had seat time in several German performance cars such as 911s and an M5. I am very much a sports car enthusiast, but I should point out that my main interest has always been with American muscle cars. I use these cars as both daily drivers and track day cars. While I still love Corvettes, Mustangs, Camaros, and anything else with a big V8, I can honestly say that my favorite car is now the Lotus Elise. While it's completely different in just about every way, it gives me every bit as much enjoyment as those other sports cars plus some. Before, I thought a great sports car was something with ridiculous power and the ability to pull big G-forces in the curves. That might get you your best lap time in some cases, but it's not the most fun way to get around a road course or your daily commute! Once you have driven an Elise, everything else feels like a blunt instrument. My 2nd favorite car is the Corvette, but even it feels bloated and numb to me. The 911 can't hold a candle to an Elise in terms of feel and nimbleness either, and it's maintenance costs are somewhat ridiculous. If you want a daily driver with decent trunk space, a comfortable ride, and the ability to perform well at track days or the drag strip, try a C6 or C7 Corvette. If you are a exceptionally large, old, or need tons of creature comforts, stay away from Lotus. However, if you want to go fast (almost as fast as a Corvette or 911 in most cases) and feel completely in tune with the machine that you are driving then the ONLY choice is a Lotus. I know there is nothing below $80k that will put as big of a smile on your face, and I doubt that even an unlimited budget would buy you as much pure fun. This car will show you new levels of control and communication, and it will make you a better driver.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Seduced from Dallas, TX
    Owns this car
    March 23, 2011

    The Quintessential Driver's Car

    It took a leap of faith to buy this car, because it is so different from everything else on the road. However, 3000 miles later, I feel completely justified in my choice. This is a true driver's car, with razor-sharp steering, prodigious handling and enough power to embarrass quite a few "bigger" cars. It takes some practice to get in and out of, given its small dimensions, but once inside, you can't help but grin because the driving experience is so rewarding. Features are few: air conditioning, radio and... that's about it! The trunk? Very, very small. But once you are on the road and start negotiating the first turns with the engine at full song just behind you, all concerns about practicality will disappear...
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By 111R fan from Boston Ma
    Owns this car
    January 5, 2011

    All about the feel

    I have owned the 2005 version of this car, which differs only slightly from the current versions for 2 years now. It's not a muscle car, and if you want to drag race there are faster cars for cheaper. What this car excels at is cornering. Horsepower isn't everything. The first time I tracked this car I had no trouble keeping up with a driver in a much higher HP mustang, who also had a lot more experience than me. He would pull away some on the straights, but by the end of each corner I'd be almost filling his rear view mirror. Hp is not everything. Also note that the Elise is class champion or 2nd place at the nationals in almost every autocross class where it is legal to run an elise (SSM being the major exception, with nobody running an fully prepared elise there). These cars are fast and corner like they are on rails if you know how to drive one. They do require a different driving style than muscle cars. Never had any reliability problems even with auto crossing the car regularly for 2 summers. Also there are several good sources for performance upgrades to these cars including CF parts, big brake kits, and supercharging (but I'm not supposed to mention vendors here).
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Lotus from Orlando, FL
    Owns this car
    January 4, 2011

    The Lotus is THAT good

    As a former open wheel racer, this is as close as you can get to a daily driver open wheel car. The guys who recommend the anything else are more than likely old, over weight, or in poor physical condition....maybe all three :-). Getting in and out is not bad. I also looked at the GTR but wanted to keep this car for a little while. The maint. costs on a GTR are over the moon - look at total cost to own and the Elise is much cheaper in the long run. Z06's are great as well, but you seem them all over - I wanted something a little more rare and nimble.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • By true sports car from Toronto
    Owns this car
    January 3, 2011

    Most fun on 4 wheels with your clothes on

    If, and only if, you are a sports car enthusiast, you will love this car like no other. It is light, it doesn't have (or need) the electronic gadgets compensating for poor driving skills or too much weight. It is pure. It is fast, but if you are looking for a muscle car, this isn't it. This car LOVES curves. No lean, no complaints. Despite having all of the good qualities of a street-legal go-kart, it is surprisingly comfortable. I have driven mine as my only car for the whole summer. I only got a second car when winter started closing in. I have put 12K on the car, both commuting to work and on long road trips. It even gets great gas mileage - I'm sure it has the best fuel economy of any car that can do 0-60 in under 5 seconds! Most people think it is over $100K and everyone wants to talk about it at the gas station. I have never had my picture taken so much. Little do they know it only costs as much as a well optioned minivan.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
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  • By brgelise from CT
    Owns this car
    January 3, 2011

    Ecstacy on wheels

    First to neutralize the haters. It has everything you need and nothing you don't. AC works when needed though top off operation is preferred. Frankly, I do 300 mile, nonstop drives in it and the eats are great. Works for me. Will it beat a brute 400-500 hp car down a straightaway? No! In a skilled driver's hand will it corner with any of them.? Unequivicably yes! Those STi's and their AWD mask the weaknesses of the less skilled. Even more so for the GTR. Talk about electronannies! This is the MOST pure, readily available car on the road today. It also happens to easily get 30mpg on the highway. It doesn't take much skill to drive in a straight line fast. It takes a lot of skill to drive a Lotus quickly on a track! My Elise is a 2005. It has been bulletproof reliable and gets driven 3000-4000miles per year with 5-12 track days being pushed very hard. Not a single part has broken and motor never burns ANY oil.To me the Lotus is stunning while the GTR should wear a shroud. I owned a STi for 5 years and loved it but realized my driving skills weren't improving with the AWD so it got sold and STi got kept. Yes at a track with long straights the STi had a higher top end but it just wasn't as much fun nor was it as rewarding to drive at the limit like my Elise. I will patiently await till 2013-2015 to replace it with a new Elan or Elise.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • By Lotus Driver
    Owns this car
    January 3, 2011

    Like nothing else

    This is one amazing car, IF you buy it for the right reasons and have the right expectatinos. It is small, low, light, and sparse...but those are intentional design decisions and the key feature of this car. If you don't understand why less is more would be a desirable feature, this car is probably wrong for you. Getting in and out of the car is not like jumping in or out of a large sedan, it is low and very tightly engineered, but the tucked in feel is something I love. If you are overweight or obese, this will be a limitation of this car for you; I am 6 ft+ at 160 lbs. The seats have thinner padding than most, which I do not find uncomfortable, but you might. This opinion of comfort is based on 2 road trips of about 700 miles each. Buy this car if you want a very intimate driving experience with the road, are not looking for the ride and feal of a luxury car in your sports car, and love what lotus stands for and their unique car philosopy. Don't buy this car expecting it to be a big horse power luxury sports car (meaning heavy)...it simply isn't...and you will end up in the same boat as many other reviewers here -- disappointed with a car that is what it is despite some people's wishes for it to be something else entirely. If you are interested in the car, and want to learn more, visit LotusTalk.com or BritishSpeed.com, and leard more first...Don't be one to jump blindly then complain because it is not like other cars...you should know this going in... No one should feel bad or be insulted if this car is not for you, it is not for most, and that's ok. I certainly don't care that some people have told me how uncomfortable, loud, bumpy, etc, etc, etc this car is to them...you buy a car for you, not for them. BUT...that is exactly why I love this car more than any I have ever owned, even ones 2-3x more expensive...because it is not like any other car...but for the right person it is simply amazing.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Bibi from Flagstaff, AZ
    Owns this car
    January 3, 2011

    Track Car

    Unlike some of the tools complaining here about the car it is clear that they did not do their homework. The car does perform on par with cars costing 3x more. To me it is as much of a track car as it is my daily driver. Yes getting in and out takes some getting used to but this is not your mama's van! Crearture comforts are there but people forget the purpose, the reason this car was made and they expect the same thing as they did out of their Honda Accord. I am very happy with the car, maintenance is easy and fairly inexpensive if you know something about cars if not it can get $$$$!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Get Serious from Toledo
    Owns this car
    October 29, 2010

    Get a Real Track Car

    My Lotus cost 43k not 70k, but it is the base model with 200hp. This car is no track star. In fact I can easily call it the SmartCar of the racing circuit. The handling is great, but you sacrifice hp, comfort, and the basic amenities found in cars of this price range. The ride is downrite god-awful. After 3 months of ownership, I got rid of it and bought a Subaru STI which cost me less than the Lotus and beats the Lotus on the track every time. Is the Lotus Elise a "Pure Track Car"? It's more of a "Pure Track Dog". Get a real car .
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 2.0
    0 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Former Lotus Owner from Indianapolis
    Owns this car
    October 27, 2010

    More Like a Go-Kart Than a Track Car

    I used to own this overpriced Go-Kart and can say that it's no Track Car. For $74,000, the Elise competes with cars like the Nissan GTR and Corvette Z06, and Porsche Boxter. Sadly the Lotus underperforms at every level on any track. What's worse is that after you loose on the track, you have to drive this rediculously uncofortable car back home to lick your wounds. I traded my Lotus for a GTR. Not only does ithe GTR blow every Lotus away on the track with the A/C on full blast, I can also comfortably drive it home. With its performance and amenities, the Lotus Elise should cost no more than 20k. If you paid more than that, I feel sorry for you.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Nissan GTR from San Antonio
    Owns this car
    October 25, 2010

    What a Joke

    I looked into getting a track car and the Elise was one of the contenders. For over 70k this car is an embarrassment on and off the track. For the same price, I bought Nissan's GT-R and can say with experience that the Lotus Elise has no chance against the GT-R on any track. My GTR came with AWD, 480hp, air conditioning, and leather seats for the same money as the Lotus. The Lotus comes with none of these options and an engine that barely makes 200 hp. By the way, I can also beat the Elise on the track with the Air Conditioning on full blast in the GT-R. If you want to pay over 70k and play pretend, buy the Lotus. If you want a real car, get a GT-R or even a Z06.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2010 Lotus Elise?

The 2010 Lotus Elise is available in 2 trim levels:

  • (1 style)
  • SC (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2010 Lotus Elise?

The 2010 Lotus Elise offers up to 21 MPG in city driving and 27 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2010 Lotus Elise reliable?

The 2010 Lotus Elise has an average reliability rating of 3.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2010 Lotus Elise owners.

Is the 2010 Lotus Elise a good Convertible?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2010 Lotus Elise. 71.4% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

3.7 / 5
Based on 14 reviews
  • Comfort: 2.4
  • Interior: 3.2
  • Performance: 4.0
  • Value: 3.3
  • Exterior: 4.2
  • Reliability: 3.8
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