2005 Lotus Elise consumer reviews

If you are looking for that comfortable, cushy sports car for that leisurely drive on a Sunday, this car is not for you. If, however, you are looking to fall into a secure feeling glove that just wraps around you in preparation for a true driving experience, look no further. My 2005 Elise 111R is everything I wanted in a sports car: the sound, the cockpit, the acceleration, the noise, and the handling. It is truly a race car for the streets. Don't look too the Elise to be the fastest in a straight line, that's not what's Chapman designed her for. This is a car meant to go fast through the turns. It's very difficult to find a limit with the horsepower and the mid engine balance perfectly tuned with each other. Hit the accelerator at the start of the turn and be prepared to get flung out the back end of the turn at a very high rate. It's just too much. Yes, she is a bit of a challenge to get into, but it's all part of the fun. You sit 7 inches of the ground in a little rocket that just wants to go.

This is by far one of the most fun cars I have ever driven. It will bring a smile every single time don't let the low horsepower fool you. This car will hang around other cars very well and will leave them in dust on corners

Great car, handling is superb. Needs a couple minor upgrades such as rear toe links and clutch, but after that, it amazing.

The connection the driver has with the car is unparalleled, as is the styling! The balance and lightness and responsiveness. Is amazing. Now, this car isn't for everyone, if you don't know how to shift in a performance oriented manner or aren't willing to learn you won't ever feel it's amazing performance. Don't want to take a turn fast? Not for you? Don't like feeling the road? Not for you. (Though the ride is very good, probably the best ride for not having any body roll, it's amazing) want space? Not for you? ( though there is a surprising amount of space in trunk, much more than it seems!) was able to go on 4 day cross country trip) Anyway, I've typed enough here and would rather spend time with the car now instead. Just get the car their values aren't going anywhere but yo anyway so the worst than can happen is you own the car for free anyway for a little while, selling it for the same price you purchased it for.

Raw, street legal sports/race car! Handles like nothing else I've driven, sure and solid. It's a pocket rocket that gets attention beyond imagination. Styling is a work of art. If I had a dollar for every time someone took a picture of it, I could buy another one!

Loud, harsh, brutal accelerating, turn on a dime street legal go kart. Gorgeous lines, sexy car, with no sweeter backside in the auto world. At 43k miles and some careless ingress/egress by previous owner, my interior was showing some unflattering wear and tear. Had seats redone and added a bit more padding which is awesome over the stock race buckets. Mine has some rattles from the composite body panels but seems likely given the extreme suspension. Replacement parts are a scavenger hunt, but that is part of the fun of owning a Lotus. The powertrain from Toyota with a Lotus computer is a beast even though the shifter is clunky. Hold on as the second cam comes on.

I love my Elise, but it is not for daily driving. Acceleration and cornering are great, as are the looks (obviously). But the ride is bump.

This definitely my favorite vehicle I've owned. I get the opportunity to drive multiple cars, including exotics on the track and not very many leave a smile on my face quite like the Lotus does. This car is more so meant for a True Driving enthusiast...NO Stability programs or Traction Control (at least in my case) to interfere. Considering the things that are important to me such as Driving Fun, Closer feeling to a racecar, Minimal options, and the eye catching eye attention you get from this car...the Lotus is it. If your really into the gizmos and comfort, this car is not for you. It is true that it is relatively hard to get out of due to the high door sill, but you watch enough YouTube videos, you get use to it. Once your in, it is comfortable...just give you an idea...I'm 6'2" 240 lbs. and I drive it just fine, but I wouldn't want another one of me in the passenger seat, which why my wife is typically my only passenger. If you ever need to perform mechanical repairs or maintenance...you will spend a considerable amount of time more than expected getting to parts...For example, you'll have to remove 13 bolts in order to remove the skid plate and then you can change the oil and filter (BTW, be careful when you jack this car up and where jack is...better to leave to the dealership if you considered yourself just "handy"). I personally Instruct and teach racing for a living and highly recommend this vehicle for any beginner to advanced driver due to the fact that it's a very forgiving platform to learn on and also requires smooth and concise driving to be fast on the track. Hope this helps!

The Elise is by a LONG way the worst car I've ever driven. I've seen people say that it's a "hard-core" sports car....whatever. It has the engine out of a lawnmower. Interior is a joke, just a plasticy rattle trap. Also, the roof leaks and has virtually no suspension. Riding a motorcycle would be quieter. A specialty dealer gave me an Elise with 1000 miles on it to drive for 5 days while considering a purchase....I brought it back after 12 hours.

I get so much attention. even when other exotics are around. thats the icing on the cake because i bought my lotus to impress me not others. FUN FUN FUN, its only down side is hard as rock suspension and poor sound insulation.