2005 Lotus Elise consumer reviews

I was the 2nd person in Texas to get this car. On the drive home from Austin the air conditioning didnot work. The car spent 29 days of the first 90 in the shop. The dealer had to take the front end apart to get down to the air conditioner. They found insulation in the duct work. On the way home I was past off the line by a Toyota. Then I realized that the 0-60 numbers were achieved by flooring the gas and popping the clutch. I doubt anyone drives like that. I was so glad to get rid of this car. I came out of a Ferrari to the Lotus and into a Corvette. No comparison in these 3 cars. The Lotus was pure junk. I read what others write and wonder what they are used to driving.

The elise is easily the most fun sports car a hardcore enthusiast can buy. Yes, it has a few tradeoffs like a high door sill, but never has there been a car that I was so emotionally attached to. I have owned 4 porsches in the past and now I cannot even think of buying another porsche. The car is that satisfying.

I've had mine for two years. I'm a real enthusiast of driving, I don't really care much about luxury, but the mechanicals and the functionality of a sports car are extremely important to me. For that reason the Elise is a total gem in a field of soft, over-stuffed, wannabe sportscars - Porsche, Ferrari, you name it and they are SOFT. The Elise is reliable, does not complain after days of hard track driving and canyon cruising. It's a joy on open roads - as long as they are smooth. As far as city driving goes, I wouldn't recommend it for someone who needs a luxurious ride at all. It's very short, fairly rough on the bumps - it's a pure-sports car - enough said. It does get GREAT gas mileage although I've never calculated it. I think I'm getting 30mpg on the hwy. Remember that this car has a bombproof toyota drivetrain and it works very well for this car. The suspension is 100% Lotus, which means you cannot find better. The interior is exquisite for a pure-sports car in my opinion. I a world of wannabe drivers in wannabe sports cars that cost tens if not hundred of thousands more, the Lotus is a wonderful option for the true enthusiast. Get one while you can.

Great and fun car, but not one to take on a road trip...Seats are thin and not well padded, but does give adequate support. Getting into the car requires a feat of flexibility, but once in the car proves to be roomy and quite user friendly.

Nothing handles like this car - You look forward to every turn and bend you can find. A true sports car!