2005 Lotus Elise Review
Fuel Economy
22 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Sports car fans rejoice! The European version of the Elise was very good; the U.S. version is even better. Better get in line quick if you want one, though; initial demand is sure to outstrip supply of this hot roadster.
Pros
Ultralightweight chassis, free-revving four-cylinder, uninhibited steering, supercar performance without the supercar price.
Cons
Spartan interior, engine still a bit peaky for U.S. tastes, ride quality more Formula One than grand touring, limited dealer network.
What's New for 2005
After years of letting Europeans have all the fun, the lightweight Lotus Elise sports car finally makes it to the States.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Lots of Bang for your Buck!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
Review
This car is a true head-turner. There is absolutely, positively NO other car that competes with the Lotus Elise in either looks or performance for the price. An absolute PLEASURE to drive, this car will give you a perma-grin. I have parked my Chrome Orange Elise next to cars costing twice as much, yet the crowd seems to gather around the Lotus. If you are shy, this is NOT the car for you, unless, perhaps, you are looking to come out of your shell. This is an excellent car for for women or men with small feet, as the pedals are located close together. It is certainly not the most graceful car to enter and exit... (don't wear a skirt ladies!) All in all a fantastic car to drive!
Favorite Features
The body style gives a look that is costs much more than what you paid! Amazing handling! Fun and fabulous.
Suggested Improvements
None
Wow!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
Review
This is a car only for those who love to drive and KNOW how to drive well. This car will outperform most everything out there with the exception of some super cars. It is not for the driver who wants creature comforts... not a cup holder, climate control, heated seat to be found. This is essentially a street legal track car. The cool thing is that you can drive her to the track, put on your helmet and eat up a 911, Miata, Cobra, or what ever else gets in your way. Then have a nice drive home. I use mine as a daily commuter for a 110 mile round trip. It makes the drive fun and economical.
Favorite Features
The tone of the engine when you exceed 6,000 rpm and the second cam opens her up. The feel of driving a race car.
Suggested Improvements
Brighter lights and putting in a blinking light in the central break light would help.
3 out 4 people found this review helpful
Sold for a better car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
Review
I owned the Lotus Elise for about 7 months. I enjoyed the car and thought that there was no better car for the same price. Then I test drove a Honda S2000. Every feature that the Lotus lacks the Honda makes up for it. more horse power, higher RPM Redline (9000RPM) and the handling is just as effective. 0-60 time is a little bit slower but 0-100 time is quicker and thats really what counts in my book. Lotus was okay but the S2000 beats it in speed and handling.
Favorite Features
Sleek exterior look.
Suggested Improvements
Needs more horse power and stereo is very weak.
0 out 2 people found this review helpful
Lotus Experience
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 4 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
Review
Back in the sixties when I was driving MGBs and Triumphs the car that stood out for me even then was the Lotus, particularly the Europa. This was a car that a true enthusiast would want. I never did get that Europa but, finally,in my later years, I was able to get the new Lotus Elise (an 05). The car has been a joy to drive and its handling and braking rival that of any sports car at any price. I can't count the number of times people have approached me with questions about the car and how much they liked it. I have had complete strangers come up to me and ask me if it was OK to take pictures of the car. The car has been a true driving experience, unlike any other sports car.
Favorite Features
Handling/braking, styling.
Suggested Improvements
A little more cushioning on the seats would be nice.
1 out 2 people found this review helpful
Dump your Ferrari!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
Review
Having owned virtually every dreamy sportscar imaginable (yes, I HAD an Enzo), this car is BY FAR the greatest thing that has ever happened to a sunny Sunday morning. Though tough to get into, once inside, you get a comfortable driving position, phenomenal fuel economy, unfiltered communication from the car, and the most pure "street legal" driving experience. Plus, the added benefit of very low cost of ownership, and not worrying if something is happening outside to your Lambo/Ferrari while it is unattended, be it valet or street- parked. Plenty of fans on the streets, but more are curious of what it is, rather than what it costs. Very cool, very fun.
Favorite Features
Feedback to the driver. Unequivocally simple, but very advanced. Strongest chassis of any car on US roads, and my dealer, Fox Valley Motorcars in Chicago is the absolute BEST! They trailer my car in for service and make me actually feel like an exotic car owner for once.
Suggested Improvements
None. Maybe more power, but that's what the new Exige S is for. Next summer that will be my new car, but for now, I am enjoying the topless Elise!
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2009 Lotus Elise
- 2008 Lotus Elise
- 2007 Lotus Elise
- 2006 Lotus Elise
- 2005 Lotus Elise
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