2006 Lotus Exige Consumer Reviews

Exige, Mighty Mini Supercar

Written by: Al B Bach on 05/21/2006

Vehicle

2006 Lotus Exige 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl 6M)

Review

Exige will take you're breath away. Not a practical utilitarian car by any means. This car car is designed for one purpose: to be driven on back twisty roads where the adrenaline flows through your veins. This is a "me" car that spells out individuality with F1 roots. This car is for serious drivers in a small niche track drivers, car enthusiasts and those that want pure performance without killing the pocket book. From its 150lb chassis to the hand layer fiber body it is definitely worth the wait for an order to be processed for the US market. I waited since 2004 for mine since the first US announcement for ramp up in Nov 2005, delivery was Feb 2006. Only 300 made and I'm glad I got mine.

Favorite Features

The spartan interior makes for a no distraction free zone. I'ts you and the car. Forget the luxury items, there are none. No trunk to speak of, throw your gear bag and helmet in and you're packed to race. This is like sitting in a cruise missile. You have simply to think about your line, Exige does it.

Suggested Improvements

The supercharger would be nice for the US model, the extra 40hp would be a great boon for the mid-end performance. The addition of the front driving lights offered in the UK would be nice since it is prewired. The tow ring is too small in the kit and needs to be larger.

16 out 21 people found this review helpful

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An Amazing Car - But Not For Everyone

Written by: XEEEJ on 03/22/2006

Vehicle

2006 Lotus Exige 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl 6M)

Review

The Exige is an amazing machine. Steering feel, braking & cornering are all phenomenal. The car is also beautiful to look at while being functional. I love mine, but prospective buyers need to know what they're getting. The car is not for everyone and you have to be willing to deal with its total impracticalities. It's basically a 4 wheel motorcycle. The car is best used on twisty back roads or on track. Commuting or highway cruising is a waste, in my opinion. You have to accept the attention that the car draws. It's a surprisingly comfortable car once inside. Ingress and egress are tricky but get easier with a little practice. Nothing comes close to an Exige for the money.

Favorite Features

Handling and styling. The car goes like stink, corners like nothing else, and gives tremendous feedback to its driver. The car looks like a $200k supercar or like a mini Le Mans racer. It's just a thrill every time you get it out on an open country road.

Suggested Improvements

Lotus would be well advised to offer a dealer installed supercharger for the Exige. Extra low-end grunt is always welcome even though the car is far from slow as is. HID lights would also be a welcome addition. Any other creature comforts would change the nature of the beast. Leave it alone.

7 out 9 people found this review helpful

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You Wear this Car

Written by: gtlotus on 02/14/2006

Vehicle

2006 Lotus Exige 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl 6M)

Review

The Exige and you become one. You can feel everything that goes on. Every bump, every crack. There are no surprises. This is the best Lotus ever. Colin is smiling!

Favorite Features

Road handling.

Suggested Improvements

Maybe the shift could be shorter.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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wow

Written by: danny8623 on 01/23/2006

Vehicle

2006 Lotus Exige 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl 6M)

Review

This has to be the funnest car I have ever had. Maybe not the fastest but I can take any turn at any speed. You have got to have one; it IS the BEST.

Favorite Features

Looks definitely ... quickness and performance.

Suggested Improvements

Interior. Needs more standard equipment.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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