Used 2005 Lotus Elise Consumer Reviews
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A True Weekend Racer
The Elise is certainly not for everyone. It is not a luxurious vehicle, a daily driver (for most people), or extremely powerful. However it is very unique, very light, very fun, relatively affordable, reliable, and pure! This car weighs 25% less than a Mazda Miata, and maneuvers precisely. The steering car is very communicative, through its steering, ride, and pedals. Because of its light weight and low center of gravity it sticks to the road like glue. The engine isn't too powerful, but it is reliable with Toyota's 1.8L VVTi engine. At 6 RPM the VVTi kicks in and the car pulls very hard to redline.
The most amazing car I've ever owned
This car is absolutely amazing. It handles like no other street legal car you can buy. I looked at Porsche, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari and others. Handling-wise it blew them all away hands down. In a straight line there are faster cars but nothing handles and connects you to the road like the Elise. It's a true drivers car. This was not intended or designed to be an everyday grocery hauler. If that's what you're looking for, buy something else. But if you want the real "Ultimate Driving Machine" then the Elise is it.
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $45,900480 mi away
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $41,495494 mi away
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $51,900543 mi away
Nothing else even similar
This car is such a total departure from any other street car that I'm shocked it made it to production, much less DOT and EPA certified. The car is so light, rigid, and responsive to input that the driving experience is simply not comparable to driving anything else. The noise and ride aren't as harsh as you would expect and the driving position and seats are excellent. 30+ mpg. Terrible radio and alarm. There is a rattle in the gear box the dealer says is not normal but they won't do anything about it. Fit and finish are pretty good for a low production hand built car requiring unconventional materials and manufacturing processes.
Track this car... please!
Unbelievable, but my wife bought this car because it looks great and she lets me take it to the track. Drives like a race car because that's what it was built to do. Take a racing class if you've never done such a thing. Then take the car out and have some fun on the track. But don't try this on the street. You'll get squashed like a bug when you move fast into the blind spot of just about any car and every truck. Hold on to your seat because you've never had a ride like this before.
One wicked car!
Bought this car 6 months ago and have the only complaint of driving it too much! Nothing has gone wrong so far and I do my own oil changes with Mobil 1 5w40 synthetic oil. On curvy roads it's unbeatable. Me and my friends with fast cars (08 evo, 05 vette, 04 G35 Coupe, 04 STI) go cruising on local back roads and none of them can keep up with me. Try taking a tight turn on the hwy at 130mph... this car can do it! Has a very unique design that is eye catching for all ages!