Used 2005 Lotus Elise Consumer Reviews
Used Elise for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
the best
Bla Bla, 08/18/2004
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best riding car around
Cool car
discool, 10/04/2004
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is a very cool car. It is cheap and is very fast. I suggest everyone to buy it.
2005 Lotus Elise for sale near you
Showing 3 of 8 listings
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $52,500119 mi away
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $41,495322 mi away
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $299,995719 mi away
See all 8 listings
ALL SMILES
Batmanrick, 10/20/2004
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It took three years from the date of deposit to pick up my starlight black Lotus Elise ... and the smile hasn't left my face yet !
The Driver's Masterpiece
Eliseiak, 10/29/2004
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
How can the Elise be described other than as the best handling, most fun piece of art on the roads. Not only is it one of the most beautiful cars available, it can't be beat for smiles per mile. It hugs the road in the curvy bits and settles right down on the straights. It is surprisingly comfortable to drive for long days, after three 500+ mile days, I still wanted to get right back in her and on the road again. This car is worth every penny it costs and every day you wait for it to arrive.
Ridiculous handling, awesome reliability
Leno, 11/10/2004
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Unless you have track driven much more expensive world class sportscars you can in no way begin to appreciate the value of this car. Amazingly is doesn't grow uncomfortable, and the Toyota drivetrain is bulletproof, proven, durable, servicable, and torquey. No downshifts required. And the exhaust note is second to none. I'm not sure how they get that throaty roar from a 4 cyl, even my M3 with a Remus didn't sound this good! Don't know why I got the MP3 player, I'd rather listen to the engine. Rides suprisingly well, road noise not bad. No buffeting at any speeds with the top off. No room for storage but who needs it, and this much fun is reserved for small people, or you'll bump shoulders.
wild car
Raul, 12/09/2004
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The most fun to drive car I've owned. before i got it i had forgotten driving could also be fun.
My fourth Lotus -and the best so far
drdaave999, 12/19/2004
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What a great car. The true joy of driving returns with the new Elise. Colin Chapman's ghost would be ecstatic about this newest Lotus. Lithe, with spectacular handling, unbelievable weight to power ratio, beautiful sytling. And all for far less cost than either a Boxster or a Corvette. No wonder I remain an Anglofile!
Cooler Than I Thought
April G., 01/16/2005
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had no idea....this car is so much more fun than I thought. I have a very active lifestyle, and driving has always been something I just had to do - until now. Now I LOOK for reasons to. I love being first "in line" at the red light, so when it's time to go, I can red line it through the first couple few gears before I bring it to an acceptable and legal speed. :-) I get so many looks w/ this car. When I come back to my car after parking somewhere, inevitably there is more than one person crouched over looking at "my girl". (I've had people actually take pictures of her on several occasions, which one of you "Big Boys" can say that?) Good decision buying this girl, she's uniquely mine
Remember what it's for...
Jay, 02/09/2005
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Elise is a pure, unadulterated sports car. It does not try to be anything else. It is one of the fastest street legal cars, and handles arguably better than just about anything else on the road. It's form (all the vents are real and needed) is functional - you can like the look or not, but there is nothing extra, e.g. a big rear spoiler. That it manages to do this for under $50K is stunning. It does this by sacrificing weight (e.g size,gadgets, electronics, "comfort" stuff) and by designing to the best ergonomics once you are in it. My Elise puts a grin on my face every time I drive it, and feels as comfortable as a glove. Complaints about cupholders, ease of entry, etc. miss the point.
Handles great
Tom, 04/23/2005
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Tired of feeling like you are driving your living room sofa around? This car handles great and gives more sense in being in control of the driving situation than any car I have ever owned. You feel connected to the road, and the ride is not bone jarring. The car can go from 0-60 in under 5 seconds and still get over 30 mpg on the highway.
Ubelievable fun, not an everyday driver
Brian, 06/18/2005
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had a lot of sports cars, and this is the most fun pure sports car I have ever owned. If this would be your only vehicle I would not recommend it. Ride is very stiff; daily potholes into the city may rattle your fillings out. But as a toy, there is no more fun to be found for under $100,000.
Amazing.
John, 07/30/2005
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my third Lotus, and they have done an excellent job with this design.
Cheap at Twice the Price
Joel, 08/01/2005
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have the Sport-track model of the Elise. This car is for people who want a RIDE, not transportation. Having said that, though I have an additional car that I have put only 200 miles on since getting the Elise. To be blunt, driving any other car is just a chore. I can't keep a smile off my face when I drive this car. People should have to pay an entertainment fee just to look at it!
Elise
seven, 08/22/2005
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am thrilled to own this car. It is fast and gets looks constantly.
rocket w/ 2 seats
jonf_so_fla, 09/16/2005
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i have had the car for about three and a half months, and i enjoy it just like day one! purchased new, now over 10,000 miles, runs like day one. small rattle in drivers door, front speaker grills needed to be replaced the dealer has been great! all performance and fun! my other car is a surburban 2500, guess what i drive most days. i ordered and waited for this car a year and a half, i would do it again!
Fun to dirve
dave jackson, 09/20/2005
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Elise will make Colin Chapman smile .Lotus is back and better than ever.This is our 4th Lotus (after a "real" Dodge Daytona, with all its muscle. The Elise is reminsecent of our Europa Series 6, but is mnuch better constricted, with much better performance and much more striking beauty. I have never driven a car that handles this well, combining sub 5 second accelleration with ultra-responsive handling and eye turning beauty. One does have to take care getting into the car, especially if you are tall like me. But once in driving position, it is quite comfortable. The air conditioner works here in Florida. All in all, the value and fun quotient for the Elise is unmatched anywhere
Lotus Experience
Stewartbp, 12/20/2005
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car continues to amaze and thrill me. The control and power combination is unequalled. I have not had it on a road track yet but I'm looking forward to it in the near future. This is not the modern sports car. Spartan and no frilles interior, but I didn't buy the vehicle to live in. The Consumers Report review of this vehicle must have been done buy some soccer mom, so I have lowered my expectations as far as their reviews. A must drive vehicle, if you can find a dealer that will let you test drive one.
Way Too Fun
Chris D, 03/31/2006
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Driving this car is very comparable to riding on a roller coaster: same sensations going around curves and accelerating, an occasional hard bump, etc. Other "sports cars" seem pointless in comparison. Best toy I've ever owned. It makes me feel like a teenager again. Beats other exotics more than twice the price in many ways. Love the body lines and the handling. Absolutely a blast to drive.
my 2005 Lotus Elise
larry, 05/27/2006
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Handles better than any car I've ever driven. Excellent brakes. With top off, easy in and out but requires a good back and knees to get in and out with the top on. Air and heat work great.
Lotsa fun
Zack Jones, 01/31/2007
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have felt the need to have the dealer do the service which tends to be expensive. I was involved in a minor accident (not my fault), but the repairs were extremely expensive. That said, it really is fun and will turn heads and have lots of people asking what it is and how much it cost.
A Jimi Hendrix color.
Naef Basile, 10/14/2021
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car does not have 190 horsepower. It around 134hp. This does not reduce the acceleration. The car’s 134hp makes it accelerate like a rocket. The lightness of the car is what makes this possible.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
GOOD CAR
zleduc, 05/22/2004
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is a really reliable car! Fun to drive and makes everyone go wild.
lotus
alexfox, 06/12/2004
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
nice car. love to drive it.
Best Car Ever
Seraph, 09/19/2004
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
no word to describe