2005 Lotus Elise Review
Price Estimate: $4,373 - $5,916





+54
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
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
After years of letting Europeans have all the fun, the lightweight Lotus Elise sports car finally makes it to the States.
Edmunds 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.
For sale near Lafayette, IN
5 listings
- $179,995
- 3,100 miles
- Rebuilt vehicle reported, 8 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl manual
- RP Exotics (224 mi away)
- Alarm
- Soft Top
Close
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Dealer Experience the thrill of owning a rare 2018 Rezvani Beast Alpha X, one of only five ever produced, finished in a striking blue exterior. This ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (20 City/25 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: SCCPC11175HL33693
Stock: RPA 2927
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-24-2025 - 65,528 miles
- No accidents, 4 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl manual
- Lake Norman Auto Exchange (473 mi away)
- Alarm
- Soft Top
Close
Located in Cornelius, NC
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (20 City/25 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: SCCPC11105HL34071
Stock: 10570
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-13-2025
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Indiana
$181/mo for Elise Base
Elise Base
vs
$170/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Lotus Elise Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
2005 Lotus Elise
4.88 out of 5 starsmark Greenblatt, 03/28/2006
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
Anyone who is serious about sports cars should put this car on your short list of cars to test drive. I have had 4 Porsches, much more expensive than this car, but I will never go back to Porsche again. They are so boring and bland compared to this car. A purchaser of this car should be aware that it is one of the most raw cars for sale. Raw meaning it has a loud engine (1/3 of my reason … to buy a car is the sound it makes), the interior is spartan with a lot of exposed chassis metal (which I think looks so cool), it is a simple car designed to have balanced handling and performance, low weight, and will give you grins every time you get in it. It has a Toyota drivetrain to boot.
Lots of Bang for your Buck!
4.63 out of 5 starsWC Kelly, 06/25/2008
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
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!
Dump your Ferrari!
5 out of 5 starsJohnRocket, 06/05/2007
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
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.
Pure Fun
4.38 out of 5 starsdk, 12/21/2009
2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
If you just want to have kick butt driving fun, this is your car. Don't expect posh comfort but do expect the most fun that you have ever had driving a car. No cup holders but then again, it would spill anyway. You will also become a minor celeb as people will take your picture, and will follow you all over the place. It can actually get a little annoying but once again, fun. No … matter what other cars on around you, you will become the focal point. I have had mine for 4 years and I still love to just look at it. The temptation to drive too fast is overwhelming but it looks fast just parked so you get over it. Fantastic car.
2005 Elise Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $42,990 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $181/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Elise include:
- Alarm
Related Used 2005 Lotus Elise info
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