Used 2003 Lotus Esprit Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2003 Esprit, so we've included reviews for other years of the Esprit since its last redesign.
over 3 yrs ownership
tim hayden, 12/24/2007
2002 Lotus Esprit V8 2dr Coupe (3.5L 8cyl Turbo 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have driven it daily for over 3 yrs and has been extremely reliable. I am so use to people making double takes when they see it on the road that it feels strange on the rare occasion when it does not occur. The performance is way beyond what I can explore and the exhaust note with the center exit U.S. exhaust is phenomenal and sounds only like exotic european cars can. The interior is very intimate and memorable and feels very nice once settled in. I think the exterior is one of the most beautiful, exotic shapes to date and still looks modern after all these years. I have owned Porsches and Ferraris and this is the most satisfying car yet. Don't be scared to take the plunge and get one.
An Owner's Review: 2003 Lotus Esprit V8
Owner of 2003 Esprit, 08/28/2003
2001 Lotus Esprit V8 2dr Coupe (3.5L 8cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Frightening fast car, difficult to drive slow. Don't mean b/c u "want" to drive it fast, I mean b/c IT wants to drive fast. The gas pedal is either on or off, as is clutch. Brakes similar, risk a face plant if not careful to go gentle on pedal. Not easy to drive, but has its rewards. Downsides: (there are several), forget about getting it if you are shy, everyone WILL react to it, sometimes positively, sometimes not. This leads to things that weigh on your mind. As in, can I just park this car anywhere?(ans: no). Do I need to plan my trips? (ans: yes). The car nose is unbeleivably low. Remember this is not a Porsche911, it is a supercar.
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See all 0 listingsEsprit V8 is a winner
Dirk989, 06/17/2003
2001 Lotus Esprit V8 2dr Coupe (3.5L 8cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
While not a well know marque, Lotus has produced one of the top supercars in the world. Handling has been described as the greatest ever. I don't disagree. Performance is unbelievable, especially with a few reasonably priced mods. This car will glue you to your seat and handle curves at speeds previously reserved for video games. The styling is not as outrageous as otherrs, but this is a car that looks much better in person than in print. Beautiful, exotic, good fuel mileage, unbelievable performance and handling for a fair price. The only flaw is that the interior, while very well made, is that of a typical British car - small and tight.
'02 Esprit
tim hayden, 04/27/2004
2002 Lotus Esprit V8 2dr Coupe (3.5L 8cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought it 2 weeks ago. Have owned a Boxster, 911, Ferrari 308 Quattrovalve and a Testarossa and I go out to the garage at night just to look at this one more than the others. The interior is gourgeous in tan and the wheels are the most beautiful I have ever seen. The twin turbo acceleration is the best I've ever driven and the exhaust is pleasantly loud. Major service is maybe $1200 and was $5000 on the Testarossa. Other accessories and parts much more reasonable also. I am using as everyday driver and I fully expect it to be reliable.
A Real head turner
LotusOwner, 09/08/2002
2002 Lotus Esprit V8 2dr Coupe (3.5L 8cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Exotic looking car. Somewhat practical. What can you say with a car that is only waist height. Getting in and out is difficult. Styling is timeless.
Purple lotus
icccceeeee, 03/10/2006
2001 Lotus Esprit V8 2dr Coupe (3.5L 8cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd Esprit, I LOVE these cars, a blast to drive and own ... but you have to WANT to drive them. They are not for the meek or shy. Maintenance is a must but is not close to other exotic cars.
Esprit V8 - Last of the Breed
Paul Hatz, 09/23/2002
2002 Lotus Esprit V8 2dr Coupe (3.5L 8cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It has more punch than than comparable Ferraris 355 and 360, thanks to the turbo, and it has a trunk, which they don't because of their large normally aspirated intake systems (the twin turbo design allows for a remarkably small and light engine design in the Lotus V8). Forget about all the garbage about it not sounding good, junk the exhaust and install straightpipes and this thing sings! You will get more compliments and looks with a nice Lotus V8 than any entry level Ferrari.
Esprit is Fabulous!!!
std63, 03/22/2004
2002 Lotus Esprit V8 2dr Coupe (3.5L 8cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After having both a Ferrari 355 and 360, I can say that the esprit is the best car out there for the money!! This thing just goes and is much more exclusive than a Ferrari
A Real Review
Jer, 07/05/2003
2002 Lotus Esprit V8 2dr Coupe (3.5L 8cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
In my opinion as a long-time Porsche owner I can make an honest comparison. I feel that from 1998 onwards the Esprit is a very usable and reliable car that is even more fun to drive then then nearly every Porsche, Ferrari 355, corvette and a viper. I have had nothing but pleasure without any headaches. Keep care of the Exclusive Lotus and it will keep good care of you. From reading some reviews, it is painfully obvious that the ratings are performed by individuals that have never owned any of the cars but just had an hour or so of driving.
Italian flair meets British panache
mikel, 03/29/2002
2002 Lotus Esprit V8 2dr Coupe (3.5L 8cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Esprit is an icon among exotic sportscars. It's limited production numbes ensure exclusivity and first rate personal support from the manafacturer. It has fantastic looks, and is now very reliable which is significant in this car class, second only to the NSX I would say. The car has superb handling which requires some getting used to as it's uncluttered by electronic traction control gizmos. It can easily out perform the NSX, 911. Against the Ferrari 360 it's a close affair. It is surprising comfortable on long journeys although getting in and out can be cumbersome. So for returning your videos you might want something else. Then again it's worth the trip !
My 2 Mid Life Crises
i own 2, 08/20/2003
2001 Lotus Esprit V8 2dr Coupe (3.5L 8cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
only problem is the high amount of maintainence that a lotus needs but if you can afford to buy a decent esprit than you can afford to keep it on the road
Lotus Love
egomes, 06/10/2002
2002 Lotus Esprit V8 2dr Coupe (3.5L 8cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Amazing car! I own an 891/2Esprit SE and it is perfect in MY opinion.
Anything less than the best is a felony
Behnchaud, 07/13/2002
2002 Lotus Esprit V8 2dr Coupe (3.5L 8cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
By far the best car in the world. why anyone would say otherwise is beyond me.
Bow Down
BoostedLoser, 10/04/2002
2002 Lotus Esprit V8 2dr Coupe (3.5L 8cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
...Bow down to the greatest sports car that was ever designed! More affordable than any of its competetors, and a style that is better than any other!
Extreme Fun
MK, 07/17/2003
2002 Lotus Esprit V8 2dr Coupe (3.5L 8cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Esprit got a Fantastic look and good performance.It is different,but fun to drive and giving me so much driving pleasure.
Alward's Car
Matt Alward, 02/06/2003
2002 Lotus Esprit V8 2dr Coupe (3.5L 8cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
CD player and xboxexterior ddesign is very nice in the back
World's Best Car
Jamez, 02/20/2004
2003 Lotus Esprit V8 2dr Coupe (3.5L 8cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great Car, no problems, love it!
could be better but i still love it
HenryC, 06/07/2004
2003 Lotus Esprit V8 2dr Coupe (3.5L 8cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the interior is a little tight, but its well worth it. your outside view it slightly limited but i don't complain about it. its not too bad. it uses a lot of gas and normally its not a big deal but with gas prices today i pay almost a third more then i usually do so i cut back on its drive time.
Outdated
Abuser, 04/23/2002
2002 Lotus Esprit V8 2dr Coupe (3.5L 8cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Esprits are sorely in need of a redesign. Their old design can barely keep up with cars half there price, let alone the cars in it's price range.