2005 Lotus Elise Review

Name: 2005 Lotus Elise Review
Brand: Lotus
Price: 4312 USD
Rating: 4.8 (74 reviews)

Price Estimate: $4,312 - $5,833

2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster in Storm Titanium

2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster in Arctic Silver

2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster in Ardent Red

2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster in Magnetic Blue

2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster in Racing Green

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Price & Payment

8 cars

$47,209 avg. price

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Lotus Elise for Sale

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.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale nearby

8 listings

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2005 Lotus Elise
Base Convertible
$51,900
- 17,029 miles
- No accidents, 4 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl manual
- Motorcar Classics (220 mi away)
- Alarm
- Soft Top
Close
Located in Farmingdale, NY
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: SCCPC11175HL30289
Stock: 2856
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-16-2025
2005 Lotus Elise
Base Convertible
$45,900
fair price
$1,812 below market
- 13,685 miles
- 1 accident, 3 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl manual
- Professional Sales (221 mi away)
- Alarm
- Soft Top
Close
Located in Bensalem, PA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
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: SCCPC11185HL32861
Stock: L32861
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-13-2025

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.09 per gallon for regular unleaded in New York.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in New York

$174/mo

$166/mo

Avg. Compact Car

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Lotus Elise Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.8

74 reviews

5(84%)

4(15%)

3(1%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2005 Lotus Elise

mark 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 …

Lots of Bang for your Buck!

WC 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 …

Dump your Ferrari!

JohnRocket, 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 …

Pure Fun

dk, 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 …

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2005 Elise Highlights

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$42,990
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$174/month
Seating	2 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Key safety features on the Elise include:

Alarm

2005 Lotus Elise Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

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For sale nearby

2005 Lotus Elise
Base Convertible

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2005 Lotus Elise
Base Convertible

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.09 per gallon for regular unleaded in New York.}

Lotus Elise Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

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2005 Lotus Elise

Lots of Bang for your Buck!

Dump your Ferrari!

Pure Fun

2005 Elise Highlights

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2005 Lotus Elise Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

For sale nearby

2005 Lotus EliseBase Convertible

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2005 Lotus EliseBase Convertible

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.09 per gallon for regular unleaded in New York.

Lotus Elise Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2005 Lotus Elise

Lots of Bang for your Buck!

Dump your Ferrari!

Pure Fun

2005 Elise Highlights

Safety

Related Used 2005 Lotus Elise info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Other models

Join Edmunds

2005 Lotus Elise
Base Convertible

2005 Lotus Elise
Base Convertible

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2005 Lotus Elise 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.09 per gallon for regular unleaded in New York.}