DecodedCars2005 Lotus Elise/exige
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 20 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 22 MPG combined — 20% better than the average 2005 two seaters (18.3 MPG).
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Lotus Elise/exige is a two seaters offered with a 1.8L 4-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (20 city / 25 highway), 20% better than the 2005 two seaters average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file.
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elise/exige | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | +20% | $3,750 | 404 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Lotus Elise/exige under the current (2011+) test program.
Recalls (1)
Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 14, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V510000 · 5,041 vehicles
- Problem
- LOTUS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 ELISE AND EXIGE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004, THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2006. THE OIL COOLER LINE MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM ITS FITTING.
- Risk
- A DETACHED OIL LINE COULD SPRAY OIL ON A TIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH, OR IT COULD SPRAY OIL THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
- Fix
- LOTUS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LOTUS AT 1-800-245-6887.
Not every 2005 Lotus Elise/exige is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2005 Lotus Elise/exige in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2005 Lotus Elise/exige buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Lotus Elise/exige. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Elise/exige years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Elise/exige | 23 | – | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2010 Elise/exige | 23 | – | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2009 Elise/exige | 23 | – | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2008 Elise/exige | 23 | – | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2007 Elise/exige | 23 | – | Not rated | 2 | 1 |
| 2006 Elise/exige | 22 | – | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lotus. How we calculate this →