DecodedCars2007 Lotus Elise/exige
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2007 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 21 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 25% better than the average 2007 two seaters (18.4 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2007 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 23 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway), 25% better than the 2007 two seaters average of 18.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2007
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2006 Elise/exige — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2006; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2006 Elise/exige →
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 | 21 / 27 / 23 | +25% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Elise/Exige | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +20% | $3,050 | 404 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2007 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2007 Lotus Elise/exige under the current (2011+) test program.
Recalls (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Hoses/Lines/Piping/Fittings · Feb 5, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V041000 · 451 vehicles
- Problem
- Lotus is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Elise and Exige vehicles manufactured from December 1, 2006, through October 31, 2007. 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 replace the oil cooler hose fittings and the entire lateral oil cooler hose, free of charge. The safety recall began on March 4, 2013. Owners may contact Lotus at 1-800-245-6887.
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 2007 Lotus Elise/exige is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2007 Lotus Elise/exige buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 3 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2007 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 |
| 2006 Elise/exige | 22 | – | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2005 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 →