DecodedCars2008 Lotus Elise/exige
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 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 — 24% better than the average 2008 two seaters (18.6 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 2008 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), 24% better than the 2008 two seaters average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Elise/exige — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 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 | +24% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Elise/Exige | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +18% | $3,050 | 404 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Lotus Elise/exige under the current (2011+) test program.
Recalls (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · May 27, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V280000 · 860 vehicles
- Problem
- Lotus Cars USA, Inc. (Lotus) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Elise and Exige vehicles manufactured from November 2007 to July 2011, and 2011 Evora vehicles manufactured September 2010 through September 2011. The oil cooler hose may detach from its fitting.
- Risk
- A detached oil hose 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 on the Elise and Exige vehicles and will replace the oil cooler hose assemblies on the Evora vehicles, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Lotus at 1-800-245-6887. Lotus' number for this recall is 201401R (Elise/Exige), and 2014/02R (Evora). Note: This recall is an expansion of recalls 11V-510 and 13V-041.
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.
Not every 2008 Lotus Elise/exige is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2008 Lotus Elise/exige in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2008 Lotus Elise/exige buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls 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 2008 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 |
| 2007 Elise/exige | 23 | – | Not rated | 2 | 1 |
| 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 →