Throttle House Reviews the Lotus Elise: Why It's Worth $50,000

Counter-counterpoint. I test drove two Elise’s and an Exige. I had previously thought a first generation Dodge Viper was the worst car I had ever driven. Then I got to the Elise… I suppose if you want that carnival ride sort of experience (not in that it’s exciting because it’s fast, but exciting in that all the rattling noises reminded me of the poorly made cage on the zipper ride at the local carnival I went to as a kid that makes you think it will fall apart and you will die), then it’s great! Here’s reality. The chassis feel wasn’t that much better than many other cars I’ve driven. I think a lot of people mistake harshness for chassis and steering feel. It wasn’t fast. It doesn’t handle any better than many other cars I’ve owned (I’ve had a Porsche, a Corvette, and two Camaros that all handled better, had more grip, and had great feel, too). These were not ratted out examples, either. They were a brand new models at the Lotus dealer. For the same or less money, I can have a car that is more comfortable, faster, handles better, and smokes it at the track. And those cars give an experience that’s just as good or better without so much sacrifice. The only way an Elise is worth it is if you are someone who really wants to put up with a lot of headaches as part of an ownership experience that is unique. There’s a reason they didn’t really sell that many here. Now the Evora, that was an excellent car to drive. It might have had the best balance of ride and handling in any car I’ve driven. Certainly among cars that don’t have electronic suspension systems.