As a track instructor who instructs people how to drive safely at high speed on an approved circuit I thort the Elise 111s Mk1 was in its own class considering it was under £25,000 new in 2000. Compaired to £100,000 + cars the Elise would out perform where it counts on handling. Yes on the straight the Elise did lack the power 143bhp compaired to 450bhp+ the competition did have a big advantage but power to weight ratio the Elise was not that far behind. I purchased my own Elise 111s in 2000 with loads of factory extras I still have the car it has all its original components except the battery I have purchase 3 of them so far. As this car is standard throughout its fast enough for me on the public roads. The car has only covered 11,200 miles. I have maintained this car myself from new to the highest standard it is in mint condition as I am a retired mechanic. This Elise has been 100% reliable probably because I do not push the car. My Elise has probably been on the road 9 years out of the 17 and only been used on warm dry days in summer.This car is relay a fun car the boot may accommodate a couple of plastic bags. Its a sports car and nothing else. I find it now that getting in and out of this car is getting harder, that big sill seems to be getting higher and higher each year. I know at some stage the car will have to be sold just because I am getting older, the day this car is sold will be a sad day for me. To some up this preview, a great car a pocket rocket at on a small budget.

I bought my Elise 111s to replace a Ferrari (that I could no longer afford to maintain) and it's a superb car. There's really nothing to fault for the kind of car it is. The boot is large enough for a weekend away, perfomance is outstanding, and it looks great. If there was one criticism it's that it rattles rather a lot, although I've cured most of them with a bit of tinkering (well, a lot of tinkering) It also manages 35+ mpg and is surprisingly good on longer motorway trips, although mine is the post 2003 version which has more soundproofing plus electric windows etc. It also has aircon which is more useful than you'd think as the interior gets fairly hot with the hood up. The steering is so direct, you only have to think about a corner and you are round. It is a second car really, you can use it as a daily driver but it wouldn't be ideal for this purpose. It's nice after owning an old Italian car to know that rust won't rear it's ugly head either!

Being a female I was concerned on silly things like the driving postion, parking and just the power of the car...however it is just so easy to drive and I absolutley love the car...words just cant describe how amazing it is.
The whole driving experience cant be beaten and I cant ever imagine driving another car.
My only regret? is that I didnt get it years ago..i've wasted so long driving run of the mill cars!!!!

This is my second Lotus Elise and by far the best. The 111s is more refined, but you don't lose that Elise handling and driver feedback. With a sports exhaust added you get that rumbling noise matched with the looks. Just awesome.

The last review said the Lotus Elise 111S that it has rivals like honda s2000. Maybe the reviewer can drive it properly. On any track the elise would crush ferrari 486's, plus i hate hondas, i have got one with about 170 bhp does 0-60 4.5 secs, move over ferrari's. Love it.

Overall, the Lotus Elise 111s is an outstanding car. It is also, at the same time, a great dollar value. The only cars that can rival this one in dollar value are the Honda S2000 (240hp)(Top Speed:150mph) and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (276hp)(Top Speed:158mph) VII. All three of these cars are great.

Probably the best Lotus Elise (including S2) for cross-country 'A' and 'B' roads. Higher performance and close-ratio gears etc. all make it a perfect match. Most refined of the Mk-1 range with all the Lotus Elise characteristics of direct handling. But it's essential to do some driver training if you've not had one before.

What can be said that the industry has not said already? The Lotus Elise has a chassis to die for, incredible feedback, it's fast and only has enough boot space for your girlfriend to pack her lingerie. It's also a convertible. It can be a little bit difficult to get in and out of with the hood on but it only reminds me of hopping into fighter planes at air shows as a kid - that same smugness of it. As for value for money you have to weigh up the standard Elise with modifications vs Elise 111S in your own terms.

Only area in which the Elise 111S is lacking is noise. Quickly remedied by fitment of a sports exhaust and removing the cat. The Lotus Elise 111S is awesome!! The amount of fun to be had driving it for the sake of driving is unbelievable. Can't wait for the summer and numerous track days!!