2005 Lotus Elise - First Drive & Road Test Review - Motor Trend: "We've been anxiously awaiting our first test of the 2005 Lotus Elise. All the worldwide hullabaloo surrounding this car (available elsewhere since 1996!) worried us that the Elise we Americans would receive might not live up to its billing at the test track. We've never been so happy to report (now and in 'First Drive,' July) that the Elise has arrived, unmolested, and that every word written or uttered regarding this car is true.

It's no secret that the key to its exceptional abilities is its use of lightweight materials. That being the case, one might think the 1979-pound Elise has all the comforts of a go-kart. Not so. Our $40,780 Elise (stereo and air-conditioning are standard) came with the $1350 Touring option (full leather seating, power windows, insulated soft-top, additional sound-deadening, and carpet) for a total of $42,130. "