2001 Lotus Esprit Review
2001 Lotus Esprit Review
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Used Esprit for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sharp steering, blinding acceleration, people on the street think it's twice as expensive as it really is.
Cons
- Dated chassis, minimal outward visibility, cramped cockpit.
What’s new
For 2001, the still-toothsome Lotus Esprit V8 is now shod in Dunlops rather than Michelins. This won't alter its ability to "corner like it's on rails," as illustriously stated by the "Pretty Woman."
Edmunds says
The hyper Esprit is not as easy to live with as an Acura NSX or Porsche 911, but it's not as common either.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Lotus Esprit V8 2dr Coupe (3.5L 8cyl Turbo 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$264/mo for Esprit V8
Esprit V8
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Lotus Esprit. Most Americans know what it is, though this is probably due more to its brief appearance in "The Spy Who Loved Me" than any sort of advertising or automotive reviews. It's amazing what happens to a car's awareness factor when you equip it with rockets and a submarine periscope.
One of the more evergreen cars around, its basic shape and chassis design have been around since the Esprit debuted in 1975. For the majority of its life, a four-cylinder engine took up residence amidships. Obviously, a four banger isn't exactly synonymous with supercar performance, so Lotus finally managed to replace it with a twin-turbo V8 in 1997.
This all-aluminum 3.5-liter V8 generates 350 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 295 foot-pounds of torque. And while the engine doesn't sound nearly as exotic as a Ferrari's V8 (the turbos and flat-plane crankshaft conspire to keep the engine note rather dull), the V8 does provide ample forward thrust. Acceleration from zero-to-60 mph takes less than 5 seconds.
Last year, Lotus engineers recalibrated the engine's computer to improve torque delivery in the lower gears. This gives greater flexibility and response, especially when the car is being driven at slow urban speeds. For 2000 Lotus also swapped out the '99 car's Brembo brakes for AP Racing competition four-piston fixed brake calipers and upgraded disc brakes. The 320-mm diameter curved-vane discs are both vented and cross-drilled for improved ventilation.
The Esprit V8 is one of the best-handling cars sold in America. Driven at eighth-tenths, the car is a lot of fun. But if you have to hustle it at ten-tenths, it becomes somewhat unsettled. The Esprit's aging chassis and suspension design are the culprits. Newer cars like the Acura NSX, Ferrari 360 Modena and Porsche 911 all offer similar or better levels of performance while still managing to provide a more refined ride on city streets.
Another problem with the Esprit V8 is its interior. Tall drivers over 6-feet tall will feel claustrophobic once inside. The narrow seats can be comfortable for long durations, but the narrow footwells leave little room for the driver's left leg. Outward visibility is particularly bad, and the rearview and outside mirrors are virtually useless.
Discriminating pedestrians will go berserk when they spot an Esprit V8, and they often guess at a sticker price twice reality. In fact, pricing is in line with other top performance cars such as the NSX and Dodge Viper. The only options available are a sunroof and custom paint.
With so few Esprit V8s on the road, exclusivity is a guarantee. And it is unquestionably the fastest model in the car's 25-year history. If you are looking for speed and a Lotus badge, this is the car to get. But if practicality and reliability are important considerations for you, we would recommend the NSX or Porsche 911 Turbo.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Lotus Esprit.
5 star(75%)
4 star(25%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
4 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
An Owner's Review: 2003 Lotus Esprit V8
Owner of 2003 Esprit, 08/28/2003
2001 Lotus Esprit V8 2dr Coupe (3.5L 8cyl Turbo 5M)
Frightening fast car, difficult to
drive slow. Don't mean b/c u "want" to
drive it fast, I mean b/c IT wants to
drive fast. The gas pedal is either on
or off, as is clutch. Brakes similar,
risk a face plant if not careful to go
gentle on pedal. Not easy to drive,
but has its rewards. Downsides: (there
are several), forget about getting it
if you are shy, everyone WILL … react to
it, sometimes positively, sometimes
not. This leads to things that weigh
on your mind. As in, can I just park
this car anywhere?(ans: no). Do I need
to plan my trips? (ans: yes). The car
nose is unbeleivably low. Remember
this is not a Porsche911, it is a
supercar.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Esprit V8 is a winner
Dirk989, 06/17/2003
2001 Lotus Esprit V8 2dr Coupe (3.5L 8cyl Turbo 5M)
While not a well know marque, Lotus has
produced one of the top supercars in
the world. Handling has been described
as the greatest ever. I don't
disagree. Performance is unbelievable,
especially with a few reasonably priced
mods. This car will glue you to your
seat and handle curves at speeds
previously reserved for video games.
The styling is not as outrageous as …
otherrs, but this is a car that looks
much better in person than in print.
Beautiful, exotic, good fuel mileage,
unbelievable performance and handling
for a fair price. The only flaw is
that the interior, while very well
made, is that of a typical British car -
small and tight.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Purple lotus
icccceeeee, 03/10/2006
2001 Lotus Esprit V8 2dr Coupe (3.5L 8cyl Turbo 5M)
This is my 2nd Esprit, I LOVE these cars, a blast to drive and own ... but you have to WANT to drive them. They are not for the meek or shy. Maintenance is a must but is not close to other exotic cars.
4.88 out of 5 stars
My 2 Mid Life Crises
i own 2, 08/20/2003
2001 Lotus Esprit V8 2dr Coupe (3.5L 8cyl Turbo 5M)
only problem is the high amount of
maintainence that a lotus needs but if
you can afford to buy a decent esprit
than you can afford to keep it on the
road
2001 Esprit Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $86,125 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $264/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 2 years / unlimited miles |
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