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Lotus Exige - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Lotus Exige ranks 5 out of 9 Luxury Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 40 published reviews and test drives of the Lotus Exige, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2010 Lotus Exige is a rocket on the track, combining mind-blowing speeds with superb handling dynamics. It isn’t, however, suitable for daily use. Its stiff suspension and lack of luxury make sure of that.

First and foremost, the Exige is engineered to perform. Everything else caters to that purpose, or comes second. For instance, superb aerodynamics are to thank for the Exige’s wild style. The fact that its interior is devoid of most of the creature comforts its rivals offer as standard equipment has more to do with keeping weight down than saving shoppers a few bucks. If you can’t see the logic in that, a Lotus isn’t for you.

Edmunds explains, "The Exige…exists for those live-fast die-hard enthusiasts who don't give a crap about cupholders, sat-nav, luggage capacity, impact harshness, HVAC, NVH, ESP, XYZ, or any other nifty electro-mechanic nuisance with an obscure acronym."

To say the Exige delivers would be an understatement. Test drivers report that this machine blasts across straight-aways and through twists and turns like few others can. Reviewers, however, warn that its stiff suspension, low slung cabin and lack of adequate cargo room make it unsuitable for sporty jaunts around town. However, it’s wild fire on the track.

Those in the market for a luxury sports car with a little more luxury, should check out the Porsche Cayman. It doesn’t accelerate as quickly as the Exige, but provides more horsepower, has a higher top speed and handles just as marvelously. Those looking to save a few bucks should consider the 2010 Mazda Miata. It's not as eye-catching as the Exige, but offers mind-blowing performance for an affordable price. Plus, it features a convertible hardtop -- which offers relief on hot days at the track.

For 2010, the Exige received an exterior refresh. It’s available in two trims, S and S 240.

• "This is a track-ready missile that shares its chassis and interior with the Elise. The Exige S, however, doesn't have a removable top, and it has different body panels and a rear wing, the latter to increase downforce. For those interested in an all-out track toy, the Exige is an excellent choice." -- Car and Driver
• "[T]his compact little collection of wings, vents, spoilers, handling, oomph, and grip was built to order from the happiest days of your childhood." -- Jalopnik
• "Certainly the Exige S isn't for everyone, but for the true enthusiast who reveres performance-oriented driving dynamics ... this is as undefiled a road car that money can buy." -- Automobile.com
• "Some car guys know the price of everything and the value of nothing, as car guy Oscar Wilde put it. Others value efficiency and purity at any price; size doesn't matter. The Exige--the best-handling, purest, most entertaining production sports car on the road--is for them." -- Forbes

Exige Performance - 9.3 (Excellent)

Test drivers say that the Exige provides a mind-blowing ride, but isn’t the easiest car to drive on a daily basis. In fact, Car and Driver says, “Only masochists would use this as a daily driver." It does, however, accelerate from 0 to 60 mph at warp speed. For drivers looking to burn some rubber at the track, the Exige is a real winner. Read More

Exige Exterior - 9.2 (Excellent)

Critics agree that the Exige is a head-turner. "Like everyone else on staff who drove it, I received loads of attention in this car," writes AutoWeek. For 2010, the Exige’s look receives a minor refresh that has it looking badder than before. Read More

Exige Interior - 5.3 (Mediocre)

The Exige’s cabin is criticized for its lack of luxury and hard to access quarters. "In the 1950s, cars were sold with the implicitly understood abbreviation R&H, meaning radio and heater, as part of the pitch," writes Forbes. "It meant the car was flush with options, and these two creature comforts, plus air-conditioning and power windows, are about it for the Exige." But that means little to this track-tuned machine’s niche audience, who care less about amenities than they do power. Read More

Exige Safety - NA

The 2010 Exige hasn't been crash-tested by the federal government or insurance industry, and lacks most safety technology car shoppers have come to expect in a new car. However, considering that the Exige is designed to prioritize performance above all else, most enthusiasts probably won’t mind.  Read More

Exige Reliability - NA

Lotus protects the Exige with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. However, its class rivals provide more extensive coverage. Read More