1992 Lotus Esprit Turbo SE review from UK and Ireland

Anti lock braking system failed.

Engine cooling pump failed.

Clutch master cylinder failed twice.

Gear train failed.

Clutch was destroyed by the above fault as the car struggled to the Lotus garage.

Fuel tank leaked into the cabin.

Turbo charge cooler broke.

Front spoiler always catching on ramps etc.

Steering rack failed.

Gear train failed (again).

Electric windows failed.

Air conditioning failed.

Electric antenna failed.

Exhaust failed and caught fire.

The Lotus Esprit is a staggering car in two ways. Firstly its performance is absolutely devastating; with 280bhp this model will reach 60mph in well under five seconds and attain a top speed of around 165mph. The car handles very well, able to corner positively and remaining stable even at exceptionally high speeds.

However, even more staggering are the running costs and the rate at which things go wrong with this most unreliable super-car. I used to joke with my friends that the Esprit would beat every car on the road... and then break down. This joke wore very thin as a succession of faults sent me to the main dealer time and time again.

Despite a full Lotus service history and my careful adherence to the maintenance schedule, things went wrong very regularly. And not just little things.

The car interior is very comfortable and roomy for a 2 seater; a pleasure to drive on a long haul trip lasting many hours. Despite its mechanical shortcomings, actually driving the Esprit was always a great pleasure, and the only thing lacking in the cabin was a decent sound system (the standard one is very poor indeed).

Owning the Esprit was a real love/hate relationship! I am hoping my next performance car, a new 996, will be more reliable, if a bit slower!