- Gas
- Two-seaters
- MY2000–2004
Lotus Esprit MPG & Fuel Cost by Year
5 model years · 2000–2004
15,000 mi/yr · premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Lotus Esprit fuel economy at a glance
EPA has rated the Lotus Esprit for 5 model years, 2000 to 2004. Across those years its combined rating runs 16–19 MPG. The latest model year, 2004, has 1 configuration rated 16 MPG combined and costing $5,020 a year to fuel at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). The most efficient configuration on record since 2000 is the 2001 V8 3.5L 8-cyl turbo RWD, at 19 MPG. EPA ratings go back to 1984: the earliest rating on this page is 14 MPG in 1984.
Lotus Esprit MPG by year
Costs use the current EIA price set and 15,000 miles a year for every year, so years are comparable. Green marks the best year for each powertrain.
Lotus Esprit generations
1 generations between 2000 and 2004. Open one for the table of every model year and configuration.
2004 powertrain options
Lotus Esprit MPG history, 1984–1999
| Year | Gas (MPG) |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 15 |
| 1998 | 16 |
| 1997 | 16 |
| 1995 | 19 |
| 1994 | 19 |
| 1993 | 19 |
| 1992 | 19 |
| 1991 | 19 |
Show 6 more years
| Year | Gas (MPG) |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 19 |
| 1989 | 17–19 |
| 1988 | 18 |
| 1987 | 19 |
| 1985 | 14 |
| 1984 | 14 |
EPA re-estimated the ratings of pre-2008 vehicles under its 2008 method; these are the re-estimated values.
More Lotus models
Frequently asked questions
What is the Lotus Esprit's gas mileage by year?
EPA combined ratings for the Lotus Esprit run 16–19 MPG across model years 2000 to 2004. The latest year, 2004, is rated 16 MPG.
Which Lotus Esprit model year has the best gas mileage?
The 2001 Lotus Esprit V8 3.5L 8-cyl turbo RWD has the highest combined rating since 2000, at 19 MPG.
How much does a Lotus Esprit cost to fuel per year?
For MY2004, EPA-rated configurations cost $5,020 a year to fuel, driving 15,000 miles at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). The most efficient one costs $5,020.
Has the Lotus Esprit's fuel economy improved over time?
Not much. The most efficient configuration is rated 16 MPG in both 2000 and 2004. Going back further, the best rating in 1984 was 14 MPG.
Which Lotus Esprit model years have the same ratings?
EPA lists identical ratings as the previous year for 2003, 2004. The generation pages mark those years "same EPA ratings" and point to the year that holds the full table.