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Car & Driver Reviews the Lexus CT 200h


Let’s continue on with Lexus CT 200h reviews, with the next instalment coming from Car & Driver, who were impressed by the exterior design and fuel economy, but not so much with the drive:

In the real world, the CT200h offers three driving modes: Eco has a very lazy throttle map, Normal is slightly less lethargic, and Sport is, well, still sluggish. The steering effort is higher in Sport mode, which is good, because it’s light and inert in the other settings. We think the CT has a nicely balanced chassis, although it is difficult to tell because the stability control kills the fun before any mirth has a chance to materialize, and there’s little power with which to modulate the car’s cornering attitude.

The CT’s strengths are those associated with Lexuses and hybrids in general: a well-controlled ride, a quiet powertrain (providing you’re not caning it), muted wind and road noise, and excellent gas mileage. Plus, it is very nicely screwed together.

What’s been interesting about the reviews so far is how varied the response has been — from the CTh’s horsepower to the handling to the road noise, impressions have been all over the map.

[Source: Car & Driver]

Lexus CTh: First GenerationPreviewsReviewsUSA
Comments
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    emptystreets130
  • October 14, 2010
I had high hopes on the CT, but after reading a bunch of reviews, I am getting mixed signals. Maybe I should wait til the midlife cycle to see what Lexus will add or change to the vehicle.
W
@emptystreets130: These reviews are so confusing!
S
The reports are all over the place - some critise for excessive road noise while this review highlights that road noise is muted ... MMM !!
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    emptystreets130
  • October 14, 2010
I guess Lexus equipped the CT with different brands of tires from the factory. I've notice that some manufacture like Toyota will use Yokohama or Bridgestone.
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    Sam
  • October 14, 2010
If its not a BMW C&R won't like it! Plain and simple. They are mentioned in their latest 3 commercial for crying out loud
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    Eljay
  • October 15, 2010
I don't want to play hobby "shrink" but the negative reviews seem to say more about the reviewers than the car. Important thing to remember is that it's your own opinion that matters,so anyone who's considering a CT as their next car:ignore the reviews and drive the car and trust your own feelings.
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    emptystreets130
  • October 15, 2010
The majority of the reviews plays a critical part for an average user. You have no idea how many people I have dealt with at work that uses these reviews as a resource for their buying decision. It is stupid but they tend to believe the media instead of trying it out.
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    Enthusiast
  • October 18, 2010
I think the one thing that has been consistent throughout the reviews is the performance; or lack of. I really wish they would have put, at the very least, the HS 250 powertrain in it for North America.
T
I agree. The reviews are all over the map. So we just went and test drove one. And bought it. From OUR test drive...it's quiet but not ultra quiet. Much quieter than my old mazda and not so quiet as my some other Lexus/BMW I've been in. Depending on the driving mode Eco/Normal/Sport it is very tame (the first two) to acceptable/fun in Sport. That's relative though. We test drove a Mustang and the Mustang had way more pick up and go. So does my mom's Volvo C70. But is anyone really surprised by that? I wasn't. I thought the interior was very nice and we both really like how the car looks (realizing that exterior looks are entirely up to individual taste).
    K
    • K
    • March 25, 2011
    Congrats on your purchase -- I'm a huge fan of the CT. What exterior/interior colors did you get?
T
I agree. The reviews are all over the map. So we just went and test drove one. And bought it. From OUR test drive...it's quiet but not ultra quiet. Much quieter than my old mazda and not so quiet as my some other Lexus/BMW I've been in. Depending on the driving mode Eco/Normal/Sport it is very tame (the first two) to acceptable/fun in Sport. That's relative though. We test drove a Mustang and the Mustang had way more pick up and go. So does my mom's Volvo C70. But is anyone really surprised by that? I wasn't. I thought the interior was very nice and we both really like how the car looks (realizing that exterior looks are entirely up to individual taste).
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    realist
  • April 30, 2011
Most of these reviewers are missing the point. If you approach this car from strictly an enthusiasts perspective you will find the car to be lacking. Lets face it, its not fast. If you approach the car from the perspective of an ultra luxury sedan you will also find the car to be lacking, the materials, fit and finish are not what you find on a 460. But if you have driven hybrids or other hatchback designs, desire a sporty look and demand a more luxurious and thoughtfully designed package than you find in other hybrids you will love this car! The car handles well, rides well, is wonderfully quiet and gets great mileage. In addition you get spectacular Lexis service and an ownership experience that's second to none! I drove one and put my deposit down.
    K
    • K
    • May 2, 2011
    My wife & I are seriously considering a CT, though I want to wait until I see what's coming with the CT F-Sport package. Congrats on the purchase!

K