2011 Lexus CT 200h review By Kelsey Mays
Americans love hybrid hatchbacks, but mostly for the hybrid part; overall, we're still lukewarm on traditional hatchbacks. Lexus added a third ingredient — budget luxury — to create the CT 200h. With a starting price just over $29,000, it's the least expensive Lexus in nearly two decades, and it shows.
The 2011 CT 200h feels at times like a cut-rate Lexus, but its combination of fuel efficiency and handling should win the brand some much-needed younger buyers.
The front-wheel-drive CT's styling is the closest yet to Lexus' LF-Gh concept, and it comes in base and Premium trims, which you can compare here. We evaluated a CT 200h Premium.
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Thrust vs. Thrift
Thanks to the drivetrain's immediate thrust, the CT 200h has adequate oomph
for driving solo: It scoots from a stoplight well enough and maintains highway
speeds with little trouble. But it lacks ...
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
If the shift lever cannot be shifted with your foot on the brake pedal,
there
may be a problem with the shift lock system (a system to prevent accidental
operation of the shift lever). Have the ve ...
Handling, Braking & Ride Quality
If the CT stumbles in acceleration, it shines in handling. The steering wheel
turns with a light touch at low speeds in Eco and Normal mode, but it wanders
too much on the highway. Sport mode dial ...