Used 2012 Lexus CT 200h Base Hatchback Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2012 Lexus CT 200h Base Hatchback.
Most helpful consumer reviews
A white collar prius
Seth Stewart, Parkersburg, WV, 08/25/2017
2012 Lexus CT 200h 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I bought this car as a second owner with a very deep discount. It had 30,000 miles on it and was in excellent condition. I have the 2012 f sport. I chose it because I did my research. A large portion of taxi cab drivers in New York City drive the Toyota Prius. They can take a beating and are very reliable. They also get incredible gas mileage. But in my own opinion the prius is very … ugly. Then steps in the Lexus ct200h; the prius's cousin that won prom king and took home the best looking girl on the cheer leading team. Don't get me wrong, there are some definite trade offs between the two. You have the same power train and reliability. You don't get the same gas mileage but it is still darn good. The acceleration isn't that good. But I can drive out windy country roads going 70mph driving with my pinky finger. It stays flat in turns with no body roll. The suspension is very stiff and sporty but comes with a draw back NEVER HIT POT HOLES. It will literally rattle your fillings out. You can feel every single nick, crack, chip, whatever i the road. It is the equivalent of wearing those silly shoes with the individual toes. My wife hates this and I love it. Oh I bought this car when I was single and didn't have any kids. I wouldn't recommend this for people who are planning on having kids. It is possible but car seats are very difficult to fit. I mean you cannot be a tall person and fit a childs car seat in the rear facing position. I like it because of the handling, the economy, the comfort, the reliability, the looks, and the ease of driving. It is stupid easy to operate, just don't curb those f sport rims. Oh and change your fluids like you care about you car. I changed the transmission fluid the instant I got the car. There is this misconception that people don't need to change their transmission fluid EVER. That advice is only for KIA drivers. Everybody acts like this car can't drive on the interstate. Don't listen to them. I've gone across the country with the car full of adults. Just take it out of ECO mode so the car can breath a little. As far as space goes, my wife does caterings and uses my car, she lays the seats down and can do caterings for a 100 people or so. If acceleration is a big deal breaker go buy a Tesla. If you can't afford it do what I did.
Son crashed my car- 6 airbags saved his life
Lexuslover, Ashburn, VA, 05/05/2016
2012 Lexus CT 200h 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Not a scratch on him. I loved this car. I put 87k miles and never needed anything but an oil change. Dependable - loved to drive. Added a cold air intake and got 49-50 mpg ;) I miss her already
Don't buy in snow country!
slimpiks, Omaha, NE, 01/06/2013
2012 Lexus CT 200h 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Great dry road car and fun to drive.
In our first snow of season, unable to move due to vehicle control system. At stop sign on snow/ice, car would not move and had to back out of traffic situation. Talked to Lexus dealer and no lock out for vehicle control system, which is on other Lexus models. Had to trade car for Camry, which has the vehicle control system lock out. Camry performs … much better on snow/ice. Buy a Camry, which has almost same expected mileage.
Give It a Serious Test Drive
gary7465, Spring Valley, CA, 11/25/2012
2012 Lexus CT 200h 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I know I'm in the minority here, but I'm very disapponted with this car.
If you've never had a hybrid, give it a very serious test drive before you buy or lease.
On the plus side, the MPG is excellent -- better than advertised -- and the front seats are very comfortable.
The exterior of the car is very pretty.
Overall, the car isn't as much a Lexus as it is a gift wrapped Prius.
There … are obvious trade offs with a hybrid, but the performance in Normal mode is tepid, at best.
There's better performance in Sport mode, but it's annoying to have to toggle back and forth.
The ride is harsh, the car is full of rattles, steering is jittery and the back seat is very cramped.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2012 Lexus CT 200h Base Hatchback
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Best fuel economy in its segment
- Pro:attractive price
- Pro:engaging handling for a hybrid
- Pro:driver-friendly cabin with superb ergonomics.
- Con:Pokey acceleration
- Con:not a lot of in-cabin storage space
- Con:some controls look dated and less than premium.
Full Edmunds Review: 2012 Lexus CT 200h Hatchback
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2012 Lexus CT 200h in Ohio is:
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