2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid user reviews

Pros Great ride, well built, smooth ride.

Cons Poor Gas Mileage

Summary Open letter to Ford:

I thought my 2013 C-MAX would be a Prius Killer? NOT! As a returning Ford buyer I feel deceived. I want to support US companies and US jobs. What was Ford thinking when they published 47/ 47/47 estimates? Based on the advertised EPA estimates, I would have been ok with low 40's but 28-33 mpg is not even in the ballpark. This is not an issue about EPA testing standards, but rather an issue about setting false customer expectations in order to promote sales. Ford's "47MPG" marketing campaign tarnished what should have been the roll out of a truly remarkable vehicle, the CMAX. Real world MPG estimates should have been promoted in the mid-30's. No one would have questioned those numbers and the CMAX would have received the accolades it deserves. How these MPG estimates made it through Ford corporate is beyond me! Maybe it was the rush to go to market? I have been accused of not knowing how to drive hybrid. For the record, during the last three years I have leased both a 2010 Prius and 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid, and consider myself an experienced hyper-miler. My mileage in the Prius is 50 plus, the Insight is 40 plus. The C-MAX is a well-built car, with extremely inflated EPA estimates. I respectfully request that this matter be investigated as soon as possible. My efforts to deal with this locally and through Ford customer service have frustrated me to no end. The constant response? "You need to learn to how to drive hybrid type of vehicle ". Is there a difference how I drive Prius Hybrid vs. the CMAX hybrid? I think we all know the answer to that. I need someone at Ford to reach out to me and assist in a proactive manner so we can put this matter to rest.

Ronald Kramer Yankee Ford Customer
South Portland, Maine

Pros Big inside space, so that I can get in and out easily. Great MPG, I got 52 on surface street and 50 on freeway most the time. Now, I don't mind drive out to supermarket to buy anything less than a few dollars.

Cons I have to be careful to use EV mode as much as I could. It does not have the range for people getting into EV mode easily. The program should allow bigger range on gas pagel and brake padel allow EV mode and regeration.

Summary It is a great car, kids love it over our Lexus or Toyota.
I think Ford should improve the software so that it can enter into EV mode more easily. I also think Microsoft needs to work out the MySync bugs. Why not use cell phone to sync the car clock?

Pros Good mileage, great room and styling, adequate acceleration, good tech, inexpensive.

Cons Complex My Ford Touch interface may put some people off.

Summary I am loving the car. What I'll save in gas will make this an inexpensive commuting car.

Pros Perfect for tight city streets.Headroom space is terrific. Cargo area good for my bikes.Good power for passing. The best of all I am getting 50mpg with 70%highway driving. I just had to change my driving habits after I understood how the car works.

Cons When I am standing still and have to accelerate hard, it has a one second delay from the moment I have to push the pedal to the floor and the engine reacts. But once it gets going the accleration feel like a 6cylinder engine. WOW!

Summary I traded in a Mercury Mariner (6 cylinders, 24MPG) for the C-max (4 cylinders, 47MPG) and for the same payments I am getting more without sacrificing power, going further and cutting my gas budget in half. AND THAT IS THE BEST