The 2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid is a good – but not great – wagon. It ranks low among hybrid and electric cars because many rivals are simply better. The C-Max's fuel economy is about average for the class, and it lacks many advanced safety features.
Is a used Ford C-Max MPV reliable? Yes, according to our most recent reliability survey. The C-Max and Grand C-Max finished in third place in the MPV class, with an excellent overall score of 95%. Only 21% of the 0-to-3-year-old examples surveyed had any faults at all.
Ford is dropping the C-Max and Grand C-Max because of a sharp drop in demand as customers switch to SUVs and crossovers. Sales of the C-Max and Grand C-Max fell 21 percent to 53,080 in Europe last year, according to JATO Dynamics. Focus sales dropped 8 percent to 194,097.
If you're familiar with jump starting a regular vehicle, then you should feel right at home with the Ford C-Max. Even though your C-Max actually has its 12-volt battery in the trunk, there are two prongs under its hood – much like in a traditional vehicle – that lets you jump it.
Hybrid vehicles are only gas-powered part of the time, which makes them 20 to 35 percent more fuel-efficient than a traditional vehicle. A hybrid vehicle cannot run without the hybrid battery, so vehicle owners must invest in new hybrid batteries periodically, which can make vehicle maintenance expensive.
Both C-MAX vehicles get their power through the combination of a gasoline engine and a battery-driven electric motor. C-MAX Hybrid requires no plug-in charging. C-MAX Energi can be charged by connecting the vehicle's external charge port to either a standard 120-volt outlet or an available 240-volt charging station.
Basically, the Ford C-MAX a big Focus. The C-Max is Ford's compact MPV, so it only has five seats, but it's just the thing if you're after more space but the same great driving experience and plush cabin as you get in the Focus. The Grand C-Max is on hand with space for seven and sliding rear doors for easier access.
5 Signs Your Hybrid Needs a New Battery
- Fewer Miles to the Gallon. As a cost-conscious driver, you probably keep an eye on your gas mileage.
- Erratic Engine Input. If your ICE runs erratically, it's another indication of a battery problem.
- State of Charge.
- Charging Problems.
- Strange Noises.
As for cost, most experts agree a replacement hybrid car battery can range anywhere from $1,000 to more than $6,000, depending on the year and model of car, and without including dealership or independent labor costs. While this may seem like a big expense, car makers are set on reducing prices.
Ford is discontinuing the C-Max after six years on the U.S. market. U.S. production for the C-Max Hybrid will end in mid-2018, according to Automotive News, and production for the C-Max Energi plug-in model has already ended in September.
Under normal driving conditions, EV batteries can last 10 years before they need to be replaced. That's much longer than most people keep a new car. So unless you're shopping for used vehicles, you may not have to worry about how long an electric car battery lasts.
The 2014 C-Max Hybrid has one of the lowest reliability ratings in the class – a 2.5 out of five from J.D. Power and Associates.
Although the replacement of lithium-ion car batteries is more expensive, new ones can usually run for more than 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. Older hybrid batteries may kick the can around 150,000 miles, though it's also dependent on the age and model.
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