rotozuk Posted January 28, 2015 Report Share Posted January 28, 2015 Sorry, I'm still a new owner of the C-max, less than a week. My niece will be buying my Mazda3 that the C-max is replacing. I liked the Mazda just fine when I was driving it every day, but after driving the C-max for a few days I am amazed at how gutless the Mazda's 2.3 engine feels compared to the C-max, the brakes feel spongy, how harsh the suspension feels, and the annoying shakes when idling at a street light. Nope, I don't think I will miss the Mazda one bit. I was rather amazed at noticing these things after driving the C-max for just a couple of days. I'm not saying the C-max is all that amazing, I'm sure almost any new car would feel better than a 10 year old Mazda3, but still surprised me to have such a strong reaction. Can't wait to drive my even old Isuzu Trooper. :kookie: But that one is sticking around. I do love my old gas guzzling Trooper. Need something to tow the boat with. LOL -Wayne C-MaxSea 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjam Posted January 29, 2015 Report Share Posted January 29, 2015 The CMAX is just plain fun to drive! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottwood2 Posted January 29, 2015 Report Share Posted January 29, 2015 I know what you mean. I just did the Detroit Auto Show and sat in a lot of cars. It was fun but it felt so good to get back in the C-Max. It is a great car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rotozuk Posted January 29, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2015 Strange how few you see on the road. Friends and family we told about our new car purchase all pretty much ask the same thing: C-max, what is that? A guess it is Ford's best kept secret after 2 years. LOL C-MaxSea 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlsstl Posted January 30, 2015 Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 I came very close to buying a C-Max last year but ended up elsewhere. They are still on my list for the future but it is rather distressing to see how little effort Ford corporate puts into advertising them. I've heard a handful of radio ads on NPR stations, but nothing much beyond that. And then, in my area, the C-Max is pretty much non-existent in dealer inventory. Of the dozens of Ford dealers in the metro area, the most anyone has on the lot is two, usually one Energi and the other an SE or SEL, but not both. Unless you order, there is virtually no choice in color or options. Pretty tough to build a following for a car when the company doesn't advertise them and the dealers don't stock them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelleytoons Posted January 30, 2015 Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 They've started to advertise them more (I've actually seen the same ad -- unfortunately -- a LOT in recent months) but, yet, it's not pushed out there. I'm not sure that Ford themselves really knows what to do with it (and it's an odd duck anyway -- existing in Europe under a completely different format and function). But that's okay with me -- I actually love the fact I'm not one of the herd (like the many Prius owners around here). Although my biggest concern is that when our Durango finally dies and we need another vehicle there won't be a C-Max around to get our second one (because I'm now spoiled and don't want to drive anything else). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlsstl Posted January 30, 2015 Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 On what type of media & program did you see the ad? I've not heard anything outside of the rare "proud sponsor" intros on a few public radio programs. When I was still shopping and mentioned I was considering a C-Max, people looked at me like I had three eyes. I understand that the current C-Max is going to be dropped in a year or two and replaced with a newer hybrid, but it still strikes me as odd that Ford is doing so little promotion in this area. If they are in this game for the long term, you really have to start at some point. The lack of dealer inventory is a bit more understandable -- dealers are very short term thinkers and if it is not selling "right now" they don't want to stock it. But Ford corporate is a mystery to me. Why bring out such a distinct car and then do almost zero to promote it? Makes me worry about their long term commitment to the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelleytoons Posted January 30, 2015 Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 This particular commerical http://www.ispot.tv/ad/7N8s/ford-c-max-hybrid-full-of-life-song-by-pilote has been on many times nationally -- heck, my wife and I don't even see commercials (we TiVO everything, or Netflix, or, ahem, acquire from other methods and then play digitally) but we've seen this more times than I can count (Ford sponsors "The Amazing Race" and even TiVO'ed we can see that commercial almost every week -- we fast forward but can now recognize it without even stopping, as we did the first few times). Same goes for some sports events, although I can't tell you which ones (we watch a LOT of television). I wish they'd do another one, and perhaps they will when "Race" starts up the new season in a few weeks, but it's almost surely on at least another show or two regularly (while we watch a lot of stuff most of it is not network things). Now, that doesn't compare with what they do for their other line, to be sure, but they are making at least some effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlsstl Posted January 30, 2015 Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 (edited) I've never seen that commercial. I'll admit I'm not a rabid TV watcher, but between sports, news and the few other programs I do watch, it surprises me I've not seen it. Wonder if there are regional variances? Well, enough of my comments from the sidelines. I'll let you guys get back to your owner discussions. ;-) Edited January 30, 2015 by mlsstl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rotozuk Posted January 30, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2015 Well, Ford recently announced a poor profitability report based on all of the new vehicles rollouts they have had in the last year around the world. They have never had so many new vehicle models at the same time, this is a very expensive process. The F-150 currently gets all the advertising as it is their bread winner, most profitable model by far. So back on subject a bit. One of the cars I was originally considering was the Toyota Rav4. From there I ended up checking out the Escape, and that was parked next to the line of C-max and one thing led to another. (My dealership has about 15 C-max, 30 Fusion, 10 Explorers, 30 Escapes, 2 Transits, and almost no trucks. Very different mix for a Ford dealer.) Anyhow, my buddy stopped by my office after spotting the C-max. He knew I was very interested in the rather rare Electric Rav-4 he had just bought. (Tesla guts.) So he took my C-max for a test drive, then I test drove his Rav4. Interesting experience. I made sure he drove it a bit faster into a turn to enjoy the handling. I think he liked that. That Rav4 electric is kind of fun with all that electric power on tap initially. Put it in sport mode and the tires will not last long. But once it gets to 40mph, it feels like a normal car. The rest of the Toyota felt like a normal econobox car. Tire noise, normal gas pedal calibration and normal feeling brakes. The C-max in comparison is rather sensitive to throttle and braking. I rather like this calibration on the C-max, it seems more responsive due to this sensitivity. The calibrations tended to make the Rav4 feel sluggish to me, but it was just a matter of adjusting to it. Ultimately the C-max was the better fit for my needs. The electric Rav4 is perfect for my buddy and his business. It is fun driving other cars, especially when I keep coming back to my C-max. I really do love it. The comfort, quiet cabin, and features really add up in my mind. I could tell my buddy was loving the interior of the C-max. His electric has a different dash than the gas Rav-4, that is ashame as the Rav4 does have a nice dash. (His Rav had poor storage in the dash also.) -Wayne Jus-A-CMax 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FordService Posted February 2, 2015 Report Share Posted February 2, 2015 Sorry, I'm still a new owner of the C-max, less than a week. My niece will be buying my Mazda3 that the C-max is replacing. I liked the Mazda just fine when I was driving it every day, but after driving the C-max for a few days I am amazed at how gutless the Mazda's 2.3 engine feels compared to the C-max, the brakes feel spongy, how harsh the suspension feels, and the annoying shakes when idling at a street light. Nope, I don't think I will miss the Mazda one bit. I was rather amazed at noticing these things after driving the C-max for just a couple of days. I'm not saying the C-max is all that amazing, I'm sure almost any new car would feel better than a 10 year old Mazda3, but still surprised me to have such a strong reaction. Can't wait to drive my even old Isuzu Trooper. :kookie: But that one is sticking around. I do love my old gas guzzling Trooper. Need something to tow the boat with. LOL -WayneWelcome to the community, rotozuk! My name is Tricia, and I’m the U.S. Ford Customer Service Representative. I’ll be here to assist with any questions or concerns. In the meantime, enjoy your new ride! :shift: Tricia Adrian_L and C-MaxSea 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rotozuk Posted February 5, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 5, 2015 the fire marshal just stopped by my office for a little inspection and before he was done he had to ask if the C-max out front was mine. Turns out the local fire department has a number of C-max's for them to run around in. I look outside, and sure enough he has a near twin of my car in the lot. He has been very happy with his, but did comment on the turning radius. I guess you could say it turns like a fire truck. Looks like they are about to buy 5 more of them for the city. :) -Wayne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugblndr Posted February 5, 2015 Report Share Posted February 5, 2015 About the only way you will see a C-Max around here is if you get a parking ticket. In my city the bylaw officers are now driving Oxford White C-Maxes. They switched from the Prius sometime in the past year. I almost didn't get a white one for that reason but decided to fit in with the crowd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian_L Posted February 5, 2015 Report Share Posted February 5, 2015 Ditto in New Westminster (British Columbia). The meter maids all have C-maxes now. Can you still say 'meter maids'? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtb9153 Posted February 7, 2015 Report Share Posted February 7, 2015 the most anyone has on the lot is two, usually one Energi and the other an SE or SEL, but not both. Pretty tough to build a following for a car when the company doesn't advertise them and the dealers don't stock them.Not in Northern California, the dealership I bought Maxus from has over a dozen CMax in stock right now. Plus many Energi's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markd Posted February 7, 2015 Report Share Posted February 7, 2015 Here, in Indianapolis the water company uses C-Max's for their meter readers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlsstl Posted February 7, 2015 Report Share Posted February 7, 2015 mtb9153, I can see that in California. Bloomberg reports that the Prius is the number one seller in California, with a percentage of the market that is three times or more anywhere else in the US. I can see the C-Max doing much better in that environment. As noted before, car dealers think very much in the short term. Fast inventory turn is one of their biggest goals and the last thing they want is a car sitting on their lot for a long time. So there is a catch-22 -- if a model isn't popular, they don't want very many in stock, and if there aren't many in stock, it's tough to generate consumer interest. Bugblndr 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maerlim Posted February 9, 2015 Report Share Posted February 9, 2015 mlsstl, I live in St. Louis too. The C-Max I bought was on the dealer's lot for 3+ months and even had hail damage. Clearly they weren't selling there. Another dealer I went to said they couldn't keep them on the lot because they were selling so fast. St. Louis is really strange when it comes to cars, and it really depends on where you go. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markd Posted February 9, 2015 Report Share Posted February 9, 2015 Did you buy your C-Max in Blair Nebraska Maerlim? I bought mine there with hail damage and saved 10 grand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlsstl Posted February 10, 2015 Report Share Posted February 10, 2015 maerlim said >> "Another dealer I went to said they couldn't keep them on the lot because they were selling so fast." I do not believe that. When I started shopping for a new car last Spring (I spent 8 or 9 months test driving and researching before I finally made a purchase), I followed dealer inventories very closely for the three cars I was considering. C-Max was one of them and I kept close track of this car's inventory at basically every dealer in the St. Louis area. No one had many and the inventory turn was very slow. And when they were sold, they were either not replaced or done so with glacial slowness. Even though I have my new car now (Subaru Outback), I still check the Ford dealers from time to time. (Still thinking of a C-Max when my wife replaces her car down the road.) While a few 2015s are now on the lots, it is bleedingly obvious that no one around here is stocking any more of this model than they really have to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rotozuk Posted February 10, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2015 Went into to San Francisco and saw a lot of C-max taxis in the city. Not sure if that is good or bad. LOL They use a fair amount of the normal size Prius for Taxis also. -Wayne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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