nsteblay

I only have 500 miles on my SEL and am averaging now about 40 mpg. A couple of comments regarding getting good mileage. As I understand it the advertised 47 mpg is a administered and simulated driving test done by a government agency. It appears that Ford has perfected the algorithm to maximize results using this test. Achieved mileage is totally dependent on how one drives. Other factors will be outside temperature, type of gasoline, and road conditions. Those in northern climates will take a hit because of cold, ethanol in the tank, and snowy roads. Using typical driving techniques in typical environments will probably only get you mid to upper 30s. Using good mileage driving techniques will probably get you upper 30s to lower 40s. Using supreme mileage driving techniques will get you lower 40s to stated EPA estimates. You'll need to be a right lane driver with patient people in your rear view mirror to achieve the highest mileage. Having said all that I still prefer the C-Max over the Prius due to styling, features, and power. I am fine with low 40s. It is crazy that diesel in EU gets 50 to 70 miles per gallon. I have an acquaintance in Ireland with an Audi Diesel that gets 51 miles per gallon. This is also a high performance car. I guess these aren't allowed in US because of strict emission standards.

Sure. I have had Hondas since the 80's - usually buy a year old lease car and drive them into the ground. My last Honda I bought new - 2007 CRV all wheel drive. It has been a good car but has required a few repairs and gets so-so gas mileage. My wife and I have also own a van which we bought new - 1999 Plymouth Caravan. Been a great car and has required no repairs, but has almost 150K, is starting to rust badly, and gets poor gas mileage. I put on most of the miles in my commute to work. Given gas prices I decided to look for a small car that gets good mileage to replace the van and give the CRV to my wife and kids for their needs. I went out to Edmunds, CNET, Car and Driver, and others to make a short list of cars to try out. I looked at several manufacturers. Toyota: drove their small cars and the Prius but didn't like the styling or room or prices. Honda: drove the 2012 Civic but wasn't impressed with the tech and riding so low was appealing after driving the CRV for 5 years, the Fit really didn't get that great of gas mileage for the compromises. Chrysler: drove the new Dodge Darts but didn't come away impressed. Had full intentions of looking a Hyundai, Mazda and Chevrolet. When I went into the Ford dealer I thought I would be looking at the Focus. We found a sales person and were walking out to test drive one of the Focus models. They had just gotten in the C-Max. The sales people knew nothing about it and hadn't test drove it yet. It happened to be by the door and caught our eye as we walked into the lot. To make a long story short we ended up test driving it that day and loved it. It has the feel of a cross over but is small and gets great mileage. It is amazing how much room there is for passengers. The tech is great and the styling isn't Mercedes or Lexus but very nice for the price range. Visibility out of the car if far superior to the Toyota Prius. I stopped looking after driving it and decided to purchase. Took about 3 weeks to get one as they have been in short supply. Being a newer model I bought the 100K 7 year bumper to bumper warranty in case repairs are needed. All said the price was good, mileage is great, tech I am pleased with, no complaints yet. It's not a powerhouse but I haven't had an issue yet trying to merge on busy fast freeways. The power is there if you need it. I am actually enjoying the displays that help you drive efficiently. I am becoming a right lane driver which is against my nature. That's probably been the most difficult part for me. To really save the gas you do need to drive differently. The trick is to use the battery as much as possible. I'll keep posting as I get more time with car.

I was an X-Plan purchaser. A close relative worked for Ford all his life and gave us access to the plan. X-Plan discounts guarantee a price below dealer invoice. Interestingly enough I ended up looking at cars from multiple dealers and got a deal below X-Plan. Makes you wonder how much money the dealers are actually making on cars. Right now there seem to be some good incentives in place for the Ford dealers to move the C-Max. I think Ford's production volume is just ramping up. If sales take off these incentives won't be around for long. I bought a silver SEL with navigation.

Just bought a C-Max a week ago. So far I am finding it to be a fantastic car. Getting about 40 MPG. Has adequate acceleration when needed. Great leg and head room. I personally am loving My Touch. Test drove the Prius - no comparison. Ford is going to sell a ton of these.

Live in Minnesota and it has been cold lately. Getting about 40 in my last few trips. It appears that I should put the car in a mode that gets better mileage. I'll need to read my manual more carefully.