djc

2.5 years for me on a 2013 bought when it was 18 months old. 41k miles currently. Not as problem free as yours: rear brake rotors scored - pads were replaced and rotors turned before I bought it (so within 18 months from new) loud droning noise in cold weather at medium engine load - likely the noise cancellation system malfunctioning; fixed by a routine firmware update (no indication from Ford this was supposed to fix the problem - but it fixed it) mystery 12v battery drain so no start - also fixed by firmware. original 12v battery still fine. thumpetty noise over low speed bumps - dealer replaced front sway bar links under warranty. helped. thumpetty noise over low speed bumps from rear - dealer replaced rear shocks under warranty, apparently unneeded. Not great diagnosis by Ford. After warranty expired, I replaced rear sway bar links myself, immediately fixed noise. Left front wheel well liner ripped out last winter by driving over a snow-concealed curb. Car is very low and the liner has a lip that hangs down in front of wheel wheel well. Not repaired yet. Ford says it needs new tires at 41k. I get "The Works" oil change at Ford dealer, which claims to include checking the engine and cabin air filters, but it seems they never check them. They want $15 extra to use 0 weight oil. Drives well. Fun to drive. My first hybrid - love the hybrid drive train. Like the comfy cabin. Has been lousy on snow with OEM tires - it gets new Michelin X-ice tires this winter. The wipers (mostly) disappear under the hood - this space gets full of ice and frozen snow whether wipers are down there or left in service position. On cold winter days I wish it had a plug-in cabin heater along with the plug-in block heater. All in all, probably a better warm climate car than a cold climate car.

It will be interesting if eventually Toyota hybrids are domestic and same class Ford small hybrids are foreign made: https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/toyotas-hybrid-powertrains-will-soon-be-made-in-america/

At under 30k miles my 2013 developed a noise from the rear going over bumps. Dealer replaced the rear shocks. Warranty ended; noise did not. So I replaced the rear sway bar links; immediate cure. Bought the links from Amazon: OEM $18: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B009B5T6VO/ possibly better ("Improves on OEM designs") $24: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K6KXEKM In the interest of science, I put on one of each.

Good news, bad news: This Automotive News reporter bought himself a 2013 C-max and its the first car he has ever had long enough to pay off the loan. He is looking to buy another C-max: http://www.autonews.com/article/20170928/BLOG06/170929785/ford-cmax-blog-vellequette On the other hand, the C-max was 5th on a list of "worst cars in snow", based on reports from owners, collected by Consumer Reports: https://www.consumerreports.org/all-wheel-drive/best-all-wheel-drive-cars-suvs/ (full article requires subscription) (The Automotive News reporter linked above switches to snow tires each winter.)

This reports that at the end of August Ford trademarked the name "Energi" for an upcoming car or range of cars: http://fordauthority.com/2017/09/ford-motor-company-energi-trademark-application/ They suggest this is in addition to the "C-Max Energi" and "Fusion Energi" names and may become the name of the Model E.

I was hoping the experimental version for the C-max might include brake info - I don't believe any obd2 app provides that, right? Now that I have an OBDLink LX, I will try their free OBDLink app that only works with their adapters. The horizontal bars available in Ford's "MyView" display aren't very helpful for me - they are historical, and usually sit at or near max. What I would like to know about braking is how close I am to triggering friction braking. Alternatively it would be good to know how much power is being generated by regen braking (Ford just shows the same spinning arrows no matter how much one brakes). For example: can regen recapture the same amount of energy when braking from 10 to 0 mph as when braking from 50 to 40 mph?? When coming off a freeway should I use constant decel rate, or is it better to vary it depending on velocity? One big problem with the HA app that I hope can be fixed soon: even after I set units to all English, HA still displays fuel mileage in metric L/100km. That number will not mean anything to most of us in USA; we think in miles per gallon.

I received an OBDLink LX dongle today and tried it with HA this afternoon on a short trip to and around a local cemetery (so I could watch the display without joining the locals). HA connected to this dongle whereas it would not both connect and initialize with the "Automatic" and generic dongles I tried last week. I set the ~6" LG Stylo phone running HA in front of the Ford's 7" center dashboard lcd panel. That location is pretty easy to see, and it is generally shaded by the projection above the Ford's display. HA had lots of useful info. Most seemed to work as it was intended. A few cases of metric units despite settings set to English; possibly a rogue temp number. Exception: no braking info. I had been looking forward to that. I've let Xavier know. I hope he can fix that! Thanks again Mister MMT for posting here.

I installed HA, along with a test apk and a text file that Xavier sent, on an Android phone. I tried it with both the Automatic obdii adapter as well as a generic ELM based one. HA would connect but stall with a message at bottom of the screen saying "obd initializing". The ELM adapter works with ForScan and also the popular Torque app, but apparently not HA. It will be a week or so before I receive an OBDLink LX. I'll report if it works with a 2013 C-max.

Thanks Jan for the suggestions. I haven't tried the horizontal bar gauges in MyView - I will do so. I have a couple bluetooth ODBII adapters, but last night I ordered a used copy of the recommended OBDlink LX on ebay ($30). Near as I can tell leaving the adapter plugged in to the C-max requires moving a plastic panel from the lower left dash- it doesn't have a cutout that will let the adapter stay in place. In any case that is what I have done. I have been using the Automatic adapter and app: https://www.automatic.com/ The Automatic adapter has an internal speaker and provides a gentle audible signal if I brake or accelerate hard. That is not very useful since it usually only happens in situations where I don't have much choice. What might be more useful is if it would let me adjust when it signalled - for example, whenever it would be possible for me to shift to EV by a slight let up on throttle (that is, when to pulse or glide, as you call it), or whenever any harder acceleration will trigger turning on the engine. Thanks again for reaching out to C-max hybrid owners.

I especially like the brake feedback, engine warmup, and mpg info. Nice use of color changes:

Interesting, thanks. Roundabouts! I like numbers. But while driving I think I would like to be able to customize an additional high-visibility idiot-light type alert that shows I am driving optimally - Say a corner of the screen that lights up green when I am staying between some parameters I can set. Or maybe have the option of some subtle audio alerts so eyes don't need to go off the road. Please keep us posted on progress. As far as I know, if they can make the app work with the Fusion hybrid, the C-max will work as well.

A time line for future Ford models in US: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/dcce?site=ca&date=20170824&module=39&category=fproductguide&type=ford&id=3469734&selected=4&class=3912 They show 2019 (Model year?) bringing both the Model E and a "C-segment Crossover" that will fill the C-max shoes; apparently these are distinct.

On the Sonata hybrid CR said: "...the previous-generation Sonata Hybrid, which we tested in 2011, was pretty much a flop, with fuel economy barely better than the conventional version and annoyingly rough transitions between electric and gasoline propulsion. Our [2016] hybrid Sonata takes off smartly and quietly, aided by the electric motor’s instant torque delivery. The gas engine wakes up in due course, and when it does, the transition is unobtrusive except for some added thrum if you keep your foot down on the pedal. So far we’ve been observing 40 mpg overall— impressive for a midsized sedan. Ride comfort is a strong suit, as well. The Sonata Hybrid rides very comfortably, with the pliant suspension smoothing out even the worst pavement. This ride is every bit as comfortable as a Toyota Camry Hybrid and steadier than the Honda Accord Hybrid. On the handling front, the Sonata corners soundly but it’s not particularly agile or sporty. Those yearning for both sporty and green should opt for the hybrid version of the Ford Fusion." CR ended up getting 39 mpg overall (31 city /46 hwy) , 0-60 time 8.2 sec. and road test score 80, tied with Fusion hybrid. So: Hyundai seems to have refined their 6-speed system and it now performs comparably overall to Ford's, but with greater differences between city (worse) and hwy (better) than the Fusion. I am not clear on what explains the differences in mpg between the lower and higher mpg "eco" models of say the Niro.

Perhaps Ford could have provided better feedback to drivers than the green leaf display? I find the leaves pretty useless - maybe I don't understand auto-botany. For starters, instead of giving you a single number braking score after the fact, maybe show you as you are braking the per cent regen you are capturing? Or pop up a graph? On testing: there does seem to be difference sometimes in how car reviewers test acceleration in contrast with their mpg testing. In stick shift vehicles I believe they often do several runs with different shift points, and try to avoid wheel spin, looking for the best time they can get. On mpg there seems to be a set course and target speeds, but the devil is in the details of how you accelerate to and decel from the speeds.

C-max seems "brisk" enough to me too. Links to free access review summaries, with video: Niro https://www.consumerreports.org/kia-niro/2017-kia-niro-review-no-hybrid-hero/ Ioniq https://www.consumerreports.org/2017-hyundai-ioniq/2017-hyundai-ioniq-review-going-the-distance/ As far as I know CR has more data than anyone on reliability, actual owner costs, and customer satisfaction. Presumably Ford has the most data on reliability of Ford products - but they won't share with owners unless it's a defect that poses a threat to life and limb and triggers government regulations governing recall. As for CR test data, it provides a good comparison with other cars they have tested, since they use the same test procedures for all. You can't compare data from one testing organization like CR with that from another, since procedures vary. I am glad the C-max does as well as it does in their tests, as that confirms my own experience. I do wish that in their reliability ratings they would distinguish between problems that get fixed (reprogram a C-max module so battery doesn't drain) from problems that don't get fixed (e.g. Subaru appetite for head gaskets). A used 2013 C-max purchased used a few years later is likely to be quite reliable because the early problems got fixed - but in the reliability ratings it shows up with a lot of poor marks because many original buyers had to get something fixed.

The Chevy Bolt full review and rating numbers appeared later this morning: 70 overall 76 roadtest 6.8sec 0-60 250mile range lows: slow charging, spongy brake, choppy ride, uncomfy driver seat, cheap interior Bolt is around $37500, and currently eligible for a $7500 fed tax rebate.

Consumer Reports published new reviews and ratings of the Kia Niro ("no hybrid hero", they say) and the Hyundai Ioniq hybrids today. Here are some numbers of interest: the overall score of the car, the roadtest component, the 0-60 time, mpg (city/hwy) and some "lows". Each car had highs as well - the C-max has the longest list. overall roadtest 0-60 mpg lows Ioniq 66 67 9.9 42/60 braking, agility, hesitation to accel Niro 65 65 9.9 33/52 $30k with needed options, " " C-Max 73 77 8.4 35/38 battery takes cargo space, some annoying controls Bottom line: C-max is the superior car in most respects (exception: highway mpg). Reliability of the new cars is unknown of course, though other models from these Korean brands have become quite reliable. They also are testing the Chevy Bolt, which they really like but haven't finished scoring. They got an EV range of 250 miles, highest yet. (Presumably the Tesla 3 will match or beat this). Also the Bolt did 0-60 in 6.8 seconds.

Interesting article on the B-max, based on the Fiesta. It is a lot like a smaller 4-person C-max, but with sliding rear doors (which the author really likes). Apparently it will soon become extinct. http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a10376059/a-swan-song-for-one-of-the-greatest-european-fords/

Is that static burst pressure? In use a tire hits pot holes and will have sudden transient bursts of pressure, and the impact of hitting a sharp edge will on a very small area of the tire surface.

For me a main attraction of the C-max was the high level of ingenious technology, coupled with a comfortable and useful body shape. Regular drive trains just seem dumb. The things I would like in my next vehicle are bigger battery, an electric cabin pre-heater operated off the same plug-in as the engine block heater, and, most important, AWD. Regarding Ford engine control software updates: it seems likely that these would be aimed at reliability improvements, if possible, rather than mpg. A slight mpg increase will hardly be noticed in the noise - and doesn't do anything for Ford. A failed transmission will be noticed all around and can easily cost Ford quite a bit.

Interesting article on the Wayne plant. It started late 1950s making the then must-have vehicles: Mercury station wagons. It has changed many times since. http://www.autonews.com/article/20170717/OEM01/170719798/ford-michigan-assembly-plant The article confirms 2018 end of C-max and Focus production, and a 1-2 month changeover to Ranger and Bronco. Since those vehicles need to be on dealer lots by Fall, April seems a plausible month for end of C-max. "The last Focus and C-Max are to roll off the line at Michigan Assembly in mid-2018."

The use of energy by A/C is proportional to time. It is the same whether you are sitting, going 30mph or 100mph. Thus the A/C energy use has a decreasing impact on mpg the faster you go. At 70mph it is half what it is at 35.

Well apparently there will be a plug-in hybrid Escape, appearing just as the C-max disappears (speculated to be late 2018, early 2019): http://insideevs.com/ford-escape-energi-plug-hybrid-spy-photos/ d.

Right, the C-max ends with the end of its Michigan production run. What is not clear (to me) is if there will be a hybrid / EV car based on the next-gen Focus platform, and if so whether it will be produced in China, along with the bulk of Focus models to be sold in the US. Apparently some smaller-run versions of the new Focus will come to US from Europe starting 2019; that could include EV models. As I remember Ford's announcements of hybrid/EV plans in January 2017 included Mustang, F-150, Connect, a small pure EV SUV, and 2 police cars. What seems to be missing is a small hatchback or wagon hybrid.

Apparently Ford has decided to move production of US market Focus cars to China, rather than Mexico. The labor saving (plus excess capacity there) offsets the increased transportation costs. It is not clear if this shift includes electric Focus, or will include future hybrids or EVs built, like the C-max, on the shared platform: https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2017-06-20/ford-to-import-focus-small-car-from-china-in-2019