andrewthall

Like you, I replaced my 1999 Tahoe with a C-MAX. I would typically spend about $80 twice a month for fill-ups. I am going at least twice as far on half that amount. Using a mileage tracking program, I am consistently getting about 37.5 mpg per tank -- no where near the promised 47 mpg, but still so much better than I got with my Tahoe. I will be taking it on a cross-country drive from Texas to Ohio to Missouri and then back to Texas this summer. I am very interested in seeing what my mileage will be.

I have an ICOM ID-880H in my C-MAX. I considered putting in an HF rig but decided against it. I have serious reservations about mixing 100 watts of rf with the highly computerized C-MAX, The installation of the ICOM was VERY easy. The battery access in the back made connecting the power easy -- you just need to have a long socket to allow access to the chassis ground. I mounted the radio under the rear seat and remoted the control head to a mount between the passenger seat and the console. The only real challenge was getting the mount fastened to the bolt that holds the seat. The plastic cover doesn't allow easy access. Fortunately, I have a friend, N1BM who was able to help me. Most of the time, I monitor reflector 4-B on D-Star when I'm in the car. If you hear me on, give me a shout. Andy, K2OO

Before reading my complaints, let me say that, over all, I love my C-MAX now that I've driven it for 4300 miles. In all honesty, I would have NEVER bought it if the advertised EPA mileage wasn't 47 mpg. In city, I get around 42 mpg most of the time. On the highway, I have NEVER exceeded 38 mpg. Deep down in my heart, I feel that FORD lied to me. They had to know what "real-world" driving would get. Advertising the EPA mpg, while legal, was, at best, deceptive from my point of view. As much as I like the car, that hurt will not go away. By the way, I am the owner of the Yahoo C-MAX group. I hope you visit that group and make yourselves welcome. Andrew Thall Laredo, TX