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Used 2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
172 reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2014 C-Max Hybrid, so we've included reviews for other years of the C-Max Hybrid since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
4.25 out of 5 stars

2.5 years in, still love the car.

hotpotato, 05/25/2015
2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid SE 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
108 of 109 people found this review helpful

Who goes in to the dealer looking for a VW GTI or Ford Focus ST and leaves with a hybrid!? This guy. The C-Max is like half a dozen cars all in one. It does 0-60 in less than 8 seconds, and has the quiet, solid handling of a Euro luxury car. It swallows cargo like a small van, with rear seats that fold flat at the pull of a lever, and the driver has a nice elevated seating position for a good view of the road. Yet it gets fuel economy of a tiny, tinny subcompact. Indeed, it's the best of all worlds.

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5 out of 5 stars

C-Max 2014 performing well...UPDATE 3 years later

richard_brown, 06/18/2014
updated 11/20/2023
2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid SE 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
54 of 54 people found this review helpful

I've had the C-Max for 3 months, and it's *great*. I'm above 52 MPG in my little commutes around our generally flat Southwest town -- have not taken it on freeway or long trips. It's very comfortable for the driver and passenger (not sure about that back seat), is zippy when it needs to be, and it's nice being elevated like a mini-SUV. I don't use the Sync system except for my MP3 player which sounds good. I'm spooked by the refuse-to-start reviews...and the other day the battery was dead! I just returned from a month-long trip, so I'm hoping that's the cause...and Ford is working on the issue judging by the forum posts at fordcmaxhybridforum.com...but still!!! UPDATE ALMOST 3 YEARS AFTER PURCHASE: The Ford C-Max is still *great*. At almost 20,000 miles the cumulative MPG is 51.9 -- I buy a tank of gas once per month or less (I'm in a warm climate in Arizona -- the MPG goes down during the cooler months). Ford fixed the "refuse-to-start" issue that I mentioned in my original post. I took it back to the dealer a couple of times, and the last time they did a software update to fix it -- that's where cars are nowadays! The C-Max is still comfortable, zippy and well-designed...actually I think the design is excellent with holders and controls placed where the driver can use them. I've taken it on a few 5-10 hour trips and it performed flawlessly (the MPG goes down at high speeds but is still in the 40+ range). All-in-all, I am a very satisfied customer. ANOTHER UPDATE ALMOST 4 YEARS AFTER PURCHASE: The Ford C-Max is still going great at almost 28,000 miles. The MPG is up to 52.7 after a hot summer. No complaints, and I've got my fingers crossed as we get into the car's middle age...hopefully I can keep it for another 2-3 years.. ANOTHER UPDATE 5+ YEARS AFTER PURCHASE: The Ford C-Max is still doing well after 41,000 miles. The MPG is at 51.5 after a ~900 mile road trip to San Diego -- it was 51.9 before the trip -- the electric drive is not used much on the freeways. I am still very satisfied with the car...too bad Ford is not making them anymore! :(( ANOTHER UPDATE ALMOST 7 YEARS AFTER PURCHASE: I moved from Arizona to Minnesota and it's minus-3 degrees outside...bit different climate! The Ford C-Max is still chugging along in spite of the cold...seems to take it in stride though the mpg has dropped from ~50 to low-40s or less. The heater is on a lot (I didn't use the a/c much in Arizona) and the cold seems to reduce the battery use. The odometer is around 53k miles, since I was not driving far in Arizona even before Covid, and now drive once every few days. The C-Max performed flawlessly driving across country this summer. We'll see how it stands up to the freezing temps -- it does seem to strain when it's ridiculously cold -- hopefully I will get a year or two more of satisfied driving. UPDATE MORE THAN 8 YEARS AFTER PURCHASE: The Ford C-Max is still going strong...had to replace the battery last winter and it starts up fine. The odometer is just over 65k, as I not doing a commute here in the north. The mileage report is sometimes unbelievable, like 60+ mpg, but it's definitely doing well with gas...thank goodness given the prices! Too bad Ford stopped making C-Max's, it's a great car. UPDATE 9 YEARS AFTER PURCHASE: Moved from Minnesota to Connecticut and the Ford C-Max is still going strong...what a great car. Living close to my normal destinations -- grocery, gym, libraries, coffee shops, etc -- the mileage is still very low at 71k. Nothing major going wrong yet (sound of knocking on wood)...how many years can this puppy keep going???

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Great Car, Great MPG, 50+

seattlelife, 07/06/2013
2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid SE 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
49 of 49 people found this review helpful

Don't be put off by the negative reviews. The C-MAX really does get the advertised mileage. It's a very comfortable ride and fun to drive. The car has about 4500 miles on it, and I'm getting 52-53 MPG. The mileage does improve over the first 3000 miles! At 1000 miles the MPG was 43-44, at 2000 miles it was 46-47, and at 3000 miles it 49-50. If you follow the recommendations in the manual you should get the advertised 47 MPG: go gradually on the acceleration and stay around the speed limit. The key for good MPGs is to maximize travel in EV mode. Heavy acceleration and speeding keeps the hybrid in gas engine mode, and the MPGs drops rapidly: back off the accelerator to stay in EV mode.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Fun and Practical wagon

mrtrout, 01/26/2013
2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid SE 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
67 of 68 people found this review helpful

I have owned a C-Max for about 2 months and 2000 miles now and overall think this is an excellent hybrid that is often overlooked. I have the base SE model with no options other than blue paint color. The base model is a good value at about $26K. The closest comparable car is the Toyota Prius V. The only advantages the Prius V has are more cargo space and a more thickly padded back seat (but the seat does not fold flat). I liked the C-Max better in all other areas. The C-Max has a lot more power than the Prius and accelerates quickly. The electric motor, engine, and transmission are very responsive and seamless if you have to punch the throttle to merge into traffic quickly.

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5 out of 5 stars

130,000 Miles and still going!

Dan Cowger, 05/12/2017
updated 02/22/2024
2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid SE 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
36 of 36 people found this review helpful

I've been driving Uber the last three and a half years. I had a Kia Soul previously but felt that it wouldn't take the abuse. (It was the standard model: stick shift 6 speed.) The best mileage I could get was maybe 28 mpg. And I needed a vehicle which got better mileage. I was afraid I would have to settle for a Pries, but, because I really like to drive I didn't want to have to settle for something that got good mileage, but, according to road tests I read, compared driving it to having a bath tub on wheels. My C Max had 19,500 miles when I purchased it, back in March 2014. And I couldn't be happier. I keep incredibly anal track of my gas mileage. I write down in the book each fill-up and mileage etc. On the street the mileage increases and unfortunately on the highway it decreases. I am averaging 44.5 mpg and thats a combination of local and freeway driving. When I take someone to the airport (30 miles away,) I'll be driving at 70 to 80 mph. On the way back, I will either drive the freeway at 60 mph, or I will detour off and take surface streets. At 70 mph the mileage drops to around to 38-40. On surface streets it can go as high as 50-55 mpg, depending on stop signs, hills, etc. And doing Uber I drive under all conditions. (Not snow, as I live in CA) I have had sporty cars, and the C-max rates in that group! And NO mechanical problems! Follow-up, June, 2019 and 77,000 miles later. Odomoter reading 207,234. What has happened since the last/first review? Replaced heater solenoid $160 at dealer. Replace rear engine torque mount $191. Somebody on the freeway threw up what looked like a piece of pallet that "holed" the front clip. This is obviously an act of God: $1100 Last Oil change I went from recommended 5-20 to 0-20. I live in a warm climate I'm still obsessed with upping my mileage. I use Mobil 1 20,000 mile between changes ( is that right?) I usually change at 12 to 15000 mile intervals. Other than that its routine maintenance, tires, filters, etc. and the random bulb replacement C Max looks like new with the new clip up front. I'm ordering new plates: (The old ones look like they have gone 207000 miles) and Chrome frames for them. but not the C max. It still looks like new. I be a proud owner! June 23, 2022 Mileage now at 267712. I added a rebuilt Hybrid battery. I could sense that the battery wasn't as strong, hence the mileage going down. Then I replaced the two lower front control arms and new shocks/struts all around and new tires. I consider this 'routine maintenance.' Cause of covid I didn't do much driving the last year - year and a half. I went 20.000 miles between oil changes on the mobil 1 20 - 0 hi-mileage oil. And a mobil 1 oil filter also rated at high mileage. I am at 7,000 miles on the new oil, but it looks a little suspect and will change soon. I had thrown in a valvoline oil change because it was handy, but only went 4000 miles on it. I've heard that valvoline oil is suspect. The car is still terrific. there are a few stone hits on the hood, and i bashed a low parking berm and need to repaint the gravel pan. I debated buying new, but why? This car is still ticking. Oh yes! The radio acted up. I have a replacement coming in today. $250.00 ( Less than a new car payment.) July 3rd, 2023. Unbelievable! Now my C-Max is at an incredible 294000 miles on the odometer. Mechanically, the car is still as sound as the day I bought it. Stone chips, the usual scrapes that happen. Too me, the car still looks as good as when I purchased it. The interior is still in incredibly good shape. I have given over 10,000 Uber rides and the seats are still holding up well. The driver seat has taken a bit of a beating but not horrible. At 100,000 miles I thought of trading, but Ford were pointing me at the top of the line Cmax, and a $500.00 monthly payment. I decided to stick with my C max and am glad I did! Driving my C Max is still a joy. Doing 70 on the freeway and you have to make a quick maneuver, jump on the gas and it is accomplished! Riders report how roomy the back seat is and are surprised. I still be a happy C Max owner. Updated review 2/22/2024 This may sound crazy. At 320,000 miles, I clicked a car in front of me to damage to my car, my 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid se. With that mileage the insurance company but total the car. But I so love this car that I paid out of pocket $2,000 to have the front end repaired. The car still runs strong. When I jump on the gas I'm always amazed at the way the car responds at any speed. Has an Uber driver, people think that this is a new car! The driver's seat shows where so I put a cover on the front seats. I can't say enough about this car. I bought a Lexus lx400 model in 1990. The C-Max is a better driving car than that first generation Lexus. I think I mentioned in previous reviews that I had front suspension work done lower control arms, new shocks. The only problem, I suppose a design problem, the car leans excessively in turns.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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