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Used 2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid Wagon Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
19 reviews

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

CMAX Meets expectations

Linda Schifferle, 04/12/2017
2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid SE 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
80 of 81 people found this review helpful

First off there are no tax credits available, because it is not a plug in...check out the CMAX Energi....but the first tank of gas lasted to almost 600 miles and accumulated MPGs =41. It is far easier to park with the standard backup camera, and space inside is comfortable in both front & back seat. Cargo space is enough for my traveling gym equipment, musical instruments, & a few filled grocery bags & the retractable cover is handy to conceal contents. Handling the vehicle in driving indicates a quick response to sudden steering changes with stability of holding, reasonable acceleration for merging or lane change or sudden evasive moves to avoid another vehicle. I like the interior lighting around the key entrance, and the turn signal lights on the rearview mirrors gives extra visibility to traffic.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding Surprise

Bobbyd, 11/11/2017
2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid Titanium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
30 of 30 people found this review helpful

I was pleasantly surprised after driving this car how it impressed me. I read the so called critics reviews on how the Prius was the most popular hybrid, but I decided to review this C Max myself. I am slightly over 6 Ft and immediately noticed the huge headroom of the C max that dwarfs the other hybrids. The C max is quiet, smooth ride, comfortable, very roomy and incredible view including a much higher seating position. The REALLY exciting feature is the performance. As everyone knows, the Toyota Prius might get better mileage but at the cost of super slow acceleration. Trying to merge on a freeway with a Prius is downright dangerous! However, I took the C max out and trust me when I say this hybrid is night and day faster. It's actually 4 seconds faster from 0-60 than a Prius and actually faster than any other hybrids in its class. I was sold on the other features already ,but the car like handling and performance really sealed the deal. I just bought the Titanium model with the larger 17 inch wheels. If you are shopping for a Prius, please test the C max like I did. No Prius for this guy!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Great Value

bluebird, 12/23/2017
updated 12/29/2021
2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid SE 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
47 of 49 people found this review helpful

To give a little perspective, I'm 5'7", 155 lbs. and coming from a 2010 Toyota Matrix. I've had Toyotas for years mainly because of their superb reliability. I've had 3 Fords in the past and swore I'd never get another one, again, mainly because of their reliability or, more precisely, their lack thereof. However, Toyota no longer makes a Matrix and its CH-R has horrible visibility and acceleration - two qualities very important to me. The Ford C-Max, by contrast, has both excellent visibility and very good acceleration - 8.1 seconds 0-60 mph according to Edmunds. I was leery about buying another Ford because of my concern with reliability, but given some of the other qualities I was looking for in a car I decided to take a chance on the C-Max. For example, it has very good gas mileage. I bought it on 8-17-17. Back then I was getting 52 mpg driving locally (far superior to the EPA estimate of 42) and 38 mpg on the highway. I live in MA and in the cold, e.g. 10-30 degrees F, the mpg has dipped considerably to about 35 locally and 33-36 on the highway depending on how fast you go. On a trip up the Maine turnpike at Christmas I got 34 mpg going 75 mph; on the way back and going 65 mph I got 37 mpg. Basically, when it was warm I was getting over 700 miles per tankful (13.5 gal. tank) with mostly local driving and now that winter has arrived I'm getting about 460 miles per tankful with mostly local driving. As you can see cold weather and high speeds really knock the mpg down. Another quality is its visibility in both front and back unlike several of the Japanese designed cars. As mentioned above, its acceleration is very good as well. With the Matrix I was fearful every time I had to merge onto a highway with oncoming traffic or get through an intersection with oncoming traffic. Those fears have been allayed with the C-Max. Also, the seats are very comfortable. It has adjustable lumbar support for the driver and the seats sit higher than my Matrix did for a better view of the road, but not as high as an SUV. It is by far the most quiet car I've ever owned and it feels very smooth. Steering is responsive. The brakes are fine. Headroom is terrific for anyone over 6 feet tall. In the snow it's fine. Granted, this car does not have awd, but for a fwd vehicle it's fine. I'm sure the weight of the car helps too. It's very heavy. One can feel it just in the weight of the doors. It weighs 3640 lbs versus 2830 for my Matrix. I'm approaching the 6000 mile mark and have had no problems thus far (knock on wood). Long term reliability remains to be seen, but so far so good. As far as negatives go, I wish the ground clearance was higher. I believe it's about 5.5 inches comparable to a VW Golf, Honda Civic, or Subaru Impreza which means I need to be very careful when going over speed bumps. I also wish it had a spare tire. The battery is located where the wheel well is located for most cars leaving no room for a spare. That means that whenever I travel up north, e.g. through the White and Green Mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont respectively, I have to pray I don't get a flat because the chances of driving into a dead cell are good, thereby making it impossible to call roadside assistance or AAA to get towed. If the lack of spare doesn't bother you, I highly recommend the car. As far as price goes, the sticker price on my SE model with the cold weather package was about 25.5K. I got it for 20K. And the Ford dealer gave me what I wanted for my Matrix in trade - Kelly Blue Book value for a car in very good condition. Why Ford doesn't advertise this car is beyond me. So far it's been a real pleasure to drive. (Update: 6/28/18) I'm currently at the 11,500 mile mark and I recently had a flat. I hit a curb and the rear passenger tire blew. Luckily I was in town and able to make it home to my driveway. It was on a Saturday at 5 p.m.; therefore, all the service stations were closed. I called the Ford roadside assistance number and set up an appointment to get towed to a Ford dealer (Acton Ford) two miles away on the following Monday. Thank God I wasn't in the boondocks somewhere. Because the belt was broken they had to replace the whole tire. So, feeling that I dodged a bullet, I asked the owner's son of Acton Ford if it was possible to get a full size spare. Doughnuts are only good for about 40-50 miles. He was able to find me an after market rim from tirerack.com and was able to mount a cheap Kelly tire onto the rim. It fits behind the rear seats. I went to Walmart and bought a folding lug wrench and a jack. There's a small compartment next to the battery where they fit perfectly. At least now I have peace of mind. I also renewed my membership with AAA. Ford roadside assistance provides towing for only up to 30 miles and when you call they want you to have a smart phone so they can send you a text to arrange service. At least with AAA you can talk with a live person.

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4 out of 5 stars

Very happy with purachse

lslblues, 10/14/2017
2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid SE 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
19 of 19 people found this review helpful

We bought this car simply because it was was one of the very few hybrids you could tow behind an RV. Very happy with purchase. Averaging 40.5 MPH overall. Very comfortable seating. Extremely quiet interior. Good comfort. Very happy with purchase.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great car....so far

Mark Nielsen, 05/11/2019
updated 11/17/2020
2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid SE 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful

I did a lot of research before we bought this car. We wanted a car that was easy to enter and exit, comfortable, good visibility, good seating, good gas mileage, reliable, roomy, quiet enough, sufficient power, and not infested with technology we wouldn't or couldn't remember how to use (We are seniors who have lived long enough to know we don't need a lot of the gadgetry that automakers stuff in cars.) We just wanted a good car. So far, that is what we have had. No problems at all. With the onset of summer here, we should get even better gas mileage. Average now is about 43 mpg. Mostly we use it for quick guilt free trips around town. Quite satisfied, and hope it will continue to live up to our expectations. Update: So far no problems. Nice being able to avoid gas stations. Update: Absolutely no problems. Glad to have it. Update: No problems. Still avoiding gas pumps. 45 mpg average, mostly city. Just a fine car.

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5 out of 5 stars

Go Cart C-Max

Yvonne, 11/22/2017
updated 06/03/2021
2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid Titanium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
19 of 21 people found this review helpful

We had a VW diesel wagon with 40+ mpg on highway and we were looking for a replacement with 40+mpg in the city. We get that and can cruise up to 45 mph in electric mode. C-Max handles, accelerates and is quieter than a Prius. Test drove a Prius found it noisy, slow on to the highway, and lacks handling. 50 mpg is great in a Prius, but not fun to drive especially price you pay. The C-Max is fun to drive with some minor annoyances. Location of gas door release is behind the shifter. The screen layout is not flat and requires awkward touching of screen with fingers. Trunk space is small, but meets our needs. Stay away from CMAX Energy if looking for trunk space. There is no available spare tire. Update: Still happy with CMAX. Fits our needs. Gets about 35 mpg combined in winter and about 40+ mpg in summer. Overall since we bought the vehicle we get 39.2 mpg.

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5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

our C-Max

Dick, 12/06/2017
updated 12/10/2020
2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid Titanium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
14 of 16 people found this review helpful

We like and enjoy the car very much. This is the third C-Max we have owned. Its economical, comfortable, and the backup, side and rear vision is very good. We also like the rear carrying space.

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5 out of 5 stars

Much Better Than A Prius

Bobbyd, 05/10/2020
updated 05/16/2022
2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid Titanium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

I have driven this vehicle for almost 3 years and have been thoroughly satisfied in every way! I love the higher panoramic view compared to the Prius. I pulled up next to a new Prius at the traffic light and was surprised at how much lower the driver sits in the Toyota! Of course, the performance of the Cmax is so much quicker , which is important when merging or passing! The quality, great mileage and comfortable ride will make me keep this car for many years to come! It's 5 stars!!

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4 out of 5 stars

Great car but in need of a couple fixes.

Cherron, 01/10/2018
2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid SE 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
11 of 13 people found this review helpful

I looked at the C-max on and off for years prior to purchasing one. Like everyone I had heard all the tales of Fords reliability. So, I waited and did my research on the car before spending my money. After a year of ownership and 10,000 miles, I am pleased with my purchase. I have consistently gotten over 600 miles to a tank and have enjoyed the features. The only issue I have is with the electrical system. My display screen on multiple occasions has just turned off then rebooted to the Ford screen. I am not sure what that is about but it is annoying to say the least. I have also read a lot of reviews saying it is quiet. In my experience, it is quiet while idle however I can definitely hear the motor while driving. I do most of my driving on I95 and the C-max is louder than my 10 year old Kia Sorento.

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4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Awesome car!

Jonathan Hammer, 12/05/2018
2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid Titanium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Totally loving this vehicle. I got the energi and have not had to add gas for local commuting. Car is quiet, nice ride, good handling, comfortable, great acceleration. Switchover from electric to gas is seemless. Don’t know why Ford is dropping it. Too bad... this should have been a big winner.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Hybrid

ALEC ESPENDEZ, 06/18/2019
2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid Titanium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Drive excellent, love the space to get in and out . Don't have to tilt my head to get in the car. Excellent view out . Accelerate fast with spunk.

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5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Much more comfortable than a Prius

Beth K, 02/06/2020
2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid Titanium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I test drove a Prius and it was okay. Of course its mileage was great, but that was not as important to me as a comfortable ride. I tested the C-Max and I knew there was no competition. The C-Max is comfy, quiet, has great acceleration (which was a surprise) and the mileage I get is anywhere from about 39 mpg up to 47 mpg. The quality of the interior is good- I feel like I am driving a luxury car. The one major complaint I have is that the turning radius is not so great. Other than that I highly recommend.

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5 out of 5 stars

C-MAX rock

Matt, 12/17/2019
2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid Titanium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Fun, dependable, sporty... the perfect car!

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5 out of 5 stars

fun to drive, comfortable, about 40 mpg overall -

apple mustang dude, 04/04/2019
2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid SE 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Roomy, good visibility, comfortable with leather seats, very peppy - only big complaint is low beam on headlights seems to point down way too much - would want some driver lights added - not a matter of brightness, just aim - high beams are fine - could see myself enjoying this car on long trips, though not quite as much as my 99 Mustang six -

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5 out of 5 stars

The best

ed, 12/13/2020
2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid SE 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The seating is comfortable, easy in and out. Good visibility all around. Kind of like a little mini-van. The ride is quiet. The handling is better than anything else I have driven. Passing power is like a V6. Over 100,000 kms and no issues. Except the 12v battery needed replacing. The mpg may not be as high as a tin-can Prius, but there is no comparison.

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5 out of 5 stars

From Fiesta ST to C-Max Hybrid

Zachary L., 02/08/2021
2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid SE 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I actually enjoy driving the car. Not very fast but greatly spacious with all sorts of nooks and hidden compartments. It is however an enjoyable drive, it saves me money, and it's better for the environment than all of my previous cars combined. Went from an SRT-4, to Fiesta ST, to a C-max. lol, never saw this coming but happy to be here and happy to be out of the gas only, 93 oct life.

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5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Great Value, Fuel Economy & Performance

jcf, 05/16/2021
2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid SE 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great car, especially for the price. Quiet & comfortable. Nice interior. The right balance of fuel economy & performance. Less mileage than some other hybrids, but far better acceleration and does not have rough shifting dual clutch automatic that many others have. Can save $3,000 or so if you opt for SE and get specific desired options. In non-winter driving I routinely avg over 40 mpg. No spare tire, but you can buy compact one online and put in smallish trunk. I did since I would not go on long trip without spare tire. A very underrated car--an advantage for informed buyer. I am a highly satisfied C-Max owner.

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4 out of 5 stars

Like $25 a month in gas$

HAL, 04/03/2024
2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid SE 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Some reporting wrong info. 188 HP fact, raised my electric bill by about $16, that's it... Comfort and so far no real problems at all. Oh one, that gas cap. While all the folks are paying $200 a month for gas in a 130 HP vehicle, not me!

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5 out of 5 stars

use no gas!

mike, 05/14/2019
2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid Titanium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful

wow!

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