With used vehicle prices reaching new record highs with each passing month thanks to supply chain issues including the semiconductor chip shortage, it’s getting harder and harder to find a good deal in that particular market, even though certified pre-owned sales dipped a bit last month. However, there are a few solid values to be found, including select Ford Taurus and Ford Edge models, as Ford Authority previously reported. However, that short list also includes the fuel sipping 2017 Ford C-Max, according to Consumer Reports.
The 2017 Ford C-Max made CR‘s “Best Used Cars and SUVs for $15,000-$20,000” list, which highlights vehicles that aren’t just good values, but also ones that performed well in the consumer organization’s testing and received high marks for reliability. Most of these vehicles that made the cut also come equipped with modern tech features and safety technology including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning as either standard or optional equipment.
The 2017 C-Max makes the cut with an average price of $16,250-$19,075 and an owner-observed 41 miles-per-gallon of average fuel economy. Consumer Reports praised the C-Max for being “remarkably efficient,” as well as providing ample space for passengers and cargo inside. CR also notes that the C-Max is quieter than the Toyota Prius, with excellent outward visibility. It found Ford’s SYNC 3 operating system to be “highly intuitive and readily accessible,” too.
Consumer Reports does have a few complaints regarding the C-Max, however, including its less than optimal seating position, a flat and low-mounted rear seat, the fact that the backup camera is only included in a pricier optional package, and cargo space that’s a bit compromised by the presence of the hybrid battery pack.
We’ll have more automotive insights like these to share soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for Ford C-Max news and around-the-clock Ford news coverage.
Comments
I wish they had done as ST version of this. I hope they’ll import that Puma ST. My wife is ready to write her check!
The Energi has an inept thermal regulatory system in that the vehicle is unable to control the temperature of the HVB pack during warm weather. You need a third party hardware/software that reads in real time to see this. A too warm battery pack degrades the capacity which many owners experience and report via the owners forum. The Energi air cooled thermal system dates from 2010 when the Ford Escape Hybrid was changed to this inadequate system.
I’ve driven one since 2013 when they came out, never experienced what you’re talking about, maybe NC’s weather is more favorable.
I own a ’13 (Gen 1) C-Max … I wouldn’t sell it for what I gave for it new. And 41 mpg … think again I routinely see 49 to 54 mpg around town, and from 39 to 44 on the interstate. Master the art of the slow start/stop, set all your eco-settings and you too will see the above #’s. Bring back the C-Max ! I about to put mine in the shop, brakes, flush the cooling system, hoses, etc. One other thing Clay Ford … give us the *Galaxy version of the C-Max that’s sold in Europe. It would destroy the mini-van image forever.
My 2013 cmax hybrid with 150k miles best car I ever owned. Only the HVB from energi encroaches on the cargo space, not the hybrid.
It was a mistake to get rid of the C-Max. A friend bought one after her VW diesel was bought out and loves it.
I have a 2014 C-Max with only 67,000 miles on it. We average 52 mpg but do mostly in and around town driving. We really like the car and have had no problems with it at all.