Ford C Max, Prius killer?

Back in 2000, the problems with my Ford is what led me to buy my first Prius.

 

By the dashboard reports, they sell in the same numbers as the PPI. Having a wider availability may help them. Then again, their non-plug in siblings sell in lower numbers than the PPI's. I haven't check the numbers recently, but in the past, the Ford PHVs had a higher take rate than other models with a hybrid and plug in variant.

 

It doesn't matter, since audience will be changing.

The variety will help expand the market as a whole, rather than remaining stuck in the conquest segment.

This is the benefit of automakers catching up. It's a win-win-win if all are working toward the same goals.

 

I test-drove a 2017 C-Max Energi (the PHEV one) before I settled on a 2018 Prius Prime. It honestly wasn't a bad car, but I couldn't get past the part where Ford basically abandoned nearly all of its car models in the U.S. I buy cars that I plan to drive for 10+ years and I just wasn't confident that they would be supporting the C-Max into 2027-2029.

 

yeah, the only prius killer is low gas prices

 

Well that's a reason I guess but it's just based on a feeling and not actual data. Automakers love selling parts and will do so for quite some time. Will some part supplies run out? Sure but in reality, most long term owners years down the road buy used parts and not expensive new ones (see prius gen 1 and 2 forums). Ford is going to stop selling SEDANS not all cars; other makers seem to be following suit.

Anyways, my 2013 C-Max Energi is running fine, no issues. The two biggest pro's I like it about over my gen 2 prius is 1) the incredibly fast (instant) boot up process and 2) much more power/acceleration. C-Max gas (hybrid) fuel economy is better in the city and about the same on highway. EV is, of course, not comparable and I'm at about 76mpg(e) lifetime.

BTW, there have been recent spy pics of a revived Ford Escape Hybrid but this time it's a plug-in. No dets yet on release date/timeline

FWIW

 

I think there might be a legal requirement for car companies to support models for that long.

 

Didn't know that, but even if Ford followed it precisely, I'm not so confident that I would be able to find a multitude of cheaper, aftermarket parts and/or third party mechanics experienced in the C-Max hybrid system in 10 years, like I would for a Prius.

That's not to say I would never buy a Ford hybrid, but I would do so only a much cheaper price than a comparable Toyota or Honda hybrid.

 

Ford is still making the Fusion hybrid, and it is the same system and engine as the C-max.