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2012 US Ford C-Max

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Europe has the 5 seater C-Max and the 7 seater Grand C-Max.
Here, were are only getting the 7 seater version, but it will be called C-Max. (Which pretty much means we”re never getting the 5 seater)

It looks the same as the one sold in Europe.
Just like the new 2012 Focus.

But instead of using the new 2.0 Liter from the Focus, it gets the larger 2.5 Liter from the Fusion.
In my opinion, it’s not the best 2.5 Liter engine out there. Most 4 cylinders from other manufacturers are smoother and quieter.
As an option, an all new 1.6 Liter EcoBoost with 180 will be available.

As I said before, I don’t think it looks nearly as good as the European 5 seater C-Max.
And the interior seems a bit overdone. Almost cheezy.

The 3rd row seat seem really small.
And just so close to the rear window .

I really don’t know how anyone can think it is safe to carry small children so close to a rear glass window.
I know Ford isn’t the only one doing it (the Sorento I drove earlier had a similar setup…)

Conversation 13 comments

  1. I think the Mitsubishi Outlander is the worse when it comes to rear-seats, but a lot of small CUV's are competing for this title as well.

    I like the interior, it doesn't look numb like most VW interior, though I am a fan of conservative and simple, yet modern interiors ie Mercedes CL, BMW 5 series, etc. But it looks solid and of good quality.

    The exterior also looks unique. The front and side is beautiful, and while the rear-end looks "different," it ensures that it'll stand out both compared to other Ford products, as well as the competition, plus it'll keep it from looking stale.

  2. Vince, there is nothing wrong with the interior. All interior designs are heading this way. If you want something bland, buy a Camry. Also, I don't think there is anything wrong with the 2.5 in the Fusion, and it certainly isn't harsh.

    I do have to say the rear end is hideous. If I were in the market, I'd buy the upcoming Mazda5

  4. I really don't like the way the rear quarter window shoots upwards like that and misaligns with the tailgate window. What is wrong with the passenger side air vent?

  5. I think there's a market for smaller "minivans" but this car and the Mazda5 are too small…who is supposed to fit that back seat? The Odyssey/Sienna/Town&Country are too big for some people, but this car is too small…is it too hard to design something inbetween?

  7. I agree with you Vince, I would never put anyone in the back of this car. I also don't see Americans buying this. The Mazda 5,as good as it is, is not very popular over here. I'd rather have a Fusion wagon than this. To me, if you are going to haul more than 5 people,get a minivan or an SUV.

  8. If this thing takes off, we will sure as hell see the Chevy Orlando here soon….but I think the rear end reminds me too much of the Mazda 5. I find it funny how Ford was "We no longer do minivans" and expected the Flex to take over where the Windstar left off. The real question is (besides the ENGINE CHOICE) why would I get this over a Transit Connect XLT Premium?

  11. I had high hopes for this vehicle, but so far I'm not impressed.

    The wife and I have one baby and one on the way, and this seems cramped even for our small family. I wouldn't put my kids in the 3rd row, but I would put visiting kids and grandparents there. In this car it doesn't look like the 3rd row would be comfortable for most adults, and there would be no cargo space behind it.

    I think Chrysler does a much nicer job of packaging and design in their minivan.

  12. I'd still take the upcoming Mazda5 but that rear hatch release is a FANTASTIC idea. Wave your foot and it opens? That man deserves a raise!

    "Anonymous said…
    The Honda Idiotsey gets 28 MPG highway so what is the point of these useless cheesy little things?

    December 20, 2010 1:31 PM"

    The Honda "Idiotsey"? What are you? A jealous Mopar fan?

    The Honda is hands DOWN the best minivan in the segment.

  13. I understand that you and your readers like to rant, but if you have actually studied these types of vehicles and driven them, this car makes a lot of sense.

    If you have to occasionally haul more than five people, the extra seats are great. Had you read the press release, the third row seat the CMax can be ordered without the third row.

    All crossover vehicles with a third row of seats have the same issues. This includes the Traverse, Enclave, Acadia, Veracruz, CX-9, R-Class, Flex, X5, Sorento, Rav4, Highlander…. Most of these are significantly larger on the outside than this car. However, unlike something like the X5, this car will actually be easier to get in/out of the third row because it has sliding doors.

    Haven tested the Mazda5 with a family of 5 (on a long trip even), it is one of the most remarkable vehicles on the market. It's small, nimble, and the room in both rows of seats is surprising. When you need to haul, the seats are light and lay down quickly. If the clever engineers who designed the interior of the Mazda5 were turned loose on an inefficient design like the Suburban, it could probably haul a platoon.

    Here is the real deal. Try to find a car that can haul 7 with a real suspension, disc brakes and fuel economy of > 25MPG highway and then you may understand why there is a market for these really fast. You have the Mazda5 at about $19,000 and the next closest vehicle is about $6000 more. The best minivan, the Odyssey is $13000 more. The modern day soccer mom vehicle, the Suburban, is over $22,000 more expensive than a Mazda5 and doesn’t come close to the fuel efficiency.

    If Ford prices the CMax well, I'd consider this vehicle in a heartbeat over the oversized and ridiculously priced Flex.

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