garywa01

Sophomore Author
Alberta
Posts:130 Points:401,965 Joined:Jan 2012
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Message Posted: Oct 25, 2012 6:50:52 AM
That is cool!
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TTQuattro

Rookie Author
Indiana
Posts:72 Points:45,060 Joined:Oct 2012
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Message Posted: Oct 24, 2012 10:12:57 PM
we should have had this long before now!!!!!
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DeepWaterTitan

All-Star Author
Riverside
Posts:776 Points:255,765 Joined:Sep 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 21, 2012 7:07:29 PM
I need to find a smaller car with all the traveling I have been doing
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RINdriver

Rookie Author
Indiana
Posts:53 Points:28,720 Joined:Aug 2012
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Message Posted: Oct 21, 2012 9:59:29 AM
Just a thought - will my employer or even public shopping areas soon have publicly accessible charging stations? These type of hybrids really don't seem to be geared to the more open areas of the central states.
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EVDreamer

Rookie Author
Kansas City
Posts:3 Points:194,860 Joined:May 2012
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Message Posted: Oct 21, 2012 8:37:12 AM
I am looking forward to test driving one!
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honda0105

Champion Author
Tallahassee
Posts:18,834 Points:1,638,195 Joined:Nov 2008
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Message Posted: Oct 19, 2012 2:44:58 AM
pilotmass: are you sure? from the reading, it appears this is still a semi-prototype.
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pilotmass

Champion Author
Boston
Posts:1,976 Points:530,535 Joined:Jul 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 18, 2012 11:41:00 AM
Saw one today in White. Very smart.
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honda0105

Champion Author
Tallahassee
Posts:18,834 Points:1,638,195 Joined:Nov 2008
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Message Posted: Oct 18, 2012 2:55:47 AM
overpriced toy. Takes way too long for ROI.
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A2J

Champion Author
Richmond
Posts:3,210 Points:629,675 Joined:Aug 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 5:25:35 PM
$30K
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InvisiBill

Rookie Author
Michigan
Posts:45 Points:905,800 Joined:Oct 2008
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 4:09:32 PM
This is basically just Ford's answer to the Volt (which is rated at 98MPGe overall). For a fair comparison, the Volt is $31,645 after tax credits. Maybe it's location-based, but Ford's site is actually showing $32,950 MSRP for me. The C-Max is (maybe?) a little cheaper, but it's also lacking in some specs.
C-Max Specs Volt Specs
The battery is less than half the size of the Volt's (7.6kWh vs. 16.5kWh). While it may be a little more efficient, I'd expect quite a reduction in the electric-only range simply due to the much smaller battery. The Ford has a 14 gallon gas tank, while the Chevy's is 9.3. Keep in mind that the EPA tests are 11 miles or less, so a plug-in hybrid could get very high window sticker numbers, but not have much capacity for real-world use. They mention that they're coming up with new tests for plug-in hybrids, but they don't have any details on those changes.
The C-Max has a higher rated horsepower, but doesn't list torque. It has a larger ICE with more power. The way they list the specs, it seems like it uses the ICE substantially for powering the car, whereas the Volt doesn't.
The Ford has a little more room inside, but it's 7" taller. The Volt seems to be a little sleeker, while the C-Max is more rounded on top (which is probably where it gets the extra volume inside, as the other dimensions are pretty similar). Personally, I like the styling of the Volt better, but everyone will have their own opinion on that.
I think plug-in hybrids are a good transitional vehicle. If chosen properly, they can give you the benefits of an EV most of the time with the convenience of a gas engine when needed. I don't think this model is any sort of exceptional creation, but competition will only lead to improvements and price reductions. But as many people have said, the high purchase price currently makes them a pretty poor value for many people. My car averages over 30mpg (without even thinking about trying to drive economically), which is quite a bit better than the average 23mpg they used for their comparisons (meaning there would be less savings than in their example).
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Billbop

Champion Author
St. Louis
Posts:2,787 Points:1,458,215 Joined:Jun 2004
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 2:09:51 PM
The only way we'll ever get prices down is to move to electric vehicles and let the BigOil companies see if they can eat their oil.
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GatorGuy

Champion Author
Columbia
Posts:2,284 Points:1,226,490 Joined:Jan 2009
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:34:09 AM
Go Ford!
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sparky808

Champion Author
Honolulu
Posts:3,144 Points:625,660 Joined:Sep 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 10:31:55 AM
Old post.
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BudsterMO

Champion Author
Kansas City
Posts:3,851 Points:731,750 Joined:Aug 2009
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:51:04 AM
The C-Max Energi is still a battery powered car with all of the well known problems that go with EVs. No thank you. I will wait on the Compressed Natural Gas or Hydrogen Fuel Cell powered vehicles.
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PontiacFan

All-Star Author
Gary
Posts:776 Points:434,875 Joined:Mar 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:51:02 AM
Seems like a much better buy than the Volt.
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Mr_Bill_W

All-Star Author
Virginia
Posts:586 Points:380,460 Joined:Feb 2012
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:44:57 AM
Old but good news...
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BlueVanGroup

Champion Author
Colorado
Posts:7,346 Points:1,556,845 Joined:May 2008
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:38:03 AM
The alleged MPG hasn't changed since yesterday.
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Soglaos

Champion Author
Virginia Beach
Posts:2,851 Points:766,155 Joined:Feb 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:37:39 AM
Repeat
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waynemustang

Champion Author
Indiana
Posts:6,470 Points:1,691,235 Joined:Nov 2006
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:35:56 AM
Can Ford do it with less subsidies than other manufacturers?
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Wolfwings

Champion Author
Delaware
Posts:8,881 Points:1,804,165 Joined:May 2004
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:34:19 AM
Again?
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bluenvoy

Champion Author
Nashville
Posts:15,173 Points:1,900,655 Joined:Oct 2005
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:34:04 AM
And when you plug it in, it will use more electricity then a 4 bedroom house. And it's not cheap either.
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Kaiyne

Champion Author
Chicago
Posts:2,480 Points:500,415 Joined:Feb 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:33:45 AM
ok.
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mikesr100

Champion Author
Sacramento
Posts:4,035 Points:1,108,415 Joined:Apr 2008
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:33:15 AM
Go Ford
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dlzastera

Champion Author
Minnesota
Posts:4,645 Points:1,050,670 Joined:Mar 2006
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:31:28 AM
Ford is king.
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orcar

Champion Author
Boise
Posts:2,158 Points:804,540 Joined:Jun 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:30:58 AM
I just placed an order for the Obamamobile. It has a solar panel from Solyndra, a battery from A123, a wind turbine and a EPA sticker. My cost $2,000,000 give or take a few tax dollars.
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yeehaw1073

Champion Author
Indiana
Posts:2,456 Points:1,874,600 Joined:May 2004
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:30:32 AM
interesting...might even be affordable
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TriniB

Champion Author
Montreal
Posts:2,373 Points:441,190 Joined:Oct 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:30:20 AM
Something to look for.
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Double_Golden

Champion Author
San Francisco
Posts:2,700 Points:633,085 Joined:Aug 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:30:03 AM
very good, but priced...
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VernonOR

Champion Author
Oregon
Posts:3,018 Points:758,980 Joined:Aug 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:29:41 AM
Yesterday news..love the mileage, good for Ford, but can't afford the price tag.
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AC-302

Champion Author
Los Angeles
Posts:26,855 Points:2,930,245 Joined:Aug 2004
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:29:29 AM
Saw this already. Bully for Ford.
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LQQKGAS

Champion Author
Phoenix
Posts:2,772 Points:1,223,590 Joined:Oct 2009
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:29:12 AM
You CANNOT measure electricity in MPG !!!
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101Speedster

Champion Author
Ventura
Posts:30,854 Points:2,743,395 Joined:May 2005
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:28:18 AM
peapaw,
You are not happy with 108 mpg?
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traumer

Champion Author
Twin Cities
Posts:5,509 Points:1,365,175 Joined:Aug 2006
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:27:37 AM
It all sounds good, could give Prius some competition.
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peapaw

Champion Author
Ohio
Posts:4,185 Points:716,470 Joined:Jun 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:27:27 AM
Still not the answer.
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drobbbb

Champion Author
Maryland
Posts:3,595 Points:837,985 Joined:Dec 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:27:27 AM
we'll see
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Moppy1981

Rookie Author
Milwaukee
Posts:58 Points:3,275 Joined:Mar 2008
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:26:31 AM
same as yesterday
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donny47

Champion Author
New Hampshire
Posts:2,766 Points:1,007,290 Joined:Feb 2009
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:26:18 AM
hope it works!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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BeaconLite

Champion Author
Ottawa
Posts:2,080 Points:396,955 Joined:Sep 2009
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:25:19 AM
Look out toyota.
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bluebird1

Champion Author
Toronto
Posts:15,874 Points:3,134,850 Joined:May 2004
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:25:00 AM
It's an acheivement but not that big, since it's too expensive to make it worthwhile or widespread enough.
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lightbulbman2008

Champion Author
Worcester
Posts:420,801 Points:1,615,405 Joined:Oct 2008
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:24:29 AM
same story different day...
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nanu4u21

Champion Author
Orange County
Posts:1,188 Points:263,240 Joined:Aug 2012
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:23:56 AM
ok
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LostAgain2009

Champion Author
New Mexico
Posts:2,441 Points:725,560 Joined:Apr 2009
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:23:20 AM
You want fresh articles then go to the All Recent News link and bump up some other articles.
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Rajah

Champion Author
Illinois
Posts:7,642 Points:2,329,230 Joined:Jul 2005
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:22:21 AM
Nice specs, but not-so-nice price.
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Black Wagon

Champion Author
Illinois
Posts:7,453 Points:1,829,790 Joined:Mar 2004
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:22:05 AM
Why all of the old news? It's not the weekend.
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nauzad

Champion Author
Las Vegas
Posts:1,114 Points:302,180 Joined:Mar 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:21:45 AM
Yesterday's news again!
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JimVP

All-Star Author
Chicago
Posts:647 Points:163,335 Joined:Sep 2011
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:21:19 AM
Cost of car remains an issue.
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packards42

Champion Author
Washington
Posts:6,535 Points:1,147,920 Joined:Feb 2005
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:21:04 AM
yes, but the price to get in one.
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Diesel_Ram

Champion Author
Dallas
Posts:6,644 Points:1,547,075 Joined:Jan 2009
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:21:02 AM
Again, yesterdays story
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Old Timer

Champion Author
Akron
Posts:3,879 Points:1,290,490 Joined:Sep 2003
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:20:23 AM
Old article
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derek84us

All-Star Author
Rochester
Posts:786 Points:43,400 Joined:May 2010
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Message Posted: Oct 17, 2012 7:20:11 AM
We need charging stations
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