Ford C-MAX (2003 – 2010) Review
Ford C-MAX (2003 – 2010) At A Glance
Best entry and egress of any car anywhere. Excellent front seat comfort.
Not so practical as an MPV with odd sliding rear seat arrangement.
"Surprise and delight" was an old marketing term for showroom appeal. The last thing I expected was to be surprised and delighted by the handling of an MPV. I suppose I should have paid a bit more attention to what everyone else has been writing about the C-Max.
This is the first launched but actually the third car I have driven on Ford-Volvo-Mazda's C1 chassis, itself an updated reworking of the original, excellent Focus platform which even set the class standard VW sought to emulate with new Golf.
Ford C-MAX 1.8i Zetec 2004 Road Test
Ford C-MAX 2.0 TDCi Zetec 2006 Long Term Test
Reviews for Ford C-MAX (2003 – 2010)'s top 3 rivals
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Ford C-MAX (2003 – 2010) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.6 TDCi 90 to 2.0 Automatic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 21–65 mpg
At first, as usual, unfamiliarity breeds discontent and everything from the clutch through the switches to the steering feels too featherlight. Then you get used to it and suddenly you find that though the steering is easy on the arms it's also very communicative and, despite the fact you sit on nodding terms with van drivers, the C-Max handles (for want of a better word) delightfully. You expect roll understeer from this kind of vehicle, but you get none of it. The thing digs in, bites and goes round corners like the rabbit at a greyhound track.
And you're comfortable, and you're happy and the touch screen DVD satnav is very good. There's not much noise, except for a slight whistle from the door seal on the C-Max I drove.
Petrol engines are the new Ford line-up. Which means chain-cams rather than belts, so no snap unhappy worries. Can't tell you about the diesels just yet because I haven't been there with the bonnet up.
The boot is cavernous, as you'd expect, but I wasn't terribly taken with the gimmicky rear seats. If you're strong, the idea is you tip over and unlatch the narrow centre rear seat, then find somewhere to dump it. Having done so, you can then slide the other two seats diagonally backwards, gaining legroom at the expense of bootroom. But then you sit awkwardly so, after trying it once, would probably retrieve the centre seat, put it back and forget about sliding the others.
Telegraph motoring editor Peter Hall reckoned it wasn't an MPV at all. Just a car with a cavernous interior. And in writing that he paid the C-Max a supreme compliment. Because after a week in mine, I didn't think of it as an MPV either. I just thought it was a really nice car. With handling somewhere between a Mazda 3 and a new Volvo S40. And, despite the same electro-hydraulic system, much better steering than the 2.0 litre Mazda 3.
So why buy a car when you can have an MPV which drives at least as well?
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 | 41–43 mpg | 11.9–12.9 s | 160–166 g/km |
| 1.6 TDCi | 58–60 mpg | 11.3–13.1 s | 119–129 g/km |
| 1.6 TDCi 90 | 59–60 mpg | 11.3–13.1 s | 124–127 g/km |
| 1.6 Ti-VCT | 43 mpg | 11.9 s | 160 g/km |
| 1.8 | 40 mpg | 10.8 s | 169 g/km |
| 1.8 FFV | 40 mpg | 10.8 s | 169 g/km |
| 1.8 TDCi | 52 mpg | 11.2 s | 143 g/km |
| 1.8 TDCi 115 | 52 mpg | 11.2 s | 143 g/km |
| 2.0 | 35–39 mpg | 9.8–11.2 s | 174–189 g/km |
| 2.0 Automatic | 35 mpg | 11.2 s | 189 g/km |
| 2.0 TDCi | 49–50 mpg | 9.6 s | 149–154 g/km |
| 2.0 TDCi 135 PowerShift | 48 mpg | 10.1 s | 159 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Ford C-MAX (2003 – 2010)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
87%
Real MPG
21–65 mpg
MPGs submitted
918
Ford C-MAX (2003 – 2010) interior
- Boot space is 510–1633 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4333–4372 mm |
| Width | 1825 mm |
| Height | 1588–1595 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2640 mm |
The ace up its particular sleeve is comfort. Somehow, whether by accident or design or a combination of both, Ford has made it the most comfortable car in the world to ride in. Not the most luxurious by any means. Just the most comfortable. And also one of the easiest to get in and out of.
However you angle the backrest, you sit fairly high even at the seat's lowest setting. But that height in relation to the pedals is as near ideal as it can be. The gear lever is in the right place. The steering wheel is so adjustable it's easy to put that in the right place.
The combined (optional extra) touch-screen satnav, radio, CD and climate control unit is in exactly the right place. Your sight lines are good, despite heavy, protective A pillars. And if the road is clear and you're feeling lazy the cruise control is a doddle to operate.
Ford C-MAX (2003 – 2010) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4333–4372 mm |
| Width | 1825 mm |
| Height | 1588–1595 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2640 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1334–1563 kg |
| Boot Space | 510–1633 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 12500 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £14,270–£23,995 |
| Insurance Groups | - |
| Road Tax Bands | C–J |
| Official MPG | 35.3–60.1 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 4 |
| Child | 4 |
| Pedestrian | 2 |
| Overall | - |
On sale until November 2010
| People Carrier | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Style 1.6 5dr | £17,245 | 40.9 mpg | 12.9 s |
| Style 1.6 TDCi (DPF) 5dr | £19,245 | 58.8 mpg | 11.3 s |
| Style 1.8 5dr | £17,745 | 39.8 mpg | 10.8 s |
| Style 1.8 TDCi 5dr | £19,245 | 52.3 mpg | 11.2 s |
| Titanium 1.6 TDCi (DPF) 5dr | £21,745 | 58.8 mpg | 11.3 s |
| Titanium 1.8 5dr | £20,245 | 39.8 mpg | 10.8 s |
| Titanium 1.8 TDCi 5dr | £21,745 | 52.3 mpg | 11.2 s |
| Titanium 2.0 5dr Auto | £21,745 | 35.3 mpg | 11.2 s |
| Titanium 2.0 TDCi 135 (DPF) Powershift 5dr Auto | £23,995 | 47.9 mpg | 10.1 s |
| Titanium 2.0 TDCi 5dr | £22,495 | 49.5 mpg | 9.6 s |
| Zetec 1.6 5dr | £18,495 | 40.9 mpg | 12.9 s |
| Zetec 1.6 TDCi (DPF) 5dr | £20,495 | 58.8 mpg | 11.3 s |
| Zetec 1.8 5dr | £18,995 | 39.8 mpg | 10.8 s |
| Zetec 1.8 TDCi (115ps) 5dr | £20,495 | 52.3 mpg | 11.2 s |
| Zetec 2.0 5dr Auto | £20,495 | 35.3 mpg | 11.2 s |
| Zetec 2.0 TDCi 135 (DPF) Powershift 5dr Auto | £22,745 | 47.9 mpg | 10.1 s |
On sale until February 2009
| People Carrier | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Studio 1.6 5dr | £14,595 | 40.9 mpg | 12.9 s |
| Style 1.6 TDCi 5dr | £16,595 | 60.1 mpg | 13.1 s |
| Style 1.8 Flexi-fuel 5dr | £16,115 | 39.8 mpg | 10.8 s |
| Style 2.0 5dr Auto | £17,595 | - | - |
| Titanium 1.8 Flexi-fuel 5dr | £18,365 | 39.8 mpg | 10.8 s |
| Titanium 2.0 TDCi (DPF) 5dr | £20,870 | 49.5 mpg | 9.6 s |
| Titanium 2.0 TDCi 110 (DPF) Powershift 5dr Auto | £21,895 | - | - |
| Zetec 1.6 TDCi (90ps) 5dr | £17,595 | 60.1 mpg | 13.1 s |
| Zetec 1.8 Flexi-fuel 5dr | £17,115 | 39.8 mpg | 10.8 s |
| Zetec 2.0 TDCi (DPF) 5dr | £19,620 | 49.5 mpg | 9.6 s |
| Zetec 2.0 TDCi 110 (DPF) Powershift 5dr Auto | £20,645 | - | - |
| Zetec 2.0 TDCi 5dr | £19,320 | 49.5 mpg | 9.6 s |
On sale until January 2007
| People Carrier | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Ghia 1.6 TDCi (DPF) 5dr | £18,295 | 57.6 mpg | 11.3 s |
| Ghia 1.6 TDCi (DPF) 5dr Auto | £18,295 | - | - |
| Ghia 1.8 5dr | £16,795 | 39.8 mpg | 10.8 s |
| Ghia 1.8 FFV 5dr | £16,795 | 39.8 mpg | 10.8 s |
| Ghia 1.8 TDCi 5dr | £18,295 | 52.3 mpg | 11.2 s |
| Ghia 2.0 5dr | £17,295 | 38.7 mpg | 9.8 s |
| Ghia 2.0 5dr Auto | £17,295 | - | - |
| Ghia 2.0 TDCi (DPF) 5dr | £19,345 | 48.7 mpg | 9.6 s |
| Ghia 2.0 TDCi 5dr | £19,045 | 48.7 mpg | 9.6 s |
| LX 1.6 5dr | £14,270 | 40.9 mpg | 12.9 s |
| LX 1.6 TDCi (90ps) 5dr | £15,295 | 58.9 mpg | 11.3 s |
| LX 1.6 TDCi (DPF) 5dr | £16,295 | 57.6 mpg | 11.3 s |
| LX 1.6 TDCi (DPF) 5dr Auto | £16,295 | - | - |
| LX 1.6 Ti-VCT 5dr | £14,545 | 42.8 mpg | 11.9 s |
| LX 1.8 5dr | £14,795 | 39.8 mpg | 10.8 s |
| LX 1.8 FFV 5dr | £14,795 | 39.8 mpg | 10.8 s |
| LX 1.8 TDCi (115ps) 5dr | £16,295 | 52.3 mpg | 11.2 s |
| Zetec 1.6 Ti-VCT 5dr | £15,620 | 42.8 mpg | 11.9 s |
Model History
- October 2003: Ford Focus C-MAX launched
- April 2007: Revised C-MAX announced
- March 2008
- December 2008
October 2003
Ford Focus C-MAX launched
Three 'Tip & Tumble' removable rear seats. Two all new common rail turbodiesel engines developed jointly with PSA: 110PS 1.6 and 136bhp 2.0 litre; 2.0 diesel has same 6 speed manual as Mondeo TDCi 130, rest 5-spd; ABS with Brake Assist; six airbags; five three point belts; electronic handbrake similar to revised S Type Jag; ISOFIX child seat fittings.
1.6 Duratorque common rail 16v diesel offers 107bhp and 176lb ft torque at 1,750rpm, 0-60mph in 11.0 seconds, top speed 116mph; 57.6mpg combined and just 129g/km CO2.
2.0 Duratorque 16v with 6-speed manual gearbox has 134bhp and 235lb ft torque at 2,000rpm; does 0-60mph in 9.6 seconds, tops out at 125mph; 50.4mpg combined; 148g/km CO2.
Also 118bhp 1.8 Duratec HE chain cam petrol engine giving 0-60mph in 10.5 seconds, 120mph top speed; 39.7mpg combined and 170g/km CO2.
List Prices £13,175 - £18,695. Insurance groups from 5E for 1.6 100ps petrol Studio model to 10E for 2.0 136PS diesel Ghia model.
Transmissions were Ford IB 5 5-speed cable shift development of originan BC series of manuals fitted to the 1.6 and 1.8 Duratec petrol engines; Ford Durashift 5-speed manual fitted to the 2.0 Duratorq); CVT auto fitted to the 1.6TDCI engine.
April 2007
Revised C-MAX announced
While the Studio model remains unchanged the LX adds the comfort seat system, trip computer, child observation mirror, sunglasses holder and driver armrest, with a price increase of £100.
Zetec adds new interior trim, privacy glass, child observation mirror and sunglass holder with a £100 price increase. Focus C-MAX Ghia trim adds privacy glass with no price premium. The 2007 model year also sees changes to the body-colour options on both Focus and Focus C-MAX with the addition of Frozen White, Ocean Blue and Verdigris.
New one-piece bumper integrates vertical fog lights, and these combine with new headlamps to create a distinctive and sporty look. Together with a new three-plane bonnet. HID front lamps, which use 'light strips' instead of conventional parking light bulbs.
Instrument panel, centre console and door trims have all been redesigned with more premium quality materials. New instruments feature clear graphics and are now illuminated in a warm red. New centre console offers plenty of stowage and is equipped with and an auxiliary input socket for the audio system. The new C-MAX also includes a Z-shaped handbrake lever, which saves room and enhances appearance.
New interior colours, new graphic elements like the door inserts with boomerang shaped handles that also serve as armrests, more stowage space as well as new seat design and seat materials add style, comfort and practicality to the passenger cabin. A panorama glass roof will be available on the new model, offering a light and airy environment while keeping out the sun's heat with its "Solar Reflect" coating.
March 2008
2.0 TDCi available with reduced 130PS power and Powershift auto 6-speed.
December 2008
Ford's latest C-MAX delivers the lowest CO2 emissions in its segment. Engineering developments to Ford C-MAX 1.6 TDCi models have resulted in emissions of just 119g/km of CO2.
What to watch out for
A 'characteristic' seems to be that an alteration of the brake bias from standard Focus to cope with the taller body wears the rear pads before the fronts.
Reports of problem with interlock between gearchange quadrant of 1.6 TDCi CVT and ignition key preventing removal of key and also resulting in it locking in 'Park'. There is a manual override for the transmission lock to release it. Replacement of sensors did not cure this as it happened to the same owner again. Requires a replacement solenoid costing £400.
By 2010, failures of Ford/ZF CF23 CVT with 1.6 TDCi had reached epidemic proportions and the cost of replacement at around £5,000 is greater than the value of the car. For that reason do not buy a C-MAX 1.6 TDCi CVT automatic. If you already own one, it seems that one reason for failure may be overfilling of the special automatic transmission fluid, so check this carefully and if necessary have some drained from it.
On early (2004 build) 1.6 TDCi CF23 CVTs the transmission and the ECU sometimes mismatch momentarily at around 1,600 - 2,000rpm. The reason is that the box is designed to handle a maximum of 230Nm torque, but the engine develops its maximum torque of 240Nm at 1,750rpm. The torque mismatch is the main reason for failure of the CF23 CVT.
Reports of poor economy and ECU software problems on early 1.6 and 2.0 litre diesels and 1.8 petrol versions (all solved by 2005). This was originally thought to be due to an programming incompatibility between the PSA throttle sensor software and the Ford ECU software, but was later put down to "Pressure gateway failure" caused turbo failure on early 1.6 16v TDCi.
Reports of a spate of CD/radio thefts from the model.
Mysterious further 'Engine System Faults' on diesels leading them to lose power and revert to limp home mode may be caused by an intercooler pipe weld fault leading to a crack in the pipe. The word from inside is that the "real" reason is clogging up of the EGR valve. 1.6 TDCi intercooler pipe was redesigned August 2006 to overcome problem of cracking. Problem of 1.6 and 2.0 16v diesels slipping into limp home mode also put down to throttle butterflies sticking or their spindles wearing prematurely causing them to stick. The throttle position sensor identifies this and sends a message to the ECU to limit the engine to limp home mode.
Serious engine vibration, dash display "Engine Malfunction" and 'limp home' speed can be due to a fault developing in the Throttle Body Switch of both petrol and diesel engines. If this happens, stopping, switching off, then re-starting after 5 minutes usually resets it and the car is fine for the rest of the journey. Ford now admits to the problem and if reported will replace the Throttle Body Switch while the car is still under warranty.
Limp home on 2.0 TDCi may also be caused by failed pressure transducer in the High Pressure fuel system. This can require replacement of the common rail, and all pipework between the H.P. pump and the injectors, as well as the manifold. Retail cost £540. It may also be caused by a gummed up EGR valve.
Running hesitation prioblems on 1.6TDCI, 1.6 TDCi CVT and 2.0 TDCi may be due to nothing more than a split turbo hose.
Headlamp bulb replacement is a dealer job. Problem with instrument panel of early cars can lead to electronics failing completely.
Quite a few reports of problems with electric parking brake of high spec models. Actually a spate of electric parking brake failures at just over 3 years old. If Ford doesn't pay, they cost £500 to replace. Note also that cars with EPBs cannot be used for the Driving Test.
Reports of gear lever of 6-speed 2.0 TDCi becoming detached.
End of plastic dipstick of 1.6 TDCi engine can break and drop into sump requiring removal of sump to retrieve it.
Three settings for power steering (Comfort, Normal and Sport) not fitted until 2005 model year. Selected from a menu using the column stalk.
One report of chafing of PAS fluid pipes leading to loss of PAS fluid.
One report of the oil pump drive chain of a 17,500 mile 2007 2.0 TDCi failing prematurely leading to seizing of the engine.
10-08-2011:On 1.6 TDCi, reports of oil feed pipe blockages to the turbo resulting in repeated failed turbos. The oil can carbonise, blocking the feed pipe, if the engine is switched off when the turbo is red hot. After a long ascent, after towing, or after a long stint on the motorway, the engine should be idled for around a minute before switching off so that fresh oil continues to be pumped through the turbo bearing, cooling it as it 'spools down'.
09-04-2012:DMF problems becoming increasingly common on diesels, particularly 2.0 TDCi. Also a report of a central locking system failure.
16-09-2012:Powershift dual clutch automatic transmission requires fresh fluid every 3 years at a cost of £250.
07-06-2013:Front lower suspension arm bushes can start to deteriorate after 5 years or so and cost over £500 to replace because the easiest way is to replace the entire arms. Worth checking when buying a used C-MAX.
21-06-2013:Franz bypass oil filter for 1.6 TDCi from :- http://www.cleanest-oil.com/en/shop.php
29-07-2014:ESP warning light reported in 2008 C-Max 2.0 TDCi. Probably (but not certainly) the ATE Teves Mk 60 brake pressure sensor failure problem. First contact http://www.ecutesting.com who can replace the brake pressure sensor with one that is unlikely to fail again. This entails having the ABS/ESP modules removed from the car, sending it to ECU Testing, getting it back, then re-fitting. Usually it's pretty quick. Total cost works out at around £500 depending on what your mechanic charges.
02-09-2015:EPB (Electric Parking Brake) light came on in 2006 C-Max, possibly because the parking brake pads had not been replaced and had worn down to the sensor. Brakes working fine otherwse.
28-12-2015:Report of 2006 C-Max 1.6TDCI CVT stuttering and misfiring on very littler throttle at between about 25-33mph. Otherwise works well. May be overdue a transmission fluid change. May be that the turbo bearing oil feed and oil return pipes are partially blocked with carbon.
02-01-2016:Report of 113k mile 2007 C-Max diesel losing power and DPF warning light coming on. DPF cleaned and OK for a while after which problem re-occurred and DPF was replaced. Problem has re-occurred. May be need of Eolys replacement, may be blocked EGR, may be turbo bearing oil feed and oil return pipes are partially blocked with carbon.
17-06-2016:ENGINE SYSTEM FAULT light came on in dash of otherwise reliable 2007 Ford Focus C-Max 1.6TDCi Ghia CVT Automatic at 61,000 miles, and Ford dealer diagnosed a lack of Eolys DPF fluid, which was fixed for £600 (Kit Fuel Refill + labour).
31-01-2017:Report of differential bearings on 2008 Ford C-max 2.0i automatic failing at 68,000 miles and proving impossin;e to source from Ford. Might be possible to find the parts on eBay.
02-09-2017:Report of battery warning symbol constantly on in 2010 Ford C-Max. Snap-On diagnostics reported poor earth connection so owner replaced battery earth lead to the body. Battery then totally discharged in 3 minutes. Obviously did something wrong, or car has a problem with its wiring loom.
23-12-2017:Report of faulure of CVT transmission of 2004 Ford C-Max 1.6TDCI.
29-09-2018:Report of 69,000 mile 2008 Ford C-Max 2.0 petrol with 4-speed torque converter gearbox 4F27E "recently subject to uncontrollable engine revving (up to 2000 rpm) when braking heavily. This makes the car harder to stop. Ford dealer who could not find a fault. Recently had the throttle casing cleaned but did not stop the problem. The car did have a U1900 fault code which was cleared but it seemed unconnected. Possibly the accelerator pedal potentiometer operating kick-down when not required.
Report of leak into 2007 Ford C-Max and complicated fix for it. Symptom was wet footwell carpet after heavy rain, car was parked up not driven in rain. In my case passenger side, but could be either due to parking on a slope or the weld that goes across the full width of the car leaking in any place.As there is a 25mm thick rubber backed sound deadening material a substantial amount of water collects before you notice the wet carpet.It can run from side to side along this horizontal metal 'shelf' in the interior bulkhead.
The entire dashboard has to come out to dry this off and effect a repair by painting sealant on to the defective metal panel join and both corners. Extra Tools needed: plastic trim remove tools. Torx T25/T20 on ratchet with extension 4x Ford ( or Merc) radio remove tools ( DIN size, Halfords or Ebay) headtorch an person to help lift, bend, pull at dashboard Disconnect battery, positive is easiest to get to, 10mm spanner. 1) Remove front carpet on offending side; lift front seat bolts and slide out.May have to tear sound proofing at area out of sight behind glove box in case of passenger side. 2) Remove glove box and fuse box ( all cables on clip connector unique apart from ones on rear, take a photo) 3) Remove radio 4) Remove Passenger dashboard air bag connector, air bag remains in situ on dash you are removing 5) check all T25 screws are out on dash 6) roll dash forward and disconnect speedo, single connector 7) disconnect heater controls 8) remove front dash 9) remove front area of dash , this exposes the problem area 10) dry off and seal with a resin 'stop leak' paint such as https://www.toolstation.com/evercryl-roof-repair/p80073
