- First Name
- Mike
- Joined
- Sep 1, 2021
- Threads
- 6
- Messages
- 336
- Reaction score
- 889
- Location
- Charlotte, NC
- Vehicle(s)
- Honda Accord, Ford Maverick
- Engine
- 2.5L Hybrid
- Thread starter
- #1
I've had my new hybrid Maverick XLT for just over a week now. And I thought some might appreciate my thoughts as a first time hybrid owner. Actually, this is the first time I've ever driven a hybrid or even rode in one for that matter. Buying one was essentially a leap of faith for that reason, so I spent a great deal of time during the wait scouring this and other forums for other owners takes on the subject. So it is with great pleasure that I am now able to provide my own take, as well as address some specific complaints and issues others have described.
First off, I just have to say that I am completely, totally satisfied with my new truck. If you are looking for criticism, you won't get any from me. The Maverick has exceeded my expectations in every way. Ride and handling, fit and finish, comfort and performance, appearance and ergonomics....10's across the board. The only negative at any point was my buying experience at the dealer. No markups thankfully, and they surprisingly didn't even attempt to sell me any "protection" packages, or extended warranties...but they made up for that by totally fleecing me on my trade-in. They low balled me at the get go, and wouldn't budge a nickel. When we began "negotiating", it immediately dawned on me that I had zero bargaining power in the matter. I couldn't threaten to walk away....we both knew they could just turn around and sell it off the lot for a five grand markup in about two seconds. Oh well, live and learn. Don't trade...sell it yourself!
At any rate, I am now completely sold on the hybrid system. Well this one, anyway. I just can't get over how silky smooth everything is. The transitions are totally seamless, and performance is impressive. This truck is quick! I have driven a coworker's Eco boost, and the difference is negligible between the two in day-to-day driving. Yes, the eco feels a bit peppier off the line, but I can't imagine giving up such a huge fuel economy advantage for that. (I drive almost entirely in the city...) And though the eight speed transmission is unquestionably smooth and I like it, it doesn't lay a glove on the hybrid in that department.
I wondered if I might miss the "feel" of a traditional transmission, but I find it crazy cool how the ECVT functions in coordination with the ICE. I love how the engine ramps right up to its "sweet spot" and locks it there, while the truck accelerates quickly and evenly all the way up the line. Man, that's gotta be a big advantage for engine life. I doubt you could even approach the engine's red line unless you take it to maximum speed. I'm just really impressed how the thing gets up and goes so willingly at such a moderate RPM. No wonder they don't bother with a tachometer. Hybrids rock!
I'll have to wait to give my take on fuel economy. The display has indicated anywhere between 31 and 58 MPG on various trips, but I've heard the onboard systems take a while to calibrate, so I'll check it manually at the first fill up, and then I can say for sure. But it is certainly going a LONG way on one tank. I'll say that much.
People have remarked on the "spongy" brake pedal supposedly inherent with hybrids, but I gotta say I don't feel it. Maybe it's because my old car was indeed an "old car", and had a mushy pedal for other reasons....but these brakes feel just like any other to me. No "getting used to" period at all.
I've heard people complain the rear-view mirror is too small, or even "useless"...but as with the brakes, it seems like any other to me. No problems with visibility noted.
The rear-view camera works just fine, even at night. It's possible if I had experience with a better one, I might feel differently...but this is my first.
The base speakers sound just fine. But then, I don't get in the car for a concert experience.
Android Auto operates as advertised. I haven't experienced any freezes or hiccups at all...but then it's early days.
The remote start function has so far worked perfectly. I've used it every morning even if it isn't that cold just to check. No strange behaviors or unpleasant odors noted.
No fit and finish problems at all. There was one minor scuff on the front bumper from shipping. The dealership itself pointed this out and will correct.
The interior is really nice as far as I'm concerned. People gripe about the "cheap" hard plastics, but it looks great to me. Visually appealing and looks like it should be easy to clean. Easy to scratch? Could be, but as I don't typically carry a bunch of screaming kids or toss bricks around in there, I seriously doubt it'll be a problem. Seats are very comfortable with good support and nice looking and feeling fabric.
Lastly, I've heard it said that ride quality is harsh in the hybrid. But then I've also heard some say they love the hybrid's ride and wonder what its "secret sauce" might be. Unless there actually are huge differences between vehicles that are supposed to be the same, I put that down to individual preference or bias. In my case I find the ride and handling perfectly smooth and enjoyable. Takes bumps like a champ and navigates rough roads with ease. But then I drive a Super Duty on a daily basis at work, so take that as you will. "Numb" steering? What's that? It goes where I point it and turns with ease, and that's all I ask.
Well, that's all that comes to mind. I honestly don't have a single complaint at this point. The Maverick is everything I had hoped it would be and more. In fact, I can say that so far it is the most satisfying new vehicle I have ever purchased....and there have been quite a few over the years. Could my estimation change? Sure....but so far, so good. So VERY good!
First off, I just have to say that I am completely, totally satisfied with my new truck. If you are looking for criticism, you won't get any from me. The Maverick has exceeded my expectations in every way. Ride and handling, fit and finish, comfort and performance, appearance and ergonomics....10's across the board. The only negative at any point was my buying experience at the dealer. No markups thankfully, and they surprisingly didn't even attempt to sell me any "protection" packages, or extended warranties...but they made up for that by totally fleecing me on my trade-in. They low balled me at the get go, and wouldn't budge a nickel. When we began "negotiating", it immediately dawned on me that I had zero bargaining power in the matter. I couldn't threaten to walk away....we both knew they could just turn around and sell it off the lot for a five grand markup in about two seconds. Oh well, live and learn. Don't trade...sell it yourself!
At any rate, I am now completely sold on the hybrid system. Well this one, anyway. I just can't get over how silky smooth everything is. The transitions are totally seamless, and performance is impressive. This truck is quick! I have driven a coworker's Eco boost, and the difference is negligible between the two in day-to-day driving. Yes, the eco feels a bit peppier off the line, but I can't imagine giving up such a huge fuel economy advantage for that. (I drive almost entirely in the city...) And though the eight speed transmission is unquestionably smooth and I like it, it doesn't lay a glove on the hybrid in that department.
I wondered if I might miss the "feel" of a traditional transmission, but I find it crazy cool how the ECVT functions in coordination with the ICE. I love how the engine ramps right up to its "sweet spot" and locks it there, while the truck accelerates quickly and evenly all the way up the line. Man, that's gotta be a big advantage for engine life. I doubt you could even approach the engine's red line unless you take it to maximum speed. I'm just really impressed how the thing gets up and goes so willingly at such a moderate RPM. No wonder they don't bother with a tachometer. Hybrids rock!
I'll have to wait to give my take on fuel economy. The display has indicated anywhere between 31 and 58 MPG on various trips, but I've heard the onboard systems take a while to calibrate, so I'll check it manually at the first fill up, and then I can say for sure. But it is certainly going a LONG way on one tank. I'll say that much.
People have remarked on the "spongy" brake pedal supposedly inherent with hybrids, but I gotta say I don't feel it. Maybe it's because my old car was indeed an "old car", and had a mushy pedal for other reasons....but these brakes feel just like any other to me. No "getting used to" period at all.
I've heard people complain the rear-view mirror is too small, or even "useless"...but as with the brakes, it seems like any other to me. No problems with visibility noted.
The rear-view camera works just fine, even at night. It's possible if I had experience with a better one, I might feel differently...but this is my first.
The base speakers sound just fine. But then, I don't get in the car for a concert experience.
Android Auto operates as advertised. I haven't experienced any freezes or hiccups at all...but then it's early days.
The remote start function has so far worked perfectly. I've used it every morning even if it isn't that cold just to check. No strange behaviors or unpleasant odors noted.
No fit and finish problems at all. There was one minor scuff on the front bumper from shipping. The dealership itself pointed this out and will correct.
The interior is really nice as far as I'm concerned. People gripe about the "cheap" hard plastics, but it looks great to me. Visually appealing and looks like it should be easy to clean. Easy to scratch? Could be, but as I don't typically carry a bunch of screaming kids or toss bricks around in there, I seriously doubt it'll be a problem. Seats are very comfortable with good support and nice looking and feeling fabric.
Lastly, I've heard it said that ride quality is harsh in the hybrid. But then I've also heard some say they love the hybrid's ride and wonder what its "secret sauce" might be. Unless there actually are huge differences between vehicles that are supposed to be the same, I put that down to individual preference or bias. In my case I find the ride and handling perfectly smooth and enjoyable. Takes bumps like a champ and navigates rough roads with ease. But then I drive a Super Duty on a daily basis at work, so take that as you will. "Numb" steering? What's that? It goes where I point it and turns with ease, and that's all I ask.
Well, that's all that comes to mind. I honestly don't have a single complaint at this point. The Maverick is everything I had hoped it would be and more. In fact, I can say that so far it is the most satisfying new vehicle I have ever purchased....and there have been quite a few over the years. Could my estimation change? Sure....but so far, so good. So VERY good!
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