2012 Ford F-150 Review

Good

Groundbreaking electronics features; fuel efficient and powerful engine lineup; unique special edition models; function and inviting interior.

Bad

Less convenient clamshell rear doors of extended cab.

Introduction

2012 Ford F-150 manages to fuse dependability, versatility and great fuel economy, while providing various distinctive trim levels, pickup box lengths and cab styles. It provides plenty of useful features and models, which shoppers should have no problem finding one, which fits their needs. For 2012, it gains few minor changes. The 36-gallon fuel tank is standard on all all-wheel drive models with the turbocharged V6 powerplant. Other drivetrain updates include an electronic locking rear axle which replaces limited slip option on most models and a new two-speed automatic transfer case for higher trim levels. The all-wheel drive models now have neutral tow capability, which means shoppers can flat-tow their F-150 behind a motorhome. At last, the Sync system gets expanded capabilities (AppLink) for handsets.

The 2012 Ford F-150 can haul more cargo and tow a heavier trailer as compared to any of its rivals. And F-150 has a fully boxed frame which is the strongest in its segment. Designed and tested for withstanding more punishment unlike your most difficult tasks can subject it to, it Built Ford Tough to come through with the dependability you expect in this full-size pickup. And this, at the end of the day, is what capability is all about. The F-150 gives you best-in-class trailer-towing capability (11,300 pounds.) with the added stability and confidence of standard Trailer Sway Control (TSC) and an available factory integrated Trailer Brake Controller (TBC). What’s more, the selectable tow/haul mode on the standard six-speed automatic gearbox compensates for altitude, grade and load to aid performance, particularly when you are driving up steep grades or down extreme slopes. You can choose the Trailer Towing Package or the optional Max Trailer Tow Package – a special group of heavy-duty towing upgrades.

AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC) uses a fusion of reduced engine power and selective wheel braking to help the driver maintain control. Corner too quickly or swerve to avoid an object and RSC will automatically use its gyroscopic sensors to measure vehicle roll and turning rates, and then apply the proper response to help keep your vehicle under control. The F-Series pickup truck has been the best selling truck in the America for several years thanks to a wide selection of models, available features and impressive capability not always found on the competition. The 2012 F-150 looks to continue that trend, as it provides nearly a dozen trim levels, impressive towing and fuel economy number, innovative new technologies and special edition models.

The 2012 Ford F-150 continues to provide a wide range of cargo and cab bed combinations in four and two wheel drive. Most are offered in the midlevel and base trim levels, while the spacious and versatile SuperCrew dominates the luxury trims and special editions. The automaker also provides numerous useful and unique perks, amongst these a deployable step which eases access to cargo bed, Ford’s Sync multimedia voice command system and a flat rear floor. For commercial grade use, the company provides a contractor oriented lineup of Work Solutions options.

The large truck market is more competitive unlike many classes due to capability is easily compared with tow rating, payload numbers and horsepower. The Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra and Chevrolet Silverado are formidable competitors for Ford, and all continue to push each other in providing more features, power and choices. Yet the 2012 Ford F-150 is a perennial best selling machine as the automaker listens to criticisms and suggestions from critics and consumers alike. Whether you are in the market seeking a plush family hauler, a basic work truck, something with 4 wheels which proudly announces your allegiance to Harley Davidson or a rig you could run the Baja 1000, there is bound to be 2012 F-150 with your name on it.

Trims and Features

The 2012 Ford F-150 is a large pickup truck that’s offered in 3 body types: extended cab (SuperCab), crew cab (SuperCrew) and regular cab. Cargo box size choices vary as well: SuperCabs and Regular cabs feature 8-foot or 6.5-foot cargo bed, except Raptor with 5.5-foot bed. The SuperCrew can be equipped with either 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot bed. SuperCrews get 4 full-size doors along with reverse opening rear doors for easier cab access.

It is offered in 9 trims: sporty STX, base XL, rugged FX2/FX4, popularly equipped XLT, leather saddle inspired King Ranch, luxurious Lariat, bad boy Harley Davidson, extreme off-roader SVT Raptor and blinged-out Platinum.

The bare-bones XL comes standard with vinyl seating, 17-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, an AM/FM radio and not much else. The STX is identically equipped but adds cloth seating, body-color trim, cruise control, an updated audio system with an auxiliary audio jack and a CD player and full power accessories. The volume leader XLT is identical but features foglamps and chrome exterior trim.

The FX4 (4WD) and FX2 (2WD) come with 18-inch wheels, a towing package, a 6-way power driver seat, front bucket seats, the Sync multifunction voice command system (including an iPod/USB audio interface and Bluetooth), an auto dimming rearview mirror, a telescoping steering wheel, a trip computer, satellite radio and a 110-volt power outlet. The FX4 includes retuned springs/shock absorbers and underbody skid plates.

The Lariat provides leather upholstery, upscale interior trim, power adjustable pedals, power heated eight-way passenger and driver seats with power adjustable lumbar, dual-zone automatic climate control and a power sliding rear window.

The Platinum, King Ranch, Lariat Limited and Harley-Davidson are all identical to the Lariat but feature exterior trim, interior materials and badging and wheels, which are exclusive to particular interest or theme. They usually have a few more features, too such as heated and ventilated front seats, heated 2nd row seats and power folding mirrors. The SVT Raptor is customized for off-road use with a heavily revised suspension and special tires. Other Raptor features are sport, exclusive interior and exterior styling and an electronically locking rear differential. The Raptor is offered in either SuperCrew or SuperCab cabs with 5.5 foot beds.

Many of functional features found on higher trims can be added to lower trim levels as optional features. Aimed at those who work out of their trucks, the company’s Work Solutions options include a Midbox storage system (the lockable compartment situated between the bed and cab), Tool Link (the system which keeps tabs on tools stored in its box through radio frequency tracking) and an in-dash computer with Internet access. Other option highlights include a rearview camera, a sunroof, a cargo management system, rear parking sensors, a trailer brake controller, a stowable bed extender, a hard drive based navigation system with Sirius Travel Link, a rearseat infotainment system and a premium Sony audio system.

Performance and Powerplants

Depending on the trim level, the 2012 Ford F-150 is available in four different engine choices, all of which are teamed up with 6-speed automatic gearbox. Shoppers have a choice between four and two wheel drive systems on all trims of F-150 except Raptor that features a full time all wheel drive system as standard.

The base V6 3.7 liter engine is good for pulsating 302 horsepower with 278 pound feet of torque and accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in the time range of 8.2 seconds. EPA estimated fuel economy is 23 mpg highway, 17 mpg city and 19 mpg in combined driving with rear wheel drive. The V8 5.0 liter engine generates 360 horsepower with 380 pound feet of torque and goes from zero to sixty mph in 7.2 seconds. The estimated fuel economy for this engine is 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway and 17 mpg in combined driving.

The 3.5 liter twin turbocharged V6 is good for producing 365 horsepower with 420 pound feet of torque and goes from 0 to 60 mph in impressive 6.5 seconds, delivering the fuel economy of 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway and 18 mpg in combined driving. This fusion of efficiency and acceleration is unrivaled in the truck world.

The Raptor is propelled by a V8 6.2 liter engine, which is good for cranking out 411 horsepower with 434 pound feet of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 7.1 seconds, providing the fuel economy of 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway and 14 mpg in combined driving. Once properly equipped, the F-150 can provide up to 11,300 pounds of towing capacity, thanks to its 6.2-liter V8 engine.

Safety

Standard safety features on 2012 Ford F-150 include stability control, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, a full complement of airbags (including full length side curtain and front seat side) are standard across the board and trailer sway control.

Interior

The quiet environment inside 2012 Ford F-150 owes much to 720-degree approach to noise reduction via sound engineering. Its shear style body mounts, stiff frame and body, Quiet Steel, a noise absorbing headliner and door seals all work together for reducing unwanted vibration and noise. The standard Personal Safety System uses a restraint control module, electronic crash severity sensor, dual stage front airbags, Front Passenger Sensing System, a driver’s seat position sensor, safety belt energy management retractors, front outboard safety belt usage sensors and safety belt pretensioners to help protect the front seat passenger and driver.

Those feeling the need for speed can step up to turbo mill on complete 90% of all F-150 trim levels for just $1,750.