After being the best selling pickup truck for the past three decades, the Ford F-150 pickup continues to rank high for 2012, with subtle changes to the interior and exterior. All 4WD F-150's still come standard with a 36-gallon fuel tank, but the distinct changes include an automatic transfer case, enhanced upgrades for the Ford Sync system, neutral tow capabilities, and an electronic locking rear axle. Unlike the competition, the 2012 Ford F-150 pick-up truck is one step ahead with impressive features, an array of trims to choose from, innovative technologies, fuel economy ratings and impressive towing capabilities.
The 2012 F-150 is available in Regular, Super and Crew Cab options. Standard is a 3.7-liter V-6 engine that produces 302 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine can accelerate zero to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds and returns 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. When upgrading to the 5.0-liter V-8 engine, your acceleration time for the same distance is improved to 7.2 seconds, due to 360 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. There is also a SVT Raptor available, with premium off-road capabilities. It is powered by a 6.2-liter V-8 engine that delivers 411 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque. Fuel-economy does suffer significantly with this engine though as it only returns 11 mpg in the city and 16 mpg on the highway. All trucks are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, and depending on engine and features, towing capacity ranges from 6,100 to 11,300 pounds.
Some think of a truck and assume that safety is not a main concern, but this is not the case with the F150. In fact, it was given the highest possible rating in frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength crash tests. Depending on the truck, braking from 60 mph takes anywhere from 125 to 132 feet, which is average.
The F-150 can be availed in a number of bed sizes and cargo combination, and with 2 or 4-wheel drivetrains. The F-150 truck is also appointed with a list of top notch amenities to include a flat rear floor, Ford's voice command multimedia technology, "work solution" options for commercial use, and easy access to the cargo bed area. The 2012 F-150 truck remains a perennial choice in its class, but reviewers claim that the Dodge ram 1500 exemplifies a smoother ride, while the Avalanche demonstrates a provocative car like handling, and the Sierra by GMC simply doesn't break the bank.