The 2012 Ford F-150 is available in 3 body variants; base cab, extended cab (Super Cab) and SuperCrew (crew cab), each that can be had with different box sizes, which includes a 6.5 or 8 foot cargo bed that can be paired with the super and regular cabs, except the Raptor, which only comes equipped with a 5.5 foot bed. The crew cab (SuperCrew) is appointed with 4 full size doors, and buyers can choose between a 5.5 and 6.5 foot bed, while easy access is granted on the extended cabs with reverse opening rear doors. The Ford F-150 is available in 9 trims levels to include the entry level XL, nicely equipped XLT, Lariat, sporty STX, Harley-Davidson, platinum, rugged off-roader SVT Raptor, King Ranch and the FX2/FX4. Designed for commercial purposes, the bare bones XL comes standard with air-conditioning, 17" steel wheels, AM/FM radio and vinyl seating. The STX adds cruise control, cloth seating, body color trim, full power accessories, auxiliary audio jack and a CD player complete with an upgraded sound system. The preferred XLT features similar amenities as the Ford F-150 STX truck but includes foglamps and chrome exterior accents.
The FX2/FX4 versions appoint the F-150 with front bucket seats, auto dimming rearview mirror, 18" wheels, telescopic steering wheel, power 8-way driver's seat, 110-volt power outlet, USB/iPod and Bluetooth audio interface streamed through the Ford Sync interface, underbody skid plates, trip computer and satellite radio. The luxurious Lariat edition tops it up with power adjustable pedals, leather upholstery, 8-way power driver's seat that is heated, dual zone climate control, lumbar support for the passengers and driver's seat and a power sliding rearview window. The upscale Harley Davidson, Lariat limited, platinum and King Ranch share similar features with the Lariat, but add power folding mirrors, accentuated interior and exterior highlights, decals suited to it specific type, heated second row and ventilated/heated front seats. The standard amenities on the upper level trims can be availed as options on the lower trims, making the truck all the more versatile. Designed for commercial grade use, Ford's work solution options includes rear parking sensors, rearview camera, internet access integrated with an in-dash computer, tool link that helps keep a track of the equipment stored in the F-150's box, Midbox storage unit, cargo management system, navigation system with hard drive, rear entertainment unit, a Sirius link, rear brake controller and bed extender that is stowable.
The 2012 F-150 truck can be availed in 4 different engines, each mated to an automatic 6-speed transmission and a choice between 2 and 4 wheel drive except the Raptor. The base V6 3.7 liter engine generates 278 pound feet of torque and 302 horsepower, and sprints from 0-60 in a tidy 8.2 seconds. With the rear wheel drive in place, EPA fuel ratings stand at 23 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in city commutes, while the 4 wheel drive lowers the above numbers by 2 mpg. Moving up a notch to the V8 5.0 liter engine brings in 380 pound feet of torque and a robust 360 horsepower, allowing the F-150 truck to glide from 0-60 in just 7.2 seconds. The twin turbo produces V-6 3.5 liter configuration produces 420 lb feet of torque and 365 horsepower, reaching 60 in an impressive 6.5 seconds. The top of the line Raptor is appointed with a V6 6.2 liter engine that delivers 411 pound feet of torque and 411 hp.
Safety equipment standard to all 2012 F-150 Ford trucks are side curtain full length and front side seat airbags, stability control, antilock disc brakes and sway control for trailers. The cabin of the F-150 is spacious and is perfect for work and pleasure with tailgate steps and the work solutions package. Besides a few gripes, the 2012 is definitely an overall compelling choice and with so many trims/models chose from, it's hard not to get in the get in the right cabin.