2012 Ford F-150 Review
2012 Ford F-150 Review





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Used F-150 for sale
Appraise This CarFord F-150 model years
Ford F-150 types
- SuperCrew
- SVT Raptor
- SuperCab
- Regular Cab
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful and fuel-efficient engine lineup
- inviting and functional cabin
- distinctive special-edition models
- innovative electronics features.
Cons
- Extended cab's less convenient clamshell rear doors.
What’s new
The Ford F-150 gets a few minor changes for 2012. A 36-gallon fuel tank is standard on all four-wheel-drive F-150s with the turbocharged V6 engine. Other drivetrain upgrades include a new two-speed automatic transfer case for upper trim levels and an electronic locking rear axle that replaces the limited-slip option on many models. Also, all 4WD trucks now have neutral tow capability, meaning customers can flat-tow their F-150 behind a motorhome. Finally, the Sync system gains expanded capabilities (AppLink) for smartphones.
Edmunds says
The 2012 Ford F-150 offers so many models and useful features that customers should have no problem finding one that fits their needs.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2012 Ford F-150 XL 2dr Regular Cab Styleside 6.5 ft. SB (3.7L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.12 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$198/mo for F-150 XL
F-150 XL
vs
$245/mo
Avg. Large Truck
Vehicle overview
The Ford F-Series pickup has been the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for several decades thanks to a wide selection of models, impressive capability and available features not always found on the competition. The 2012 Ford F-150 looks to continue that trend, as it offers nearly a dozen trim levels, special-edition models, impressive towing and fuel economy numbers and innovative new technologies.
A diverse engine lineup introduced last year exemplifies Ford's multifaceted approach to meeting customer needs. The base V6 cranks out more than 300 horsepower, yet is EPA rated at 23 mpg highway. Traditional V8 enthusiasts can get a 360-hp 5.0-liter V8 capable of towing up to 10,000 pounds in a properly equipped truck. Perhaps the most appealing is the new turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 rated at a stump-pulling 420 pound-feet of peak torque. Not only is it quite quick, but it returns 18 mpg combined, hauls more than 3,000 pounds and tows up to 11,300 pounds.
The 2012 Ford F-150 continues to offer a wide range of cab and cargo bed combinations in two- and four-wheel drive. Most are available in the base and midlevel trims, while the versatile and spacious SuperCrew dominates the luxury trims and special editions. Ford also offers a number of unique and useful perks, among these a flat rear floor, a deployable step that eases access to the cargo bed and Ford's Sync multimedia voice command system. For commercial-grade use, Ford offers the contractor-oriented lineup of "Work Solutions" options.
The full-size truck market is more competitive than most segments because capability is easily compared with horsepower, tow rating and payload numbers. The Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra are formidable rivals for Ford, and all continue to push each other in offering more choices, features and power. Yet the F-150 is a perennial best-seller because Ford listens to suggestions and criticisms from consumers and critics alike. Whether you're looking for a basic work truck, a plush family hauler, a rig you could run the Baja 1000 with or something with four wheels that proudly announces your allegiance to Harley-Davidson, there's bound to be a 2012 Ford F-150 with your name on it.
Performance & mpg
Depending on the model, the 2012 Ford F-150 can be had with one of four engines. Every engine comes paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Buyers have a choice between two- and four-wheel drive on all versions of the F-150 except the Raptor, which has four-wheel drive as standard equipment.
The base 3.7-liter V6 generates 302 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. In Edmunds performance testing, this engine propelled the F-150 from zero to 60 mph in a decent 8.2 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive. Opting for four-wheel drive lowers all such estimates by about 2 mpg.
Next up is a 5.0-liter V8 with 360 hp and 380 lb-ft. With four-wheel drive, an F-150 with this engine went from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. Fuel economy with rear-wheel drive stands at 15/21/17.
The available twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 is rated at 365 hp and 420 lb-ft. A rear-drive F-150 with this engine hit 60 in an impressive 6.5 seconds in Edmunds testing while returning an EPA-estimated 16/22/18. This combination of acceleration and efficiency is unmatched in the truck world.
The final engine (standard on the Raptor) is a 6.2-liter V8 making 411 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque. The Raptor accelerates to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. Fuel economy stands at 13/18/14 with the 6.2-liter in the rear-drive F-150, but drops to 11/16/13 in the Raptor.
The F-150's tow ratings range from 6,100 pounds with the 3.7-liter V6 all the way up to 11,300 pounds with the 6.2-liter V8 and turbo V6 (when properly equipped).
Safety
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control, trailer sway control and a full complement of airbags (including front seat side and full-length side curtain) are standard across the board. Ford also offers its SOS Post-Crash Alert System that helps draw attention and assistance to the truck should the airbags deploy.
In government crash tests, the 2012 Ford F-150 SuperCrew received an overall rating of four stars out of a possible five, with three stars for overall frontal impact protection and five stars for overall side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the F-150 SuperCrew a top rating of "Good" in its frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests.
In Edmunds brake testing, regular F-150 models came to a stop from 60 mph in between 125 and 132 feet. The heavier Raptor with its off-road-oriented tires stopped in a much longer 143 feet.
Driving
Thanks to a powerful engine lineup and rock-solid chassis, the 2012 Ford F-150 delivers excellent ride and handling dynamics for a full-size truck. Its reputation for low cabin noise at speed has almost become a trademark of the F-150. Specific passenger pampering depends on the trim level, but the overall comfort level is high, even when the cargo bed is unloaded.
Unlike other full-size trucks, it's hard to go wrong when selecting an engine. Even the base V6 produces strong acceleration, while the turbocharged V6 offers a compelling combination of power, capability and efficiency. The old-fashioned V8s are pretty strong, too.
Of course, the purpose-built SVT Raptor is the halo truck that off-road enthusiasts dream about. It can tame some of the toughest terrain around, but it's also a bit trickier to drive around town due to its wide body and higher ride height.
Interior
The 2012 Ford F-150 SuperCrew is nearly as spacious for cargo and passengers as the cavernous Toyota CrewMax. It offers superb backseat comfort thanks to abundant legroom, a flat floor and a seatback angle that's pleasantly reclined. The SuperCab is still fairly roomy, but legroom is noticeably less generous. Its rear-hinged clamshell doors are also less useful than the traditional front-hinged doors of the competitive Tundra Double Cab and Ram Quad Cab.
The F-150 is well suited to life as a work truck. It can be equipped to perform a variety of work- and recreation-related chores, and little details like tailgate steps, trailer sway control, box side steps and the Work Solutions options make life easier for its owner.
All F-150s feature simple controls and good-quality materials (by full-size truck standards). Of special note is the instrument panel on upper trims with easy-to-follow analog gauges and a very informative 4.2-inch LCD message-center screen. The navigation system includes an 8-inch screen, also with impressive clarity. Lower trims have a standard 40/20/40-split bench seat with a column shifter, while the upper trims feature captain's chairs and a console shifter. Ford also does a great job in differentiating the interior design on special models like the SVT Raptor and Harley-Davidson.
2012 Ford F-150 models
The 2012 Ford F-150 full-size pickup truck is available in three body styles: regular cab, extended cab (SuperCab) and crew cab (SuperCrew). Cargo box size choices vary as well: Regular cabs and SuperCabs come with a 6.5-foot or 8-foot cargo bed, except the Raptor with its 5.5-foot bed. The SuperCrew can have either the 6.5-foot or 5.5-foot bed. Reverse-opening rear doors are standard on SuperCabs for easier cab access, while SuperCrews have four full-size doors.
There are nine trim levels offered: base XL, sporty STX, popularly equipped XLT, rugged FX2/FX4, luxurious Lariat, leather-saddle-inspired King Ranch, blinged-out Platinum, bad-boy Harley-Davidson and extreme off-roader SVT Raptor.
Geared toward commercial use, the bare-bones XL comes with 17-inch steel wheels, vinyl seating, an AM/FM radio, air-conditioning and not much else. The STX is similarly equipped but adds body-color trim, cloth seating, full power accessories, cruise control and an upgraded sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. The volume leader XLT is similar but features chrome exterior trim and foglamps.
The FX2 (2WD) and FX4 (4WD) feature a towing package, 18-inch wheels, front bucket seats, a six-way power driver seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, the Sync multifunction voice-command system (includes Bluetooth and an iPod/USB audio interface), a trip computer, a telescoping steering wheel, a 110-volt power outlet and satellite radio. The FX4 also includes underbody skid plates and retuned springs/shock absorbers.
The Lariat offers upscale interior trim, leather upholstery, heated eight-way power driver and passenger seats with power-adjustable lumbar, power-adjustable pedals, a power-sliding rear window and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The King Ranch, Platinum, Harley-Davidson and Lariat Limited are all similar to the Lariat but feature wheels, exterior trim, and interior materials and badging that are unique to a particular theme or interest. They typically have a few more features, too, like power-folding mirrors, heated/ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats. The SVT Raptor is tailored for off-road use with special tires and a heavily revised suspension. Other Raptor features include an electronically locking rear differential, sport seats and exclusive exterior and interior styling. The Raptor is available in either SuperCab or SuperCrew cabs with 5.5-foot beds.
Most of the functional features found on the upper trim levels can be added to the lower trims as options. Aimed at those who work out of their trucks, Ford's Work Solutions options include an in-dash computer with Internet access, a Midbox storage system (a lockable compartment located between the cab and bed) and Tool Link (a system that keeps tabs on tools stored in the truck's box via radio-frequency tracking). Other option highlights include a sunroof, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, a cargo management system, a stowable bed extender, a trailer brake controller, a premium Sony audio system, a hard-drive-based navigation system with Sirius Travel Link and a rear-seat entertainment system.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2012 Ford F-150.
5 star(53%)
4 star(23%)
3 star(16%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(5%)
51 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Big and red!
Lovin’ the F150, 10/07/2018
2012 Ford F-150 FX4 4dr SuperCab 4WD Styleside 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 6A)
Bought new in 2012, and 6 years later still running strong with 130,000 miles! One of the MOST RELIABLE cars I’ve ever had. ZERO issues, just routine mantenience. Front seats are as comfy if not more comfy than a luxury car, love all the features. Great utility for any kind of yard work, furniture moving, etc. Does what I ask it plus more. I love it! Highly recommend.
4 out of 5 stars
Bought it because I got a great deal!
Phil, 01/24/2017
2012 Ford F-150 XL 4dr SuperCrew Styleside 5.5 ft. SB (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
I'm a Toyota man. I have owned many Toyota's throughout my life and have gotten exceptional miles and reliability out of them. So why did I buy an F-150? Because I got a $25,000 truck for $15,000. So here is a review from a guy who never intended to buy an F150. First, what a pleasure to drive. Quiet, powerful, corners great, takes bumps really well. I test drove a Tundra just before I … bought this, and the F-150 is so much more awesome to drive. Second, the backseat space is amazing on the Super Crew. My son, at the age of 13, is pushing 6 feet tall. He loves it. My daughter does too. I would not feel bad at all taking adults in the backseat of this car. Stretch out those legs. Tundras with the extra large 4-doors are very hard to find, but Super Crew F-150's are everywhere and there was not a crazy upcharge for them like Tundras. But when you want to bring more gear, just fold up those back seats! Nothing is in your way, not even seat brackets. This beats Toyota hands down. In fact, I watched video where Toyota just started copying the F150 in this regard. Finally, I didn't think I would like the tall bed, but I love it. I just have lots of gear (duck decoys) that I throw back there. It absorbs it all. And since I have a Tonneau cover it is really important to have the deep bed. I only wish I got the tailgate with the pull-out step and handle. I have the EcoBoost. If you live in a climate with a lot of moisture, you may want to stay away. Fortunately, I live in a desert environment. The jury is still out on this motor, but I was slightly relieved to hear of a guy who already got 300,000 miles on his. Gas mileage...better than your average truck, but nothing like advertised. Keep in mind though...this thing tows 11,300 lbs! Will be nice to know when I buy a camper. I may actually be an F-150 guy now. Well, with only 50k miles on this truck, I will be for the next 10 years for sure.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Cabins in the Woods Need F-150s
coyotev8, 02/18/2012
2012 Ford F-150 FX4 4dr SuperCab 4WD Styleside 6.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 6A)
I bought the truck in January and the winter traction is amazing.
The driveway to my log cabin turns to a sheet of ice this time of year and this truck can handle it with almost no wheel spin.
On the road, the 5.0L V8 is downright snappy compared to the 5.4L Triton V8 I had before.
I'm averaging 22mpg running back and forth to town which beats the window sticker mileage estimate.
3.88 out of 5 stars
DUPED BY ECO-BOOST MPG
flaf150lar, 01/02/2014
2012 Ford F-150 Lariat 4dr SuperCrew Styleside 5.5 ft. SB (5.0L 8cyl 6A)
I too was duped by the MPG that Ford so proudly advertised you'd get with the new Eco-Boost 3.5L engine. I have had mine a year. I have a friend who bought the 5.0 v8 F150 and his gas mileage is far better than mine. Makes me mad since I paid more $$ for this engine to get less MPG. I would not recommend this engine to anyone unless you were pulling something all the time.
Someone … mentioned lights leaking, mine are also leaking and the visor mirror is in need of repair as the lid won't stay closed. Wish I would've listened to some of the reviews I read when I was buying this truck.
My advice is don't buy the chrome package either, it turns out its all plastic and hard to keep clean.
2012 F-150 Highlights
SuperCrew
XL
Base MSRP | $30,980 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Flex-fuel (ffv) |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $198/month |
Seating | 6 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 11,300 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover19.8%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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