2012 Ford E150 Passenger

Crew Chief telematics
The system allows owners to manage their vehicles, dispatch drivers, keep tabs on usage patterns and track scheduled maintenance.

6.8-liter Triton V10
The 6.8-liter Triton V10 offers the potent torque of a diesel without the added cost.

It's hard to make a dashboard as vast as that of the 2012 Ford E-Series van simple and easy to operate, but Ford has done a pretty good job. Most of the vital switch gear is clustered as close to the driver as possible, but the radio and auxiliary input jack remains a bit of a reach. Wisely, Ford has made its SYNC communications system available in the 2012 E-Series van, allowing some functions to be controlled via voice-activated commands. There are also redundant controls for volume and station settings on the steering wheel. The E-Series' front captain's-chair seating is firm and supportive, but the bench-style rear seats are a throwback to a time when comfort and head restraints were not a primary concern. And, with no head-curtain airbags to protect rear passengers, we have some concerns about their well-being in a side-impact collision. With a number of possible interior configurations, the E-Series can accommodate up to 14 passengers, a grocery-shelf's worth of boxed goods, or a mix of passengers and cargo. Owners can further customize their vans with such factory options as the QuietFlex rack and bin system, Masterack tool storage package and the Cable Lock tool-security system.

Outside of redesigning the front end and tail lights, there's not much Ford can do to change five decades of its rolling box design. Flush-mounted side glass helps reduce drag and, on the 2012 Ford E-Series van, that side glass is particularly wide, providing excellent all around visibility. Large side mirrors help the driver see what might be cruising alongside the E-Series, and can be ordered with a power telescoping feature. If you have a conversion project in mind, the E-Series is the perfect platform from which to start, with a number of factory-installed pre-wiring packages to assist your installer.

The 2012 Ford E-Series offers a strong line of engine choices, with the base V8 delivering good power and torque for the standard-wheelbase models. Extended-length E-250 and E-350 models offer a choice of powerplants, including the Triton V10 and CNG-capable 5.4 and 6.8-liter engines. The 4.6-liter and 5.4-liter V8 engines are also E85-compatible.

4.6-liter V8
225 horsepower @ 4,800 rpm
286 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/17 (gasoline), 9/12 (E85)

5.4-liter V8
255 horsepower @ 4,500 rpm
350 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/16 (gasoline), 9/12 (E85)

6.8-liter V10
305 horsepower @ 4,250 rpm
420 lb-ft of torque @ 3,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 10/13

Pricing for the 2012 Ford E-Series vans covers a wide spread. The E-150 has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting around $29,500, while the E-350 Super Duty Cargo Van starts just over $32,000 and a loaded XLT Super Duty Passenger Van with navigation pushes close to $45,000. The E-350 Super Duty Extended Cargo Van starts just over $32,000 and the 15-passenger E-350 is a few thousand more at around $35,000. The gasoline Triton V10 adds a mere $800 to the base price. Additional options include a high-capacity air conditioner and a Class II/III/IV tow package. A look at the Fair Purchase Price will show you what the 2012 Ford E-Series is going for in your area, so be sure to take a look at it before you begin negotiations. The E-Series vans are expected to hold an average resale value on par with the Chevrolet Express vans.

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