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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2012 Ford E150 Passenger

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Ford E150 Passenger

Overview

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2012 Ford E150 Passenger Review

By KBB.com Editors

Let's face it, when you need to move a massive amount of people or cargo nothing is as efficient as a full-size van. With 50-plus year of service under its belt, the 2012 Ford E-Series van has more than proven this point, tackling jobs both big and small. A long-time favorite of both the service industry and shuttle fleet managers everywhere, the venerable 2012 Ford E-Series full-size vans also serve countless vacationers who desire to take a big, comfortable conversion van on a long holiday across country. And, although the 2012 Ford E-Series vans are cut from the same mold as their wildly popular 1970s counterparts, today's E-Series is filled with modern safety and convenience features unheard of just a few years ago. Ford's AdvanceTrac traction and stability control system is a definite plus, as is the available navigation and SYNC communications systems. Offered in a number of configurations, the 2012 Ford E-Series van can serve as a passenger, cargo or cutaway van and is available in 1/2-ton, 3/4-ton and 1-ton models.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you have a big job moving multiple passengers or hundreds of pounds of cargo, the 2012 Ford E-Series full-size van is the truck of choice. Beyond its numerous configurations, the E-Series van can also be ordered as a CNG (compressed natural gas) vehicle.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you have strong concerns about safety and fuel economy, you should take note that the 2012 Ford E-Series van does not have head-curtain side airbags or a diesel engine option. There is also no all-wheel-drive model. All of these features, however, can be found on the Chevrolet Express Van.

How It Ranks

#17

out of 17

MPG

#25

out of 26

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

8.5 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2012 Ford E150 Passenger Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2012

For 2012, the E-Series van receives an auxiliary audio input jack as standard, while new cast-aluminum wheels are made optional.

Driving the E150 Passenger

2012 Ford E150 Passenger Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions You don't hear much about the dynamic handling abilities of a full-size van but, if you're curious, the 2012 E-Series van is actually quite easy to live with. Although not...

as well-heeled as a full-size SUV like the Ford Expedition, the 2012 Ford E-Series is a far cry from vans of yesteryear. It's true that the rudimentary suspension, long rear overhang and average-size tires don't inspire sporty maneuvering, but the standard AdvanceTrac traction and stability control system goes a long way to making sure bad situations don't get worse. From the driver's seat, the E-Series delivers a modicum of feedback through its oversized steering wheel, but sudden lane changes and corners rounded too quickly require a bit more attention be paid to the task at hand. The E-Series' ride remains relatively controlled even when the vehicle is fully loaded, although it can get rather bouncy. In an attempt to make the 2012 E-Series van as user-friendly as possible, Ford has paid special attention to the areas most frequented by passengers. For example, the van's door handles are placed down low for easy access, and the there is a two-step tier at the base of the sliding side door making entry and exit less of a hike.

Favorite Features

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.

2012 Ford E150 Passenger Details

2012 Ford E150 Passenger Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

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.

Exterior

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.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The base Ford E-150 XL includes a 225-horsepower 4.6-liter V8, 4-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), dual side mirrors, driver and passenger front airbags, 12-volt outlets, swing-out side doors, AM/FM stereo, 8-passenger seating, tilt steering wheel, intermittent wipers and power steering. The XLT trim adds chrome bumpers, 6-speaker stereo with CD, dual cloth captain's-chair seating, cruise control and power windows, mirrors and door locks.

Optional Equipment

E-Series options include a 255-horsepower 5.4-liter V8, a 305-horsepower 6.8-liter Triton V10 and CNG versions of the 5.4- and 6.8-liter engines. Also on the list are a number of seating configurations, rear air conditioning, SYNC voice-activated communications system, navigation, HD Radio, CD player, auxiliary input jack, aluminum wheels, sliding side cargo door, telescopic trailer-tow mirrors, power driver's seat, a trailer-towing package and the luxurious XLT Premium package. Other appealing options include the Masterack work-bin storage system (which includes steel shelving, drawers and cabinets), Tool Link tool-tracking system and the Crew Chief telematics system.

Under the Hood

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 Notes

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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2012 Ford E150 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 198 Ratings for the 1992 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

8.8/10
Comfort

8.7/10

Styling

8.5/10

awsome

By steve (KY) on Sunday, July 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 165,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "fun to drive and cold a/c"

Cons: "gas milage isnt the best"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"this van is fully loaded with tv and dvd and everything is still factory with 200000+ miles and still runs strong,all I have replaced is a radiator and thermostat and hoses and basic oil changes and tune ups,it still runs and drives like new and only has minor chips in the still factory paint,ford did a great job building this van!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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The Family Van

By Pacman on Wednesday, July 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 148,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Top Notch Quality, Durable, Spacious+Comfortable"

Cons: "Terrible mpg, handling, bad with cross wind"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Mom bought this van brand new when gas prices werent an issue. This van took us everywhere in comfort and safety! now 12 years old, this van still runs and drives great, with the only mechanical repair needed was a new starter (personally fixed with ease). This old van shows good old Ford Quality. Some rust in areas (being in the rust belt of America) but overall holds up and still looks great. The only downfall that keeps this thing in the garage all year is the gas mileage. 32 gallon tank that gets filled up as quickly as a regular car (when actually driven). Most likely never get rid of this van unless totalled. Nice job Ford!"

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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I really enjoy my Ford Van

By Greg (PA) on Saturday, July 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 140,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Very comfortable to drive."

Cons: "Poor gas mileage."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I bought this vehicle used in great condition and have put about 100,000 miles on it. It rides very comfortable and has been very reliable. The only draw backs are that of course it is hard to parallel park, and it gets relatively poor gas mileage. I have had horrible luck with American cars in the past, this is the only American car I have owned that did not break down frequently. I have only had to do minor maintenance on it for the 7 years I have had it. And I was rear ended at high speed by a drunk driver and didn't feel a thing. The van needed some cosmetic work, but the frame and everything held up like a tank. If only gas were cheaper I would keep this vehicle for another ten years."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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this is as close as I come to the value.

By janis (SD) on Wednesday, April 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 83,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "great for kids"

Cons: "nothing bad about it."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is actually a full conversion van, privacy windows, in perfect shape, both exterior and interior. Floor covered with plastic runners since day one. Looks and smells new, never smoked in. Flexsteel captains chairs that recline and can be removed for hauling. Electric rear seat goes down into a full sized bed for camping. Separate controls for rear hear,full surround sound speakers for the TV./DVD player and hookups for PSP games. The conversion package alone was $12000.00 Great for traveling with children for long distances. Would like to sell as my grandkids are grown and I don't use it much anymore. It needs a good home with kids. asking price $17500.00"

4 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Best value van ever

By Swampfl (FL) on Tuesday, April 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 86,598

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Reliability, price plus holds half your house"

Cons: "Has some wind noise and old design"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought it at a rental used lot back in 2006 with 13985 miles on it. After seven years of driving this van, I have only replaced the tires on it. That's amazing, 81345 miles on the same tires and nothing but oil changes/air filter. It's not great on gas nor is it a great design inside but it works and hold up good. Best van ever."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Vehicle reviewed is a work vehicle

By Nomad/styline (MA) on Thursday, April 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Works"

Cons: "Front end at 30k"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Vehicle is great. Writing a review on this site isn't worth the effort, they should make it easier. Half of the cars I own aren't on prompts. The value assessed seems proper."

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