We’ve ignored the cornerstone of America’s bestselling lineup for far too long, so with apologies to Ford Nation, here now is the 2012 Ford F-150.

Ford F-150 Trims, configurations, and Feature Highlights

The F-150 is a full-size pick-up truck available in three or six passenger cab styles; Regular Cab F-150 models seat three, and both the SuperCab and SuperCrew fit six.  Bed sizes also differ with cab style; Regular and SuperCabs feature 6.5 or 8 foot long cargo beds, while SuperCrews get the 6.5 or 5.5 foot options.  One exception to this rule is the SVT Raptor, Ford’s specialized off-road F-150.  With fame comes diversity, and for 2012 Ford offers 10 different versions of the F-150: XL, STX, XLT, FX2, Lariat, FX4, King Ranch and Platinum trims, as well as the specialized Raptor and Harley Davidson versions.  Shoppers should do their homework, though price can help differentiate the lineup for those in need.

With a price range of $23,300 to roughly $50,000 the 2012 F-150 runs the gambit of features.  Higher trims feature niceties like wood & leather trim, navigation and SYNC features, rearview camera (and front camera for Raptors), ambient lighting, and of course, plenty of hauling & tow capability.

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Ford F-150 Performance

Ford offers four engine choices for the 2012 F-150, which are to some degree interchangeable between models (all but SVT Raptor and Harley Davidson models come with options).  The base engine is a 3.7 liter V6 capable of 302 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. of torque.  An EcoBoost V6 is also available in the form of a turbocharged 3.5 liter that makes 365 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft.  The EcoBoost option offers the best balance between performance and economy, and not just within the Ford world.

A pair of V8’s finish the options; first up is a 5.0 liter worth 360 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft.  The other V8 is a burly 6.2 liter that wrangles up 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft.

All models come with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and all models save for SVT Raptor (it’s 4WD only) come in either 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive configurations.  Properly equipped, F-150 tow estimates go from 6,100 pounds (with the 3.7 liter V6) to a best in class 11,300 pounds (with either the turbocharged V6 or 6.2 liter V8).

Ford F-150 Fuel Economy

F-150’s base 3.7 liter V6 receives an EPA estimated 17/23/19 (city/highway/combined) MPG for 2-wheel drive versions and 16/21/18 with 4WD.  Fans of the EcoBoost V6 can expect estimates of 16/22/18 for 2-wheel drive and 15/21/17 with 4WD.

The 5.0 liter V8 gets either 15/21/17 (2WD) or 14/19/16, and the 6.2 liter V8 sucks up 13/18/14 (2WD) and 12/16/13 (4WD) MPG.

Ford F-150 Interior Highlights

The F-150’s interior is well crafted and generously stocked.  Seats provide plenty of comfort in front and back, though SuperCab rear leg room (33.4”) is significantly less than SuperCrew (43.5”) editions.  Shoppers can choose between varying levels of decadence, from the base XL F-150’s basic A/C and cloth seat setup to the Platinum’s tech heavy infotainment and wood/leather trim fixtures.  Specialized F-150 models also offer nice extras for select crowds.

As the F-150 is still designed primarily to be a work truck, the bed offers countless options for hauling just about anything.  If you need more inside you’ll want to look toward the SuperCrew cab for its flat load floor (the 60/40 split rear seats fold against the cab wall) that provides 59.9 cubic feet of space.

Ford F-150 Safety

Safety standards for the 2012 F-150 include 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control, trailer sway control, and 2 row side curtain airbags.  Ford’s MyKey (designed to keep young drivers in check) is available for XL trims and standard on all other F-150 models.  Additional safety tech includes rear sensors and backup camera for higher trims.

F-150 doesn’t quite reach Superman status in terms of safety scores, but its shell strength is far from a weakness.  NHTSA tests give all three cab configurations (Regular, SuperCrew, and SuperCab) 4/5 stars overall, and the IIHS gives F-150 CrewCab a 2012 Top Safety Pick.

Ford F-150 Summary

The number 1 follows F-150 wherever it goes.  With a diverse lineup and rock solid features, it’s a unanimous pick for top pick-up.  If you’re in the market, you want to check out the 2012 Ford F-150.  Find your F-150 (and you will find one) with a little help from CarWoo!, the automotive dream weaver.