• 2013

• 2012 Ford F-150

• Used Ford F-150
• Repairs Ford F-150

Scorecard

Overall:	2012 Ford F-150 U.S. News Best Cars 8.9
Critics' Rating:	9.2
Performance:	8.6
Interior:	9.1
Safety:	9.4
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Pros & Cons

• Best-in-class towing capacity
• Innovative interior features
• Vast lineup of powertrains, trims and configurations 

• Relatively high base price
• Ride is less comfortable than Ram 1500

Research Other Years

• 2013 Ford F-150
• 2011 Ford F-150
• 2010 Ford F-150
• 2009 Ford F-150
• 2008 Ford F-150
• 2007 Ford F-150

Reviewers say that no matter which model you choose, the Ford F-150 is a comfortable truck with easy-to-use electronics and high-tech features.

• "Two tactical errors: only a few of the F-150 tachometers are marked with a redline and trucks equipped with column shifts have the all-important +/- switch hidden behind the steering wheel rim." -- Automobile Magazine
• "Hands-down, it's the best pickup truck trip computer, and it's the benchmark by which all others that follow will be measured. It has a fuel-efficiency monitor, pitch and yaw angles while off-roading and a robust set of towing apps that can store names and notes for up to 20 trailers, and provides a hitch checklist to help ensure you've hooked up the trailer properly." – PickupTrucks.com

See More Photos »

Seating

The Ford F-150 can seat between three and six people, depending on the cab and configuration you choose. Most reviewers concentrate their praise on the F-150's interior features, rather than its seats. Still, those who mention the seats say they are comfortable. Even in extended cab models, test drivers note that head- and legroom are suitable for adults.

• "Ford also paid special attention to the seats, which are some of the most comfortable in our experience.” -- Kelley Blue Book
• "SuperCrew has abundant space for the largest occupants, even with the front seats all the way back. A wide seat and flat floor allow easy 3-abreast seating. The extended SuperCab has enough headroom and legroom for an average-size adult as long as the front seats aren't pushed far back.” -- Consumer Guide

Interior Features

Though the base Ford F-150 comes equipped with little more than air conditioning and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, top-of-the-line trims like the King Ranch and Harley Davidson are outfitted more like luxury SUVs. Reviewers appreciate the range of features availability, since it means buyers can choose a bare-bones truck purely for work, or an opulent pseudo-luxury vehicle that’s comfortable for commuting or long trips.

Depending on the trim level, buyers can opt for Ford's SYNC voice-controlled infotainment system, a top-notch Sony stereo, various types of auxiliary audio inputs and navigation. Some reviewers also point out that Ford’s Work Solutions system is likely to appeal to buyers using their trucks for work, including a tool-tracking system and an in-cab computer that even includes Wi-Fi and a printer.

• "Gauges are easy to read but might seem small to some drivers. The LCD display screen in the instrument cluster offers plenty of useful information and is exceptionally easy to read, even while wearing polarized sunglasses.” -- Consumer Guide

• "The … Ford F-150's interior is both attractive and functional. Knowing men's hands would most often be using the controls, Ford designers made the knobs, buttons and switches brawny and put them within easy reach of the driver.” -- Kelley Blue Book
• "If the (Harley-Davidson) decor is in fact your style, though, your taste might be a little, shall we say, questionable. Example: There is glitter on the center console. To paraphrase everybody’s favorite park-bench prophet, that’s all we have to say about that.” -- Car and Driver

Cargo

Most reviewers are pleased with the interior storage options in the 2012 Ford F-150. The deep center console is a reviewer favorite, as is the flat load floor in the rear seat of the crew cab. Test drivers note that the glove box isn’t very big, but that the various other storage cubbies make up for its lack of space. One reviewer mentions that without the optional side step, the bed’s high walls can make it difficult to reach the center of the cargo box.

• "SuperCrew's rear-seat cushion can be folded up to reveal a wide, flat-floor load space along with handy grocery-bag hooks. Cabin small-item storage is quite good, with the huge center console and a few small bins making up for a tiny glovebox.” -- Consumer Guide