2012 Ford F-150 EcoBoost

Ford recently built its 100,000th Ecoboost-equipped F-series pickup, ten months after the engine was first introduced in February. By any measure, the turbocharged V-6 has been well received by F-series buyers, who it was feared might look askance at an engine that wasn’t a V-8.

The Ford F-150 is the American automaker’s best selling full size pick up truck.  Offered with a choice of four power plants, the entry level F-150 is equipped with a 3.7 Liter V6 engine producing 302 HP. The next step up is the twin turbocharged 3.5 Liter EcoBoost V6 that pumps out a total of 365 HP and 420 lb-ft of torque while returning as much as 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway.

Pickup trucks are regarded by a significant portion of the country (read: blue-state pantywaists with NPR locked on the radio) as a wasteful endeavor favored by chronic spouse abusers and manual laborers. But that won’t stop me from nominating the Ford F-150 Platinum as the “One Vehicle To Rule Them All”.

With the F-150 being the best-selling vehicle in North America since the dawn of time, there must be something to this statement, and Ford’s huge range of configurations means that there really is an F-150 for everyone. Recently we were given an F-150 Platinum to test, a trim level meant for the owner of the contracting company rather than one of the grunts. None of our usual truck experts were available and so the task of reviewing this machine fell to me, a pickup truck virgin, who found himself pleasantly surprised at just how cushy – and expensive – these trucks can get.

2012 Ford F-150 EcoBoost_1

2012 Ford F-150 EcoBoost_2

2012 Ford F-150 EcoBoost_3

Base price: $40,590
Price as tested: $46,620

Standard Equipment:
5.0-liter V-8 engine
6-speed automatic transmission
Electronic shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive
Electric power-assisted steering
Power four-wheel vented disc brakes
Hill start assist
AdvanceTrac with roll stability control
Trailer sway control
18-inch bright aluminum wheels
Tilt, telescoping steering column
Power door locks with remote
SecuriCode driver’s-side keypad
Power windows including rear sliding window
Power-adjustable pedals
Power front seats
Heated front seats
Leather-trimmed seats
40/20/40 bench front seat
60/40 flip up bench rear seat
Dual-zone automatic climate control
AM/FM/XM/CD audio system
Sync voice controls
Message center/trip computer
Cruise control
Power side mirrors w/memory, integral spotter mirror, heated, with exterior turn signals
Trailer tow package

Options on this vehicle:
Ecoboost V-6 engine – $750
3.73 ratio limited slip axle – $300
Power moonroof – $995
Sony navigation radio – $2495
Max trailer tow package, chrome – $565
Max trailer tow
Power heated/signal manual folding/telescoping mirrors
Trailer brake controller
Lariat plus package – $950
Universal garage door opener
Remote start system
Rear-view camera
Reverse sensing system
Leather trimmed bucket seats, heated + cooled – $975

Key options not on vehicle:
Lariat chrome package – $1495
20-inch chrome clad aluminum wheels – $995

Fuel economy:
(city/highway) 15/21 mpg

Engine:
3.5L V-6 turbo
Horsepower: 365 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque: 420 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm

Drive:
Four-wheel

Transmission:
6-speed automatic

Curb weight: 5615 lb

Wheels/tires:
18-inch wheels
275/65R18 tires

Competitors:
Chevrolet Silverado
Dodge Ram
GMC Sierra
Nissan Titan
Toyota Tundra

the F150 EcoBoost in complete awe as to how pickups have evolved over time. Forgetting my lack of experience aside, as a car guy, stepping into an F150 wasn’t overwhelming or intimidating whatsoever. The F150 was a breeze to get used to, especially for someone with my background…or lack thereof. In all, I see the F150 as a Swiss army knife, but one with a snakeskin holster that’s stylish and practical and is sure to elicit some conversation from others and you can take it anywhere without being terribly uncivil. And for that, I can now appreciate the appeal of pickup trucks and I’m sure those venturing into the market for the first time will too. You can haul your friends/family plus their junk and nearly go anywhere all while in good comfort and style of the mighty Ford F150. In other words, where as enthusiasts come to appreciate cars for their sense of value rather than how superior their performance and drive is, enthusiasts can appreciate the F150 for its gung-ho and do-nearly-anything capabilities. And even for those who are looking to buy the F150 for its utility, they are definitely going to feel right at home. Sure, the fuel economy may not meet the promises of exponentially better fuel economy like Ford is pitching. But Ford has apparently tested the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 to extreme ends so the V6 is sure to be as durable and reliable as the V8 it hopes to replace. Not to mention, those who are considering or have experience with pickups are used to getting cruddy fuel economy anyway. Let’s just hope that Ford’s push for the EcoBoost engines in this F150 and its other cars isn’t a harbinger of things to come, like the potential death of the V8. But simply put, the F150 is A+ all the way.

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