More than three decades – that’s how long the F-150 has worn the crown as bestselling truck in the USA. Last year, Ford sold almost 600,000 examples of the F-150, a large jump in sales from the previous year. Refusing to take customers for granted, Ford improved its bestseller in 2011 with a completely new lineup of powertrains boasting best-in-class horsepower, torque, capability and fuel efficiency. Second in a 10-model lineup, the 2012 F-150 STX model provides an ideal mix of rugged performance and creature comforts designed to satisfy a broad spectrum of truck buyers.

 

The F-150 (MSRP starting at $22,990) has earned a mountain of accolades. In fact, the F-150 lineup just earned “2012 Truck of the Year” honors from Motor Trend magazine, the fourth time the full-size pickup from Ford has been chosen for the award, and the most times of any truck on the market. The 2012 Ford F-150 STX brings buyers all the award-winning attributes they’d expect, along with outstanding value.

 

Here are the basics: Ford sells the F-150 STX (MSRP $25,405) in Regular Cab and SuperCab styles with your choice of standard 4x2 or optional 4x4, a 6.5-foot box and two engines.

 

The standard engine driving the STX is an all-aluminum 3.7-liter V6 making 302 hp and 278 lb/ft of torque. Advanced technology such as Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing and sequential multiport injection help make this powerhouse V6 a stranger at the pump, posting a class-dominating 17 city mpg and 23 highway mpg (4x2). The V6 is also E85 FlexFuel capable and gives you solid 6,100-pound trailer towing (when properly equipped).

 

Choosing the available FlexFuel 5.0-liter V8 raises output to 360 hp and 380 lb/ft of torque – more power and pull than any small-block V8 you’ll find in this class. Keeping the segment crown firmly in place, the 5.0-liter V8 also posts unrivaled city fuel economy – 15 mpg, along with 21 highway mpg – as well as unsurpassed 10,000-pound maximum trailer towing.

 

Both engines channel power through a standard electronic six-speed automatic transmission with Tow/Haul mode, and 4x4 models now come standard with Electronic Shift-on-the-Fly. The F-150 remains the only full-size pickup equipped with six-speed automatics as standard throughout the lineup.

 

The available six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission offers two modes of operation. “Range Select” mode allows you to limit access to higher gears while in Drive to maximize performance when hauling heavy loads or towing on steep grades. “Full Manual” mode locks the torque converter to hold the gear you’ve selected, mimicking the action of a manual transmission.

 

At speed, security and precision performance are assured thanks to the array of driver-assistance and safety technology that comes standard on the F-150 STX. AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control leads that list, which also includes four-wheel anti-lock brakes, electric power-assisted steering, front and side airbags and Safety Canopy side-curtain airbags. Trailer Sway Control is also standard while an integrated Trailer Brake Controller (first in class to offer this feature) and a Trailer Tow Package make the options list.

 

New for 2012, the Hill-Start Assist system senses when the truck is stopped on a slope and maintains brake pressure for up to two seconds after you release the brake pedal, ensuring a smooth launch.

 

Underscoring its superior value, the F-150 STX comes with a bounty of standard features including air conditioning, keyless entry, cruise control, an auxiliary audio input jack, power side mirrors and 17-inch machined aluminum wheels (18-inch machined alloys are available). 

 

Highlights on the options manifest include color-coordinated carpeting with carpeted floor mats, Ford SYNC AppLink with Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (includes free six-month trial subscription) and a Sony AM/FM/CD/MP3 Premium Audio System with 10 speakers and an information display.

 

Buyers looking to maximize the utility of their F-150 STX models can opt for the integrated tailgate step (350-pound load capacity) and box sidesteps (500-pound load capacity). Another good idea: Add the available Ford Work Solutions telematics system, which offers a host of services including in-truck Internet access and wireless connectivity to a printer.

 

Following last year’s refurbishment, the F-150 was the only full-size pickup to earn top awards in the J.D. Power Initial Quality (IQS) and APEAL (owner satisfaction) studies. If you’re looking for solid value in a hardworking truck that gets the job done from the first day off the lot and on through the long haul, contact us to schedule a test drive of the new 2012 Ford F-150 STX.