Need a basic three-quarter-ton full-size cargo van for those really big jobs? Check out the 2012 Ford E-Series E-250 Van. This boxy workhorse packs 237.8 cubic feet of cargo space aboard its burly frame, and with the front passenger seat removed, can handle up to 278.6 cubic feet of payload. Ford’s workaholic cargo van sports a pair of V8 engine offerings and enough options to overcome its decidedly spare appearance, comfort and convenience amenities.
Such amenities include 16-inch steel wheels, vinyl captain’s chairs for driver and passenger, tilt-wheel steering, air conditioning and an AM/FM radio with a pair of stereo speakers. One further standard goody, new this year, is an audio input jack to handle your iPod or MP3 player.
Options-wise, the 2012 E-Series E-250 is eligible for the Ford Work Solutions dash-mounted computer with mobile Internet and remote file retrieval and the Crew Chief vehicle tracking system that logs idle time, vehicle speed, maintenance issues and vehicle location. Customizable upfitter switches and various cargo management configurations of shelves, bins and drawers are additionally available, as is a towing package, along with an integrated trailer brake controller and upgraded sound insulation.
For those wanting a few extra appearance doodads, creature comforts and conveniences, check out the available 16-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, cruise control and power accessories. Ford’s popular SYNC voice-activated audio and communications (with or without hard-drive-based navigation) is also optional, as is a single-CD player with 6 speakers and satellite radio service.
A 4.6-liter Flex Fuel (FFV) V8 engine comes standard in the 2012 E-Series E-250 and mates with a 4-speed automatic transmission for 225 hp and 286 lb-ft of torque. Look for 6,100 pounds of towing with the proper equipment, including an available 4.1 rear axle ratio, but expect mileage to be in the vicinity of 13 mpg city/17 highway from this rear-wheel-drive-only workhorse.
For considerably more go-power, an available 5.4-liter FFV V8 combines with the 4-speed automatic for 255 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, a 5-speed automatic transmission is available for this potent V8. Max towing, meantime, increases to 7,500 pounds, but gas mileage dwindles to 12/16.
Standard safety features in the 2012 E-Series E-250 include 4-wheel antilock braking system (ABS), traction and stability control, and a post-collision safety system. Meanwhile, optional safety and security features include reverse parking sensors and a rear-view camera system, as well as the E-Guard cargo protection system and a passive remote antitheft alarm.
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