Why mess with a good thing? For years, Ford has had one of the most popular and acclaimed vehicles on the market in its F-150, and the automaker is not about to do anything to put its success at risk. With that in mind, the 2012 Ford F-150 gets a couple of minor adjustments that enhance an engine overhaul that was put in place a year ago.

Ford's 2011 updates addressed power issues that had become an area of concern and complaint in some corners, and now the F-150 is rolling again, continuing to take on the Dodge Ram and Chevy Silverado, the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma, and any other full-size pickup truck brave enough to stand in its way.

As always, Ford sends the 2012 F-150 out ready to compete on multiple stages in a wide variety of trims with assorted engine, cabin style and bed options. It’s perfectly capable of doing battle as a work truck in base form, and it also can be set up for sport-riding and off-roading, or, in a more luxury-minded mode, it can fit well for a night on the town, too.

Upgrades to the F-150’s 4-wheel-drive (4WD) system and a new hill-start assist are among the technological advances added for 2012.

The 2012 Ford F-150 comes with a 3.7-liter V6 good for 302 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque as its base engine and works its way up the power ladder from there. Other options include a 5.0-liter V8 that the F-150 shares with the Mustang GT at 360 hp and a 6.2-liter V8 in top-of-the-line versions that puts out 410 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque. All get a smooth and efficient 6-speed automatic transmission and are based on a rear-wheel drive (RWD) chassis with part-time 4WD available. Ford also offers another engine choice with its turbocharged EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6, which has V8-type power at 365 hp and better fuel economy.

Towing capacities range from 6,100 pounds with the 3.7-liter V6 to 11,300 pounds for a 2012 F-150 set up with the EcoBoost V6. The EcoBoost engine is good for an estimated 16 mpg city/22 highway, while the 3.7-liter V6 turns in numbers of 17/23 in RWD and 16/21 in 4WD. The 5.0-liter V8 is rated at 15/21 in RWD and 14/19 in 4WD.

The 2012 Ford F-150 starts its trim lineup with the base and basic XL with vinyl seats, an AM/FM radio, air conditioning and not a whole lot more. From there, the line steps up through XLT, FX2 and FX4, and on up to include the Lariat, King Ranch, SVT Raptor and Harley Davidson trims.

The Lariat gets heated 8-way power driver's and passenger seats, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and upgraded trim. Versions above the Lariat receive many of the same features and also get specialized wheels and interior and exterior trims.

Some reviewers rave about the ability and agility with which the SVT Raptor attacks serious off-road challenges, an ability they note should transfer well to areas that tend to get nasty weather and difficult road conditions. The SVT Raptor has a locking differential and skid plates as well as an off-road suspension.

The various F-150s climb the pricing ladder, too. The XL starts around $23,000, and by the time a buyer reaches the Harley Davidson, they’re looking at about twice that.

Experts tend to compliment the quality of the ride and handling offered by the 2012 Ford F-150s, though opinions are mixed at times, particularly when it comes to road noise. Some find it quite quiet, while the road and wind noise in the F-150 bothers others.

Stability control and a full array of airbags come standard in the 2012 Ford F-150, as does trailer sway control with antilock brakes to lend a hand.