Overview
The 2009 2010 2011 Ford E-150 van gets an auxiliary audio input jack as standard equipment, and with new options including Steel Blue Metallic paint, and new 16-inch wheels in cast-aluminum. The 2012 E-150 is a versatile cargo and people hauler — is equally at home serving as an airport shuttle or as a heavy-hauler for construction duty. All E-150s feature rear cargo doors that open to a maximum 178 degrees. Double-wall construction makes the E-150’s walls thicker than walls of other vans in its segment.
Ford’s E-150 is powered by two of its older V-8 engines, a 225-hp 4.6-liter or the 255-hp 5.4-liter mated to an aging four-speed automatic transmission.
Ford also offers many optional features that are sure to be handy on the job site. Optional on the E-150 is Ford’s Crew Chief system, which allows fleet managers to remotely monitor maintenance records, vehicle statistics, or make dispatches. Also optional is Sirius Traffic and Travel link, which is designed to help drivers cut down on time spent stuck in traffic, and SYNC, which should allow drivers to safely communicate while on the move.
The Range
Body Style: Van
Engines: 4.6L V-8, 5.4L V-8
Transmissions: 4-speed automatic
Models: Ford E-150 Passenger Wagon XL, Ford E-150 Passenger Wagon XLT, Ford E-150 Passenger Wagon XLT Premium, Ford E-150 Commercial Van, Ford E-150 Commercial Van Extended
What’s New
This year marks the stalwart E-Series van’s 51st year on the market, as the E-150 and its siblings have been in continuous production since 1961. For 2011, Ford has seen fit to include an auxiliary audio input jack as standard equipment across for the E-150. The E-150 also receives a new exterior color for 2012, Steel Blue Metallic. Newly optional are 16-inch cast-aluminum wheels. The E-150 Commercial Van and E-150 Commercial Van Extended also get a new dual-battery system, replacing the old auxiliary battery setup.
Exterior
The Ford E-Series got a substantial update back in 2009 and the exterior of the E-Series hasn’t changed since then. You’ll never mistake the E-150 as anything other than a van. E-150 Commercial Vans come standard with a blacked-out grille and dual-sealed beam headlamps. Optional on the E-150 Commercial Van and on the Passenger Wagon is a bright chrome grille reminiscent of Ford’s Super Duty pickup, a new paint option (Steel Blue Metallic) this year, and three 16-inch wheel options.
Interior
The interior of the E-150 is befitting a commercial van, in other words, basic. The floors of E-150 Commercial Vans are vinyl covered to prevent loads from scratching the interior. Commercial Vans also have an optional second row of seating in front of the cargo area, similar to that of a crew cab pickup truck. E-150 Passenger wagons have the ability to seat up to eight passengers in relative comfort. All E-150s have an available rearview camera, navigation system, and Sirius Satellite Radio.
Performance & Handling
The E-150 accelerates from 0-to-60 mph at a leisurely pace, either 9.0 seconds and 15.0 seconds, depending on the van’s configuration and whether it gets the 225-hp 4.6-liter or 255-hp 5.4-liter V-8. Both engines are hooked up to an old school four-speed automatic transmission. Handling isn’t the E-150’s strong suit but like most trucks the E-150 drives better when it is loaded with cargo or passengers.
Safety
Airbags for the driver and front passenger seats, side-door anti-intrusion beams, four-wheel disc with ABS, and Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems are standard on the E-150. All E-150s also come standard with Ford’s AdvanceTrac with RSC. AdvanceTrac with RSC combines traditional traction control, with roll stability control, and using a second gyroscope it prevents an over-exuberant driver from rolling the high-riding van over by applying the brakes to one or more wheels, or by reducing engine power.
EPA Fuel Economy
E-150 Passenger Wagon XL: 13 mpg city/16 mpg highway (4.6L V-8); 12 mpg city/15 mpg highway (5.4L V-8)
E-150 Passenger Wagon XLT: 13 mpg city/16 mpg highway (4.6L V-8); 12 mpg city/15 mpg highway (5.4L V-8)
E-150 Passenger Wagon XLT Premium: 13 mpg city/16 mpg highway (4.6L V-8); 12 mpg city/15 mpg highway (5.4L V-8)
E-150 Commercial Van: 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway (4.6L V-8); 12 mpg city/16 mpg highway (5.4L V-8)
E-150 Commercial Van Extended: 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway (4.6L V-8); 12 mpg city/16 mpg highway (5.4L V-8)
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