2012 & 2013 Ford Van Reviews & Ratings

For thirty-two years now, the Ford E-Series Wagon full-size vans have been helping people move passengers and equipment across the United States. The E-Series not only has more than three-fourths of the full-size van market and has been America's best-selling full-size van since 1980. The E-series is a tow vehicle, and most are sold to fleet-end or commercial drivers- half as cargo vans and half as passenger vans. These commercial vans are currently the only vans in the Ford model lineup; the... (full review continues below)

For thirty-two years now, the Ford E-Series Wagon full-size vans have been helping people move passengers and equipment across the United States. The E-Series not only has more than three-fourths of the full-size van market and has been America's best-selling full-size van since 1980. The E-series is a tow vehicle, and most are sold to fleet-end or commercial drivers- half as cargo vans and half as passenger vans. These commercial vans are currently the only vans in the Ford model lineup; there are no minivans currently. The E-Series Wagon line was formerly known as "Club Wagon" and "Econoline," and although it's currently full-sized, it was originally introduced in compact van form. These vans feature their own platforms, but they also take several elements from the Ford F-Series trucks. These Ford full-size vans have a very special double-wall design inside the cargo area, which leads to less damage from unstable cargo.

For the 2012 year, Ford has three full-size vans, two of which are E-Series vans (the E-150 and the E-350 Super Duty), and the other of which is the Ford Transit Connect. The Ford E-150 comes in three different trims: the E-150 XL (starting at $28,760), the E-150 XLT (starting at $31,200), and the E-150 XLT Premium (starting at $34,230 and holding a towing capacity of 8,800 lbs.). All of these trims come with a choice or a 4.6-liter or a 5.4-liter Triton EFI V8 Engine. The E-350 comes in four trims, including the XL (starting at $31,855) XL Extended (starting at $34,160), the XLT trim (starting at $34,320), and the E-350 XLT Extended (starting at $35,620 and holding up to 9,500 lbs.). All of the E-350 models include either a 5.4-liter or a 6.8-liter Triton EFI V8 Engine.

The Ford E-Series vans beats out such competitors as GMC, Dodge, and Chevrolet due to the impressive features it continues to add with each year and its true versatility. For the 2012 year, The E-Series comes with new options such as a blue exterior paint color, new standard audio input jacks, and new sixteen-inch aluminum wheels. All E-350 models come with adaptable rear cargo doors and standard "double-wall construction." Four-speed automatic or five-speed automatic transmissions are paired with the two engine choices. Optional features include the Crew Chief system, Sirius travel and traffic updates, and SYNC, which allows for safe communication.

The 2012 Ford Transit Connect is a bit smaller than the E-Series, and achieves 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway. It comes in four trims, ranging from the Cargo Van XL all the way to the Wagon XLT Premium, with a range in starting price from $22,035-$23,810. In the middle of the line-up are the, to the Cargo Van XLT and the Wagon XLT trims. The 2012 year brings only small changes for this vehicle, including standard stability control. The Ford Transit is an entirely new type of commercial van that has features specifically designed or small business owners. All Transit vans come with great standard technology and safety features and are motorized by a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine that produces 128 pound-feet of torque and 136 horsepower. For a commercial van, the Ford Trans Connect has great fuel efficiency, and a big, versatile cargo area.