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The 2012 Ford E-Series comes in regular and extended wheelbases, as well as passenger Wagon or cargo Van body styles. Three models (E-150, E-250 and E-350) are available, and each comes in either XL, XLT or XLT Premium trim. Ford offers three gas-powered engines, though a V6, a diesel and all-wheel drive are all unavailable. This year, the E-Series gains a standard audio input jack, a new blue paint color and optional cast-aluminum wheels.

The Chevrolet Express and its corporate twin, the GMC Savana, have long been the Ford E-Series’ main competitors, and with good reason. Though these vans don’t offer anything like Ford’s much-praised Work Solutions system, they do offer optional all-wheel drive and a better lineup of engines, including a diesel and a fuel-conscious V6. The Express and Savana have shortcomings of their own, including fewer standard features than most other vans and an interior that’s not particularly comfortable, but they’re a good alternative to the E-Series.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a lot more expensive than the Ford E-Series, but test drivers say it drives fairly easily for a vehicle of its size. Plus, unlike the Ford or GM vans, it’s also available as a high-roof model, which significantly increases overall interior space. The Sprinter’s interior is far removed from that of Mercedes’ passenger cars, with a design and materials that are more utilitarian than luxurious, but no other passenger van can match the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter’s cavernous maximum cargo capacity.

The 2012 Ford E-Series is a decent work van with powerful optional engines and helpful work management systems, but it’s missing a few key features that may make it a deal breaker for some.

As work vans go, the Ford E-Series is one of the most popular and easy-to-recognize members of its class. It was introduced in 1961, and remains one of the most common passenger vans on the road today. Reviewers continue to love the 2012 E-Series’ powerful optional V10 engine, and they note that it’s one of the only vans on the market that can hold up to 15 people. Plus, test drivers love Ford’s optional Work Solutions system, which has a tool tracker, a vehicle fleet monitor, a Wi-Fi hotspot and a printer.

However, with more competitors entering the field recently, the Ford E-Series may no longer be the obvious choice for shoppers in need of a work van. Reviewers say that all three of its engines are thirsty, and the E-Series’ base engine isn’t powerful enough to handle lots of passengers or cargo. Shoppers who can give up some cargo and passenger space may be better served by the smaller Ford Transit Connect, which is much easier on fuel and has much better handling. Anyone who wants more cargo space than the E-Series can offer will likely be happier with the larger Nissan NV or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. And perhaps most significantly, the E-Series lacks important safety features like head-curtain airbags and all-wheel drive.

Overall, test drivers say the Ford E-Series isn’t bad for a work van. But whether you’re shopping for a high-capacity family vehicle or a work van tailored to your company’s needs, there are others that offer more features, better performance and more space.

Like most work and passenger vans, the number of interior features the base Ford E-Series has is modest at best. Air conditioning is about the only standard feature, but that's common throughout the class. Plus, the E-series offers optional features like navigation, Ford's SYNC infotainment system and a DVD player. The navigation system even includes real-time traffic info and fuel prices.

For businesses, the options step up a notch with Ford Work Solutions. This system incorporates an Internet-connected computer that can track invoices. You can even hook a printer up to it. The system also includes a fleet management system, which allows crew chiefs to track other vehicles in their fleet. Having the exact location of a van can aid in dispatching, saving time and fuel. The system also includes vehicle diagnostics. Finally, the popular tool management system, which is a staple of Ford's trucks, is available on the E-Series. The system uses radio frequency tags attached to tools and materials so the E-Series let you know when a tool is missing.