Faults:

Freeze plugs started leaking at about 170,000 miles.

Oil pump failed at about 200,000 miles. Getting at this to change it out was not fun.

Multifunction switch needed to be replaced at 165,000 miles.

Brake caliper seized at 190,000 miles.

Rear radio controls failed at around 140,000 miles.

A/C system needed major work at 180,000 miles.

The only other issues were routine tune up and wear and tear items.

General Comments:

This thing was darned near indestructible. It traveled from one side of the country to the other. Routine things would go wrong with it, but no major issues other than the oil pump -- and that was at 200,000 miles.

It had a fair amount of interior room and was a good hauler when you took the seats out. Rear wheel drive made it better for towing.

Not a lot of power, but it kept up with traffic and got about 22 mpg on the highway.

The only real negative was handling. Skinny 14 inch tires on a tall van made this thing a little scary on mountain roads, especially if I happened to have a trailer hooked to it.

Finally traded it for a newer Ford Windstar (oops) for added safety features.

Faults:

A/C died at about 180,000 miles.

Some minor maintenance.

Radiator had to be replaced at around 170,000 miles (my fault - left cap off after filling).

Hoses are failing and being replaced one by one.

Alternator replaced at about 140,000 miles.

Interior pieces cracking and door panels coming apart.

General Comments:

LOVE this monster. Best thing I've ever bought. It's been amazingly reliable and I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. Sure wish Ford would get rid of that goofy Windstar and put the Aerostar back out on the market!

Yeah, it's not terribly attractive, but it's like driving your easy chair, makes one heck of a great "drunk bus" for those of you with friends that make you the designated driver (we're all over 35, by the way), and you can't beat it for moving, yard sales, traveling, etc.

Faults:

Door panel is messed up and the rear-view mirror has fallen. The drivers seat is worn out.

General Comments:

I have had 2 Aerostars before this one. I love them Hate Ford stopped making them. My first one was an 88 Model and it was loaded to the gills and the second one was a 1990 Eddie Bauer. The only thing I found wrong with all of them is needing more power. You are not going to outrun a Mustang, but once you get going you are on your way. I like the older version better IE:88 over the 94. But if they were still made I would go out and buy one today and if this decides to go I will probably have it restored and have the 3.0 upgraded. Bored and stroked.

Faults:

THe gear shift thing on the steering colume got stuck and cost $200.00 to fix.

General Comments:

We have had this Aerostar for about 8 years, and put almost 100,000 miles on it. The only major repair on this van has been a sticking gear shift which cost about $200.00 to replace. We have done nothing else except oil changes, tires, brake pads and general maintenance. This van just keeps on running. Sure it is starting to look a little old. Ford really screwed up when they changed engines and went to the Windstar. I would love it if they still made the Aerostar with an updated body style. It is the best van out there. The Aerostar was the best made minivan out there. I am confident that we will get at least 250.000 miles, if not more out of ours. We are driving her until she dies. She has been a good old girl.