Faults:

The ignition switch on the column is wearing out and operates poorly. The water pump had to be relaced at 160,000 miles. Drivers seat cover is wearing badly. The rest of the interior has remained in good condition.

General Comments:

This van has been remarkable. It has a truck body and yet operates nicely as a functional car-like vehicle. With the two rear seats out, my Aero star has remarkable space for carrying lumber, cement blocks, etc. However the rear seats are heavy and a chore to remove and put back in.

It is a wonderful workhorse by day and at night serves as a family vehicle.

I've never had a better, more useful vehicle. The mileage is 20 - 25 mpg on the highway and the ride is comfortable. The captains seats in front are well built and comfortable. I am surprised how well this van operates in snow even though it is rear wheel drive. Previous real wheel drive vans that I owned were a hazard on icy roads, but not my Aerostar.

The paint job is not of the best quality and the lower body panels are beginning to rust badly. I plan to do some major body work soon and this vehicle is well worth it. I have never replaced a muffler or catalytic converter in over 180,000 miles. This is remarkable and speaks well of the stainless steel parts used on the exhaust system.

I also like the slab like appearance of the Aerostar and plan to get a 97 Eddie Bauer 4 wheel drive to replace my 94.

Faults:

Wiring harness burned at 75,000.

Various engine oil leaks throughout its life.

General Comments:

This van has been very reliable. It has had no engine or transmission repair. It even has the original water pump. It is a 4 wheel drive. I thought we might have a lot of trouble out of it, but was pleasantly surprised to not have the first problem. The ride is not very good, but the van is very roomy. We're looking to get at least 200,000 miles without major repair. The last one we traded in on this one had 150,000 miles.

Faults:

I have had to have many alignments. The drivers side front tire has to be replaced every 6-8 months. I have had CV joints, ball joints (2x), tire rod ends, new exhaust system, alternator, power steering pump all replaced in the last 9 months. It is in need of a new rack and pinion, but is OK for a while longer. The interior is still great and the exterior has very minor rust on the drivers side bottom.

General Comments:

I love the space inside, especially having two small children. I wish it got a little better gas mileage, it only gets about 15 miles to the gallon. It has never let me down in the cold weather we get here in Maine, -20 degrees. Starts first time every time. Parts are not horribly expensive, so I will continue to keep up with the work it needs. I wish that they were still made because I do not care for any other van as much as this one. Although another door on the drivers side would be nice!!