Faults:

Lots of light bulbs burned out, but were replaced under warranty.

Battery failed at 33,000 miles and was replaced under warranty.

Power steering (Rack and Pinion) needs to be replaced now.

Air Conditioning had a pesky small leak that was impossible for the dealer (note the low rating he got) to solve. I took it to an independent mechanic and it was solved cheaply and quickly. No problems since then and it blows icy cold. On a related note, if you live in a warmer climate the rear air conditioning system is not optional. The front a/c just doesn't have the gusto to cool the whole van. With the rear a/c, however, you'll swear you're at the North Pole.

General Comments:

This vehicle will not win any beauty contests, nor win any agility contests, but it wasn't meant to. It is simply the most capable minivan ever made. Period. My Aerostar can hold seven people comfortably or (with all the bench seats removed) haul a forest full of plywood or tow a boat or tow a trailer or???

And it does it all very economically. I get 18 miles per gallon in the city and 23 on the highway. Combine that with a real lack of problems and you can see why I rate it so favorably in running costs.

The paint job is still super! I have it detailed professionally every six months and it's shiny and reflective the first day I bought her. The interior is rugged and has taken quite a beating. Yet, it shows no sign of wear.

Ford really built this thing right. I could not be more pleased than I am with this van. Like others who have posted here, I plan on keeping this beauty until it dies. And considering that so many have kept their Aerostar's well beyond 250,000 miles, that's gonna be quite a while. Vive l'Aerostar!!

Faults:

I bought the 1996 Aerostar for $3500 at 120,000 miles used. I replaced the rear seal when I bought it, and changed the oil, and put on new brakes. I have never had a problem with it. it just turned over to 140,000 and still going strong. Still looks new. runs smooth.

General Comments:

My labs love the side windows this Aerostar has. they love putting their head out to catch the breeze going down the hiway. This is the main reason I bought this Aerostar. Little did I know at the time what a great van this is.

The seats are in perfect condition being that I have two labs. Great material.

Smooth ride, long wheel base. Just regular maintaince is all that's needed.

My labs Give this Aerostar 2 paws up.

Before buying this van I was looking at the 2003 Windstar new on the lot. then I saw this trade-in Aerostar. It had the room I needed plus some.

I and the Labs are hoping they bring it back into production. I will for sure buy a new 2003 or 2004 if they do.

Faults:

Replaced the front ball joints and tie rods at 105,000 miles. Service shop wanted to charge $900.00 but my husband did it for $200.00 in parts. Replaced the brakes twice in 2 yrs, it could be due to speeding and lots of stop and go traffic. Power lock on front passenger door quit working. Also sliding door power lock makes loud noise when ignition is turned off or on. I can hear some rattles throughout the van, but I am unable to pinpoint while in motion. The rattles are nothing major.

General Comments:

My husband bought this van for me and our 3 children, pre-owned for $5995.00.

We love the van. We have hauled little Girl Scouts, tee-ball team, extended family and cub scouts.

The van does very good on fuel.

The only drawback is the cup holders in the front and the rear seat.

The van cleans up really nice it makes me feel very proud to own a beige school bus as my 5yr old calls it.

The van is very spacious for bikes, coolers etc... for that weekend at the park.

If Ford Manufactures another Aerostar I will certainly buy another. No other van will meet my expectations like the Ford Aerostar. Enjoy yours like I am enjoying mine.