21st Jul 2001, 07:07
1997 was the last model year for the Aerostar. I have an AWD purchased used which currently has 78,000 miles on it. Nothing I would consider unusual as far as maintenance and repairs, and it is really great in the snow. Just changed the front shocks and got a nice improvement in ride quality.
20th Jul 2003, 19:55
To the person who wrote the review.
How can there be a power loss when the A/C is on??? You have a 4.0 liter engine!!!
Rubber window seals do NOT corrode, they degrade!! And yours should have lasted a long time!!
You must have gotten a lemon. Ford Aerostars are wonderful vans!! I own a 92 extended with a 3.0 liter engine and today I was looking at a blue Aerostar XLT extended with AWD and a 4.0 liter engine. I might buy it.
27th Feb 2004, 09:52
First, 1997 was the last year for the Aerostar. You should check other comments on Aerostars. 90% of them are comments on how good they are. I would try another one because you should get a decent one.
19th May 2004, 12:12
The A/C compressor runs off of engine power, resulting in a loss of overall engine performance and extra fuel consumption. Running the A/C system puts extra strain on the engine. So yes, any size engine will suffer a slight loss of power and fuel economy no matter what it's size may be.
8th Oct 2005, 00:25
I just purchased a 1997 Ford Aerostar XLT with Electronic AWD. I am not a Ford person I even hate them, but the Ford Aerostar is the "only exception. The 95 I also have has never given up on me. I've seen newer vans, trucks, cars and suv's that need service before they hit 3000 miles. The AWD feature gives you traction security. You have more room than a $50K Lincoln Navigator. The Aerostar has still beams for a tougher structure. Ford should of never stopped making the Aerostar. Where are you going to find a fan that can honestly tow?
8th Mar 2006, 13:52
I have owned many Ford Aerostars From a 1990 which I drove 147000 miles, 4 1993s one 93 I put 189000 mile on it right now I'm in the process of buying a 1996 all of them are and where AWD, they where bought used they rust out only when the car was new and was undercoated, they do have front brake problems, but rotors and pads are very cheap, I have to move the front seat back 2" because I'm over 6' tall and all legs I'm very sorry to see this fine vehicle gone, plus its not too bad on gas mileage! Between 17 - 25 mpg.
25th May 2006, 22:21
I had a 86 Ford Aerostar and gave it up after driving it over 600,000 kms. It still passed the emissions test and had the factory ignition system in use at that time of having it.
I presently drive a 93 Aerostar with 400,000 kms. I know I will be good for another 200,000 more.
Things to watch - trannys are soft, so give the van time, and they rust like crazy... other than that, they're great vehicles!!!
1st Feb 2008, 08:11
I bought a regular red 3.0 '97 with front end damage (r fender, grill, bumper, headlight) with 65k on it for $500 from CL and drove it home. I then found another blue '96 AWD with a cracked head for $200 from CL and drove it home. I have used other parts from the '96 like tires and alternator and use it as storage. I drive the '97 everyday and have 97k with still the blue fender. lol It is by far the best deal on an auto I ever did. It could use some shocks and maybe a set of brakes soon, but it ROCKS!
I had an '86 back in the day and swore never to get an Aerostar, but took another chance. I'm sure glad I did.
This van has been making me money for over 1 year (no car payments).
I see them still cheap on CraigsList (CL) and plan on getting another. Luckily my red one isn't rusted and had low miles.
Later.
1st Oct 2009, 16:44
We bought our 95 Aerostar new, it now has over 295,000 miles. We never replaced a tranny or had the valve covers off. Great van.
Replaced the starter at approx 285k. 2 tune ups, and yes we have had a few slight brake issues (grabby or front end shudder), but am looking at another used aero. Would like to try the AWD this time.
20th Nov 2009, 16:34
Ford Aerostar was manufactured in 1997, sold both in Canada and the USA. 97 was the last year. They were considered a very reliable and sturdy vehicle.
10th Oct 2010, 21:41
I have been driving Ford Aerostar vans for many years. The current 1994 model now has 253,000 miles and can be trusted to travel anywhere. Engine and transmission are original and have never been apart. I have just purchased a 1995 XLT with AWD with only 87,000 miles and I look forward to many years of fine Aerostar travel.
25th Sep 2011, 16:01
Hey,
I was googling to see if any Aerostars out there have over 400,000 km's.
I just wanted to comment on the miles of your Aerostar, 253,000 miles. Up here in the Great White North, we go by km and you know, that's over 400,000 Km.
The funny thing is, when my '94 4L XLT reached 399,999.9 km, the three didn't change. It read 300,000,... again LOL.
Today it has over 413,000 km, or as you would say, over 256,000 miles. It's not burning blue either.
I switched over to synthetic oil. Stuck with a regular oil filter though. She likes it. It has to be 5w-30. They don't like anything else.
All the best with the AWD.
22nd Apr 2001, 06:35
To the uninformed person who said there is no such thing as a '97 Aerostar, check your facts again. '97 was the FINAL model year of the Aerostar so there are '97 Aerostars but non from '98 onward. I should know as I've gone through a '90, a '92, and a '97 all 4WD used in Alaska and all have held up well.