Ford Aerostar

selu · January 1998

I used to own a '91 Ford Aerostar, extended
length. Unfortunately, we bought it only three
years ago, and shortly afterwards all the magazines
mentioned that 1991 was a lemon model year. Was
it ever! We also got rooked by a dealer that has a
reputation in Westchester. What did we know? We
were just a couple of cynical city-slickers,
waiting to be hosed. The truck was sold to us with
a bad battery, balding tires and a leaky power
steering hose. I blew the power steering motor
driving it back to the dealer. Try driving THAT
for a while! During the next year and a half we
had the transmission done twice, the AC done twice
(that blew on our way down to Florida), the exhaust
system replaced, the brake shoes, cylander, and
some other stuff I can't remember. For some stupid
reason, I just loved the van. It had so much
room! I could put a double stroller and two
bicycles in the back with no problem. All I wanted
was a new or used Aerostar. Once it was
discontinued, my husband refused to allow me to buy
one. We now have a '98 Grand Cravan SE, and all
I can do is think of the Aerostar. Somebody
please tell me how your van is doing!!! I'm just
sick with reading (just now, mind you) about the
reliability problems with the Grand Caravan
transmission.

suzyq · January 1998

selu,
We also used to have an '89 Aerostar (Eddie Baur) and loved it. It wasn't an extended version, but that but have been even better. We bought it used and had it for four years. We also had alot of a/c problems along with various electrical problems. We never had transmission problems and after reading some of the information in these conferences I think it was because we had the towing package on it.
We, regretfully, gave it up almost two years ago, because the electrical problems really started to worry us about how much longer the van had. Now we want to get another mini-van, but are very discouraged with the reliability of them. I don't know what we will end up with, but we are really considering a full size van at this point.
Our kids (we have 3) still pine for our Aerostar. They really loved the way the two bench seats would lay flat. I miss it too, but not the trouble we had with it. I have been praying we will end up with the right van or mini-van.

jboater · January 1998

To Suzyq:

If a full size van is a consideration, please read my post in topic #26. My '97 Ford/Coachmen now has 1100 miles on it and my opinion remains unchanged.

geh · February 1998

I am looking at a '92 Aerostar Eddie Bauer extended van. It has 154,000 miles. owner says
never any major problems. He has changed the refridgerant over to new type. It has lots of room, with the two captain chairs in rear and bench seat way back. Also has LED dashboard.
I have been seeing on TSB a/c, tran, brake promlems. Are these isolated cases?
Anybody have any advice for this peticular year.
He is asking $5500.00
Thanks for your help..
Grant

goon · February 1998

I bought a 91 Aerostar awd. The van has been quite reliable. It now has 90000 miles on it and still looks brand new. I have replaced the water pump 2 times in a year. It has the towing package and 4.0 liter motor. I have worried about the tranny eventually going, but I understand that with awd they are a little more reliable.

After being in an Astro I would take the aerostar any day.
It has a nice ride and feel and isn't so tinny.

Anybody have any insight as to what repairs (major) I can anticipate with this vehicle in the near future?

eel · March 1998

I have a 96 windstar. I am thinking of trading it for a new 97 aerostar,regular length with sport pkg. I want the rear wheel drive in order to tow a small rv. Is this a good van?

raddad · May 1998

we really like the roomy aerostar, with electronic 4wd, but upon looking for one, used, the dealers say the 4wd isn't reliable and gets costly to repair. Am looking for any yr, xlt 4wd. can anyone tell us if they've experienced any trouble.
thanks

Goldgary · May 1998

I just purchased a used 90 Aerostar with 102K, Eddie Bauer 4wd, ext length. A lot of normal stuff needed to be replaced mostly front end stuff. I found out it had trasmission worked on but I dont know to what extent. Not sure what other major promlems it has had..I like it so far. The kids like it too. How many people out there that has excessive miles on the clock? And what eles can I expect to go wrong with this van.

isotope · May 1998

My 1989 Aerostar has 136,000 miles on it. I bought it used four years ago and have put over $3500 in repairs. If these haven't been worked on you can expect them to fail?

Repairs in past 12 months:

Air conditioning: Major Expensive Repair
Brakes: Entire system, including rotors,
calipers and master cylinder ($1000).
Fuel Pump: Expensive repair.
Universal Joints: Inexpensive repair (Under $150)

Power Windows: not yet repaired
Fuel Gauge: not yet repaired

The van seems to run just fine. I bought it at 65,000 miles, and have always changed the oil and filter every 3000 miles.

I have a question for anyone else out there. How many miles can I expect to get on the 3.0 engine?

isotope · May 1998

Oh, I forgot:

About 18 months ago I had to replace the power steering. That was expensive too.

But I agree with what others have said. I really like my Aerostar and all the room it has. I can fit two full-size bikes upright in the back of my extended van. You can't do that with any other van. I wish they still made it.

good luck with your van. Just set aside about $100/month for repairs and you'll do fine.

Goldgary · June 1998

I will keep you posted. I have the 4.0 V6 engine. Not sure if this is better or worse. I have had the ball joints and brakes done, drive axels, U-joints and stabelizer bar replaced, shockes also. Had it alinged. Still has a vibration, more noticeable at higher speed. Getting it checked out this week. How has the rust been on yours. The bottom half has all be redone. Touches of rust beginning to come up from underneath. I will wait till later to adress that.

What specifically on the A/C went?

dean42 · June 1998

I have a friend who has a '93 Aerostar that caused her to wreck when the cruise control engaged itself and accelerated through a stop sign (from a stop, could not brake it.) Has anyone else had or heard of this problem? She needs to know if Ford knows, also. Thanx.

birkiebob · June 1998

I have a '92 awd XLT extended with tow package with 120k miles. Just starting to look for a replacement for in a year or so and having a hard time finding something a little downsized with the same towing capacity! I tow a 2500# camper and the 4.0 v6 is low on hp but high on torque for towing. I've had u-joints, a thermostat and brake rotors replaced. Otherwise just routine stuff, but it does have a chronic oil leak that looks like valve covers, about a qt per 1k, and requires premium gas now or pings consistently. I can afford the oil and gas at this point, and have tried tightening the covers but they are hard to get to (have to go through the doghouse and fender well for a couple bolts--like changing plugs). My tech also told me to put a can of fuel system teatment through the tank every 5k or so (just before an oil change). This has been a real workhorse of a vehicle that rides exceptionally well on the highway for a truck! And I never, ever get stuck in the Wisconsin winters.
Goldgary: The awd transfer case does vibrate some naturally - I've never had a problem with it. I have seen the same case on full-size Econoline Vans (not sure if factory) with V8s so it must be pretty strong!
The brakes are a little weak when towing, especially in the Rocky mtns, and I've put brakes on my trailer to help. I may be looking for a '97 if none of the new minivans stack up. Wish they had improved them some, with four doors, the new v6, etc. Explorers are just too small and no better gas mileage...go figure???
Eel: Was the Windstar really a lousy tower? Did you have it properly set up?
Thanks, Bob

mrwho · July 1998

I am considering purchasing a 1995 xlt with electronic awd. The awd has me a little nervous but not sure why. Maybe cost of repairing or failures. Any feed back on this vehicle would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Mark

lge · August 1998

i put 75,000 miles on a 92 xlt with 3.0 engine and the only repair was to recharge the a/c two times. my 95 xlt with 4.0 has 45,000 miles . the a/c has been charged once. the check engine light comes on ocasionaly but that is the only problem

bob34 · August 1998

We have a 1995 Aerostar with 35,000 miles on it. It needs an overhaul on the Automatic transmission. Is this normal and has there been problems with these transmissions?

jan8 · August 1998

I have a '92 Aerostar XLT with low mileage that I LOVE, but the A/C is GONE!
I have heard of this happening to MANY Aerostar owners. I know it is no longer covered under any warranty, but has anyone had any luck in getting Ford to do anything about it?
It's really HOT where I live and I can't afford any major repairs!

KAURELIO · August 1998

I have a '89 Aerostar XLT extended length. We have 162,000 miles on it and it still runs strong with the 3.0 V6 and 4sp auto. We have had to replace the water pump and power steering pump once. Had the computer go out just before the warrenty expired at 50,000 miles. We have had to have alot of work done on the dual a/c, it still doesn't cool the best on a hot day (we live in Georgia). I have also gone through several upper radiator hoses and recently replaced a heater hose. Also had the front brake calipers rebuilt and the brake proportioning valve replaced. Other than that it has been routine maintenance. We love our van and I would buy another if they still made them. I want to see how many more miles I can get on this baby before it dies. (Power windows need to be fixed now).

Kevin

Mustang10 · August 1998

Some advice.....AVOID BUYING AN AEROSTAR AT ALL COSTS. They have an old dated body, poor resale value, loud engine, poor ride, unreliable, and poor build quality. If you must get a used Ford van, go for the 95 or 96 Windstars. If you want a van to pull a big boat, at least get an Astro or a SUV. Aerostars are pure junk.

jekyll · August 1998

We have a 1991 Aerostar Extended E-AWD Eddie Bauer with 110,000 miles (purchased it new). We have been generally happy with the room and flexibility (quad seating, cargo hauling, camper TOWING, bike carrying, etc.) However, since 100K it has become somewhat expensive to maintain - A/C compressor ($850), rear U-joints, front axles, front u-joints, and front driveshaft. It seems to eat brakes, and has had its share of nuisance suspension problems. It currently has a vibration/drone above 45 MPH that three Ford dealers have been unable to solve. The transfer case was replaced three times under the powertrain warranty before $50K miles. Engine has been fine (no oil between changes). Unfortunately, nothing can replace it for utility - the Safari/Astro would be OK if not fof the poor driver and passenger leg room as well as difficult entry and exit.

What was Ford thinking when they gave the RWD/AWD market to GM ?!

jekyll · August 1998

I forgot to add that our drivers door power lock failed ($185, NOT fixed), drivers power window is getting slower, and every bulb has been replaced at least three times!!

cybrtrek · August 1998

Have a '91 Eddie Bauer Extended version and have loved it. Currently have 109,000 miles and am looking for a new van. Sure wish they still made the Aerostar--nothing else seems the same. Have had some of the same problems mentioned in other responses--air conditioning repaired twice in the past year, mushy brakes just a few months ago, power windows fixed in the past year (only $40 to repair them) but the driver's door is giving the same problem again. Now starting to have some minor transmission problems, but my transmission guy suggested trying Trans-X transmission additive/conditioner and it really seems to have improved the shifting--at least for now. Costs $5 from auto supply store. Trans guy believes my problem was caused by a seal starting to dry out. Even with the problems mentioned above, none started occurring until after 100,000 miles so I feel that I have gotten excellent service out of my van and wish Ford was still making it--do not like the new Windstar--no storage room, no leg room, just no room in general. My current Aerostar has the gear shift on the floor--unfortunately I am finding out that none of the new models provide this option anymore. Something to do with accessibility to the back seats from the front ones--something I have never needed to have in the past 9 years--even with small children and do not expect to need now with my children entering the teen years.

I was searching this forum for info on the GM mini-vans when I saw a topic on Aerostars and just had to take a few minutes out to read the comments and add my 2 cents worth!!

glog · August 1998

Hi,
I also have a Ford Aerostar. Mine is a 1990 with 194,500 miles... yes that is correct. (we really drive our vehicles). I to have had A/C problems, radiator, water pump, electric window, stuck fuel gauge problems(some of these problems still not fixed)...But I LOVE my van. I have 2 children (boys) and we enjoy the room. The van has taken us to the mountains, to Disney World a couple of times each.
I to want another Aerostar. What is the last year that the Aerostar was made? let me know.
I like the new Toyota Sienna--- but I can't see paying over 23,000 for a van right now.
I'll be waiting for a response.

KAURELIO · September 1998

Glog,

I believe Ford stopped producing Aerostars in 1997. I have recently seen some new Aerostars in my area (Atlanta), they must be leftovers.

Kaurelio

slimco · September 1998

while happy with comfort,ride and towing capability of my 1990 aerostar XL, the transmission is giving me a pain. It was done
at 105,000 km and now needs to be done again at
157,000 km. What is the problem? Can anyone help
me.............

birkiebob · September 1998

Just some comments to those trying to figure out what to do since Ford stopped making the Aerostar. See my other comments back at post #13, then see my posts at TOPIC #2 (Windstar). After a great deal of debate, I made the decision to go with the Windstar, and am glad I did. You may still find a decently equiped '98 on a dealer lot but act quickly if you intend to buy. I fully intend to use the Windstar as roughly as I did my Aerostar and expect the same reliability. Best of luck whatever you do.

daveha · October 1998

I'm a pre-owner of Areostar van, I give all of you a best advice about this van GET RID OF IT ASAP. First I bought it at Wondries Ford in Alhambra, California, then the dealer never disclosed to me the spare tire is not the original one so it won't fit to any tire of the van until I tried to replace the flat tire. I brought this issue to the dealer the answer is my van is out of warranty so I have paid for the new spare tire. WHAT A LOUSY ANSWER. Secondary problem are all the screws came loose from interior of the van then I can't figure out where them came from. Don't mention the air condition unit, I recharge the freon every summer and that only last couple months. Now I swear I won't buy any FORD products anymore. Compare w/ my wife Toyota Camry that is a perfect masterpiece even after 4 years w/ 80000 miles on it still running smooth like silk.

A victim of FORD Areostar.

daveholt · November 1998

We are now looking to replace our 1990 Aerostar w 127000 miles. It's rusting very badly and the brakes are going (again) and the tranny is finally letting us know that it's getting tired. We LOVE the way it cruises and will miss it, I'm certain. We're looking at the Astro now and are somewhat apprehensive about the lack of foot room for the front seat occupants. We've been scared away from the Windstars. From what I've read on this site, I guess we were pretty fortunate with the lack of major repairs needed on our car.

Mustang10 · December 1998

Not to mention the Aerostar platform was introduced in 1986 and has changed harldy at all. I surly do not want to drive a thirteen year old style around.

If you buy a ford, make it Windstar. The 1999 model that is.

evans5473 · January 1999

I have a 1989 Aerostar with approx 110,000 miles. Its had its share of AC and Power window problems over the years, but even after buying a 98 Expedition, I couldn't let the Aerostar go. Its go so much room for hauling stuff around that you wouldn't want to put in a new $30,000 truck!
PLEASE NOTE THAT FORD HAS RECENTLY RECALLED THIS VAN FOR REPLACEMENT OF LEAKING FUEL TANKS. I paid $400 to have the fuel tank replaced 3 years ago. Luckily, I kept the receipt! 3.0L V-6 engine and transmission have been flawless over the past 10 years though, and it still runs great.

bob112 · January 1999

To all potential Aerostar buyers....I had been looking for a van to replace my full size Chevy Blazer for the past 2 years. No one has done more research than me. I looked at all vans and for my needs narrowed it down to three; the Astro, Aerostar and Grand Voyager. All are great vans. I went with the Aerostar and am very very pleased. Of all three vehicles the Aerostar was priced the lowest yet had all the same options plus the most room. I knew I wanted a second vehicle to drive into the ground so resale value was not a factor (important to some...on a used vehicle I have no idea why). On the average I found the Aerostar is priced $2,000 to $3,0000 less than the other 2. I also consulted more than one Ford mechanic and asked about maintenance. I was told on more than one occasion that the 3.0 and 4.0 motor in the Aerostar was more reliable than the Windstar motor and that it was not uncommon to see these vehicles with over 200,000 miles. I bought a 95 XLT with 57,000 miles in showroom condition for under $10,000. I did not want AWD as I know there are too many maintenance costs that goes with "ANY" 4WD or AWD and does not justify the 2 or 3 times I use it (in New England weather) per year. The only criticism I have is that the 3.0 seems to lack a little omph starting off up hill but more than makes up for itself in gas miliage. I am very pleased so far.

KMAN5 · January 1999

BOB112.
WE HAVE A 89 AEROSTAR WITH 137000 MILES STILL RUN GREAT. BUT DOSE BURN A LITTLE OIL HAS FOR ALONG TIME.I WAS LOOKING TO MOVE TO A NEWER ONE. WE FOUND A FEW 97S WE LIKED BUT WE ENDED UP GOIND FOR A 99 HONDA ODESSEY.ITS BEEN GREAT.WHY I WAS LOOKING AT THE AEROSTAR THE FORD MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT HE FELT A 3.0 WOULD BE MORE RELIABLE SO I THINK YOU WILL BE HAPPER WITH YOUR 3.0. GOOD LUCK

KAURELIO · January 1999

I have an '89 Aerostar extended length with the 3.0 V6 and 170,000 miles. My wife and I are going to sell it and get a '99 Honda Odyssey. We have been happy with the Aerostar, but it's getting old. I smell antifreeze when we park, but it doesn't drip anywhere, I think a gasket must be going. The power windows haven't worked in over a year and we have had some a/c problems in the past. I just replaced the alternator. I have had to replace the power steering and water pumps (one time each). Other than that it has been normal maintenance (brakes, tires, oil, hoses, belts). I did want to replace my '86 Mustang first (4 cyl - boring), but it has only 68,000 original miles (bought it from a little old lady... really).

Kaurelio

tuck2 · January 1999

Rear ABS crisis. So I continue to take my 94 Aeorostar in to the dealer to fix the "Rear ABS" light that keeps haunting me. Why? Does anyone know where I can find the answer? Is there an answer? Should I just place black tape over the light and pretend everything is fine? Please advise.

michele3 · January 1999

My husband and I are looking at purchasing a 1997 Aerostar AWD. I really like the van but my husband is worried about maintainence on the vehicle. We like the room it offers because we have four children. The Astro seemed very cramped and the Aerostar's price is definitely more in our price range. I am a little concerned with everyone's AC problems. I have also talked with several mechanics who tell me that working on an Aerostar is costly and very difficult due to the set up under the hood. I really want the van but my husband is having serious reservations. Please tell us what you know about the 1997 version. I can't find much info about the newer engine or about this particular model anywhere. I would like to purchase it sometime in the next few days so any response would be helpful.

Thank you,
Michele

bcathcart · January 1999

any advice on purchase of an 88 aerostar std van offered in ex cond 50000miles only 2owners private use only (has kph speedo canada model)for use in scotland as eye catcher vehicle (unknown model here) thanks.

bcathcart · February 1999

Is anybody out there?

turtlbate · February 1999

I put 80,000 miles on a used '87 Aerostar and sold it at 160,000. I've just spent 3 years running an '88 Aerostar odometer up to 175,000 miles. They look like crap, the A/C dies, the P/S leaks. But they run and run, and hold a ton. Mine were absolutely dependable. Sorry to see them phased out.

voyager12 · February 1999

Thought I'd throw in my adventures for my '93 Aerostar. Have had nothing but trouble with this model. Thermostat stuck in the closed position with about 36K, causing a major overheat. Had a problem with the check engine light that was finally traced to a vacuum leak underneath the lower intake manifold at 75K. Both power windows sticking when trying to lower them, etc, etc. And working on it is not a whole lot of fun either. Pure junk in my opinion. It's made me swear of Ford's forever. Oh, and btw, one of the Ford dealerships here misdiagnosed the vacuum leak as a bad oxygen sensor and bad mass air flow meter, neither of which was bad but replaced upon their recommendation. Anyway, I could go on but won't.

familyvan · February 1999

I have a 91 aerostar Eddie Bauer ext and love it. It has 115,000 miles on it and have had all the maintenance that everyone has listed allready. We are now looking to get a full size van and have custom seats built so it will hold 9 total passengers on 2 bench seats (4 in rear and 3 in middle) that fold down like the Aerostar to make a bed. Again I love the van and wwill be sorry to see it go but it is time to move on. Se topic #520 to help me on my choice of which full size van to get. Thanks

vanderboy · February 1999

i have an 86 aerostar that i bought used with 30000 miles on it. It now has 135000 miles. It had a headgasket replaced at 38000 miles under warranty. I replaced several starters (lifetime Pep Boy Warranty), an alternator, and front brake rotors. The dealer had to adjust the sliding door. The original exhaust system lasted to about 85000 miles. Right now the power steering is leaking as well as most of the engine seals. The upholstery is steel in good condition, the paint is shot. The front end is shot. Should I sell and buy a Honda?

bostnwhalr · February 1999

I owned a well used 110k 87' Aerostar for a while and loved the utility and room, but it always needed something at significant expense. One saving grace is that the parts are cheap at AutoZone, but every month there was something. I seriously considered one of the newer ones, but I ended being patient and getting a 99' Odyssey. Obviously a big difference. If you've got the money, might be worth biting the bullet for a new one.

Having said that, I do think that the 93-97 Aerostars did improve in terms of reliability. You can probably get one that has depreciated like crazy and with a little luck, it will serve you well.

scanner · February 1999

bostnwhalr,

You said "If you've got the money, might be worth biting the bullet for a new one."

Weren't you one of the one's who got their '99 Odyssey for $316 over invoice? I don't call that biting the bullet, I'd call that a multi thousand dollar savings. How much did you save anyway? I'd figure somewhere around 4 years in gasoline payments? I'd buy one for $316 over invoice. Want to sell yours? ;-)

BTW, I had two Areostars and no major problems.

bostnwhalr · February 1999

You caught me. You're looking at the Aerostar topic list too. Must be bored. I saved about $1,600 once you factor in my travel expenses to Mark Roberts.

Of course, trying to get one has become a sport unto itself. If I was looking now, I'd definitely want to see what other offerings are out there just given the Furbyish mania for these things.

I also like the Aerostar for some reason. They were always the underdog in the minivan wars. Lots of room. Made for a fun road trip machine.

I must admit that my 87' Aerostar was kinda tired when I got it. The previous owner had neglected it. I got it cheap ($900) and put some money into it. Sold it 25k miles later to a Peruvian Band from Cambridge, MA. I still have the second row seat sitting in my garage. Doesn't fit in the Odyssey. :-). Anyone need a 2 person second row seat for their Aerostar? Free to a good home.

Scanner, I might take you up on the Odyssey offer. I have my eyes on the Odyssey based Multi-purpose vehicle (CR-V meets Ford Expedition) or maybe the Chrysler PT Cruiser.

TimmyC · February 1999

I just bought an 92 AWD EXTended with the 4.0.
What are you guys getting for milage with one?

How about you 3.0 RWD vehicles?

Thanks.

bostnwhalr · February 1999

When I had my 3.0 RWD circa 1987, I got about 20 MPG overall. Good mix of highway driving. I would think with the 4.0 and AWD, you'd be looking closer to 16-17 MPG.

jimsr1 · March 1999

Noticed this thread and have to put in a plug. I bought a 93 Aerostar 3.0 XL new. It now has about 130K nearly entirely trouble free. I have replaced front pads and belts/hoses as precaution and plugs at the 90K service although they still looked great. Use Mobil 1 exclusively. Here's the good part... My daughter took the van from its MD home to college in northern MN where snow and 10-40 below zero are common Oct - Apr. She did not use a block heater, had a two year old Die Hard, and never had a problem all winter. I bought her a set of Blizzaks and she commuted 30 mi each way to student teach for 10 weeks in Dec-Jan. I cant say enough good things about this truck - they dont get any better! In May it will be bringing her and all her worldly goods back to MD where it will remain her vehicle. Thanks, Ford!

agg · April 1999

I've owned a 1987 Aerostar for the last 10+ years. I got it 2nd hand with 10K miles on it. It now has over 140K. Changing the spark plugs has never been fun. Until last year I found out it is actually easier doing it from underneath (at least the back ones). My only complaint is that I had to change the transmission twice. Ford picked up the first tab (not bad for buying used) and I just did the second earlier this month. The good news was it was cheaper than expected being rear wheel. Other than that it has - and continues to - run like a charm.

We've been looking for an extended ~96/97 with quad buckets and low mileage to no avail for the last three months. Then I test drove an Odyssey... We're on a list for one, but unsure it'll ever get here this year. Does anyone know how to get one sooner?

Anyone interested in a good running 1987 with a rebuilt tranny?

agg · April 1999

Update: We are still interested in the Ext. '96-'97 Aerostar with quad buckets and low mileage. We can be removed from the Odyssey waiting list with a full refund.

kerben · April 1999

Does anyone know why the test ratings in the Edmunds book are so different from the ones on the website??

Karen_S · April 1999

Could you be more specific? For obvious reasons, the website is a condensed version of the books. The books have more extensive summary charts. What differences are you referring to?

KarenS/Vans host

Ford Aerostar

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