1990-1997 Ford Aerostar: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Passenger room
- Cargo room (extended-length)
- Optional AWD traction
- Trailer-towing capability
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Entry/exit
- Ride
Vehicle Highlights
Introduced way back in 1986, Ford's rear-drive minivan came in both passenger and cargo-hauling form. A stretched van joined the original for 1989, on the same 118.9-inch wheelbase but with 15.4 inches tacked onto the rear. An available 4.0-liter V6 and heavy-duty 4-speed automatic transmission arrived for 1990. Also new for 1990: full-time 4-wheel drive (as an option) and standard antilock rear brakes. Seating for five was standard; space for seven optional. Six trim levels were available.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Ford Aerostar ext. 4WD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 43 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1990-1997 Ford Aerostar includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1997 Ford Aerostar and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1997 Ford Aerostar is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Aerostar and the Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari are better suited to heavy-duty work, such as hauling hefty payloads or towing trailers (up to 4800 pounds), than the league-leading front-drive Chrysler minivans.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Ford Aerostar ext. 4WD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 43 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $410 |
| Alternator | $315 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $775 |
| Brakes | $305 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $450 |
| Exhaust System | $445 |
| Radiator | $360 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $255 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $400 |
| Universal Joints | $160 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 1997 | |||
| Aerostar extended | $2,400-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $500-600 |
| Aerostar regular | $2,000-2,500 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| 1996 | |||
| Aerostar extended | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
| Aerostar regular | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| 1995 | |||
| Aerostar extended | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| Aerostar regular | $1,600-2,000 | $1,100-1,300 | $200-300 |
| 1994 | |||
| Aerostar extended | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| Aerostar regular | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Aerostar extended | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| Aerostar regular | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Aerostar extended | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Aerostar regular | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Aerostar extended | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Aerostar regular | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Aerostar extended | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Aerostar regular | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 3-door van | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 118.9 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 174.9 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 72.2 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3374 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 141.4 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.5 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.4 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.8 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 39.5 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 3.0 / 182 | 135-145 | 160-165 | 4-speed automatic: 17/23 | 4-speed automatic: 13.5 |
| ohv V6 | 4.0 / 244 | 152-155 | 215-230 | 4-speed automatic: 17/23 5-speed automatic: 16/22 |
4-speed automatic: 14.6 5-speed automatic: -- |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1997 Aerostar |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.








