1994 Ford Aerostar LX 3.0

Summary:

A dependable, practical, functional workhorse that also serves as the family car

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th July, 2004

1994 Ford Aerostar XLT 4.0

Summary:

A reliable minivan with lots of room

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th May, 2004

1994 Ford Aerostar XL

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!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th March, 2004

8th Sep 2005, 10:06

My '94 Aerostar XL has a couple of nice features that make me keep it around. Unfortunately, I simply don't need the huge, gas sucking, 4.0L engine or the AWD.

I keep it for the size, comfort, and the legendary Ford ride. My father's old '74 Gran Torino, my '92 Taurus, and this Aerostar all have one thing in common: a smooth, smooooooth ride that make long trips easily bearable for the entire family. With room for my three kids to sprawl out and luggage space - it's perfect.

On the bad side: gas guzzler. AWD... can someone please explain the benefit of this? Seems useless to me. The electrical is slowing frying itself (my Taurus did the exact same thing to me years ago). All the mechanical stuff is fine, but I've got dashboard lights that are erratic (door ajar light is ALWAYS on). I have to coax my wipers to work. My daytime running lights are on highbeam. Air conditioning sometimes kicks in when the control is on VENT.

Fortunately the ECU and engine electrical seems to okay so far. I am going to save this vehicle for family road trips, but with current fuel prices I'm going to be parking it and buying a gas sipper.