1993 Ford Aerostar Gasoline from North America

Summary:

Great van, but needs rear door re-engineered!

Faults:

The van runs great with the 138,000 miles on it. The biggest problem I have is the rear door. The rear door had badly worn shocks on it, which makes it very heavy and difficult to lift (but the door shut and operates perfectly). The hinges seem to be in good condition as well. I replaced the shocks with new shocks from the local parts store, now the bottom of the door hits the jamb (bottom of jamb) and the latch. I took the shocks back to the parts store, employee said he had never seen anything like this before. I then went to the local wrecking yard to look at and purchase Ford rear door shocks for my van. The very same thing happened again, the wrecking yard crew had never seen anything like this before either. They had a yard van (for carrying junk and parts) they used and had continously left the rear door open as they drove rather roughly through the wrecking yard, you guessed it, not a problem ever, opens and shuts perfectly every time. If you read this and have any thoughts or comments please email me at p69art@yahoo.com I'm at the end of my rope here and nobody around has ever seen or heard of this problem before. Thanks for your help in advance.

General Comments:

I love the van except for the rear door!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th July, 2002

3rd Feb 2009, 13:07

I'm with you on that mini van; great, reliable, but my rear door will not stay up. I use a 3ft long piece of pipe,to wedge door up, and yeah it's heavy, my sliding door locked itself shut first time I slammed it, will not open with pry bar. Oh well, I sit in front and my kid don't mind, it's at 281,789 miles. Starts as if brand new,.

8th Jan 2010, 13:12

Before ours died at 340000 miles, the rear door was a hassle.

But it is a great minivan. If I don't buy that Crown Vic Interceptor when my Taurus dies, I might buy another one of these LOL.

I'm 16 and I love minivans - imagine that!!!

1993 Ford Aerostar LX 3.0 Litre from North America

Summary:

A cheap, reliable family van

Faults:

The rear-end in mine went at around 145,000 Kilometers.

General Comments:

I have not had any other serious problems with this vehicle. Any other repairs have been normal wear and tear.

It is peppy for a large vehicle.

There is plenty of cargo room and seating for the family.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th May, 2002

1993 Ford Aerostar XLT from North America

Summary:

Lasting longer than expected

Faults:

Consumer reports gave a "black ball" to the Aerostar cooling system, but ours functioned well for 130,000 miles until replacement (radiator, water pump, fan clutch, thermostat, drive belt). This was our most expensive single repair to date at about $700.

At about 80,000 miles the ignition switch became loose so that the key would "rotate" within the switch and become jammed. Through experience we eventually learned how to live with it and never repaired it.

General Comments:

All other repairs to the car were not beyond what would be expected for a car with this many miles (minor leaks, electric window switch, etc.). I have read some unhappy reviews on the Aerostar, but I guess we were fortunate to land a reliable one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th August, 2000

6th Mar 2001, 23:12

I just bought a 1990 Ford Aerostar, and it has been nothing but good to me. It practically drives itself, for a van with 143000.00 miles on it, it drives better than a brand new car I had bought in 1996. I am very pleased with it.

2nd May 2001, 22:24

I have a 91 aerostar with 145 thou. miles on it, and it still runs strong, not burning oil. I'm thinking of having some rust removed and keeping it several years. I originally bought it to get me and the kids around for one summer. it became a keeper!!