Comments: 1-15, 16
The rear end went out within six months of purchase. Very obvious loss of power when the air conditioning is on. Transmission is starting to slip... I have kept services with the dealer on schedule... and am still having problems..
Rubber around windows begining to corrode.... has just been a total nightmare.. can't wait to get rid of it.. would not suggest anyone purchase this vehicle.. just my personal opinion..
This car was obviously bought used and there is no such thing as a 1997 Ford Aerostar- I know that as a fact. Aerostars reliability varies depending on year- They are mostly good though.
You are so riiiight when you say there is no such thing as a 1997 Aerostar. Based on your comment, I am considering filing a notice to Ford, since both of my Aerostars are called 1997 models. I bought both of them used with about 25,000 miles in 1998 and they now have 80,000 plus and they have been excellent.
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.
I am another 97 XLT Extended Aerostar owner. Bought it with 26k km on it and since 99 to the present put 40k km on it. Haven't had to put one dime into it other than tires and oil changes (its due for front brakes very soon). It's been very reliable for us. And I haven't had any of that corroding rubber yet either. Recently comfortably drove across Canada without a misshap. The only complaints I have is about the interior compartment covering squeeks like an old truck some times, dependent on humidity (less in high humidity) but has absolutely no bearing on reliablility.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
I have had a 1996 Ford Aerostar XLT AWD for the last couple of years. I bought it with 128,000 miles on it, and have put nearly another 40k on it. It is excellent if you have to drive in snow, and the traction of the AWD system is always a boon. Space is great inside this vehicle, and they are well built and solid. Once you get up to higher mileages you can expect things to go wrong with any car. See comments of others about this vehicle. You can buy them cheap, but may have to fix them up. However, parts for the Aerostar are quite reasonable, and of course any auto mechanic can work on them. Shocks and brakes are cheap. Parts from junkyards are plentiful. Gas mileage is pretty poor. I can rarely get more than 17 mpg even on highways. But then with the 4 liter engine and 4WD, I doubt you can expect more from any van. If you have an Aerostar, pay attention to flushing the coolant every 2 yrs, because I had the radiator and both front and rear heater cores fail within a few weeks of one another. There was green fluid running out everywhere! This was probably because the first owner allowed corrosive buildup of stuff in the coolant. Seating is fine for 7, (but lacks rear headrests on bench seats). They are a bit prone to rust on the rocker panels. Mine is starting to bubble there a lot. I wish Ford still made this van; it is hard to find new 4WD vans these days.
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.
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!!!
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.
That's the right way to do it.
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.