1997 Ford Aerostar Consumer Reviews

1997 Aerostar has been good to me

Written by: MrT on 06/30/2008

Vehicle

1997 Ford Aerostar 2 Dr XLT Passenger Van

Review

The Aerostar has been a solid performer for me. I bought new and was worried initially about things like the air conditioning and automatic transmission. Thus far after 11 years neither has caused me problems. The worst problems have been sensor-related. Two sensors replaced at fairly high costs. Also the electrics through the steering wheel have been iffy (intermittently working but generally fine). Brake wear has been reasonable and I've enjoyed owning the vehicle.

Favorite Features

Styling, cargo handling, reliability.

Suggested Improvements

Fold-away seats, CD/MP3 player.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Basic and Reliable

Written by: Bill on 04/15/2008

Vehicle

1997 Ford Aerostar 2 Dr XLT Passenger Van

Review

Second owner for almost six years now. Great basic van. A/C still works and has original exhaust (except flex pipe) after 10 years and 106000 miles. Just replaced rear springs that broke and four new shocks. Rides so nice now. Outer tie rod ends too. Upper ball joint on the passenger side and thats it. Still see many on the road. Replaced the original battery just a year ago. No rust, runs great.

Favorite Features

Reliability and cheap parts if needed. Great space. Rear seats are high so you don't feel like you're sitting on the floor. Nice highway mileage

Suggested Improvements

City mileage is horrific for a 3.0 engine.

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My Aerostar

Written by: ed on 11/29/2007

Vehicle

1997 Ford Aerostar 2 Dr XLT Passenger Van

Review

i purchased my Aerostar used. It's been to Cleveland and back about four times. All non stop driving at about 70 mph. Only stopped for gas. The body has dings and scratches but no rust. I love this little van and so the mechanics I take it to one actualy wants to buy it from me. I will never sell it though. It's got its little quirks but what auto doesn't.

Favorite Features

Really dont have a favorite feature. I just love the little bugger

Suggested Improvements

Towing package

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Build It and They Will Buy!

Written by: MOES on 04/01/2007

Vehicle

1997 Ford Aerostar 2 Dr XLT Passenger Van

Review

Third one I have owned. Love it. Lots of room to haul 5 hockey players and their equipment. Great ride, lots of room, no major problems. I have 146,000 miles on mine, does not use oil, gets 19 miles per gallon in town and 22 on the road. I take my 18' lund boat fish all over, no trouble in and out of water. Back seats lay flat for soft camping bed. Does not feel like a mini van more like truck. Took back seatout and hauled sofa, 2 chairs, coffee table and 2 end tables. I have hauled several 4 X 8 sheets of plywood with the hatch closed. I you see one with low mileage let me know!!

Favorite Features

Sits up high to see all around.

Suggested Improvements

Build it again and they will buy!

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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BEST I EVER HAD!

Written by: lynne on 12/11/2006

Vehicle

1997 Ford Aerostar 2 Dr XLT 4WD Passenger Van Extended

Review

I was on a disability supplement when i got this used, with 135K and now with a 145K. I love it, will not let it go EVER! Comfortable! Gas miles are not that great on mine. But in snow it is a winner. Too bad not making anymore. They should, I would buy another in a heart beat. The only costly expense so far is the boots and CV joints recently went out, other than this, a marvelous vehicle. Worth all of the $3500.00 I paid for mine.

Favorite Features

Pricing on repairs, great, reliable as all get out and maintenance a dream. Comfortable and great for our Maine snow season.

Suggested Improvements

Well my under body is rotting out, have to get this done. And the CV joints and boots are going or the tie rods, either way, small amount of repairs for the reliability we have had. Maybe have an easier way to administer tranny fluids and some fluids, other than that great vehicle!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Trusty Aerosport

Written by: Lizard on 10/19/2006

Vehicle

1997 Ford Aerostar 2 Dr XLT Passenger Van

Review

Ford blew it...Windstar was a joke! Should have kept Aerostar. Cheap to buy (used)/insure/repair. Very good tow vehicle. I owned a '93 prior to this '97...both 4.0 litre, extended, rear wheel drive. My '97 was 1 of last ones ever built (June of '97). Exhaust flex pipes need replacing frequently.

Favorite Features

4.0 litre engine is bullet-proof. New for '97, 5 speed auto is good. Quad captain seats comfortable. Fiberglass hood/hatch/running boards, means no rust. Replacement parts are cheap for DIYers. Front suspension only required new tie rod ends. Roof racks are handy. Stereo is nowhere near my Toyota's.

Suggested Improvements

Electrical items (power windows/locks) work in wet, but intermittent in dry. Fabric wears poorly, esp. driver's seat. Gas mileage sucks (literally!). Larger tires & brakes would be better. Spare tires rusts badly in northern climates. Original all season Michelin were awful in snow (4 snows cured it).

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Best van ever owned

Written by: KLS ROAD RESCUE on 12/07/2005

Vehicle

1997 Ford Aerostar 2 Dr XLT Passenger Van Extended

Review

This van is the best van we have ever bought. We have owned other makes and the Ford Aerostar is the only one that has lasted us. I would not change it out for any other many van now made. The Ford Aerostar was the greatest minivan made. Its a shame that they stopped making it and came up with the Ford Windstar then the Freestar, which are garbage.

Favorite Features

We love the way the inside was made as well as the outside design. It is fun to drive. It takes off like a sports car and handles very well. It is great for road trips with the family.

Suggested Improvements

The side window moldings leak. The power steering does not last long before it needs to be changed. Ford should change their paper speakers out for real speakers.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Old Reliable

Written by: GoodGame on 07/23/2005

Vehicle

1997 Ford Aerostar 2 Dr XLT Passenger Van

Review

After 8 years and 142,000 miles, this old van is the most reliable and practical vehicle I have ever owned. It's the kind of truck I want to hold on to if I can just find a mechanic I can trust to nurse it along. Fortunately, I haven't had to do much to it so far other than normal wear and tear issues. If you can find one with low miles get it. Chances are it's got a lot of life in it. My engine still does not burn oil between changes and I get 20+ per gallon on the road.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Solid 97 Aerostar

Written by: 97Aerostar-Dad on 03/07/2005

Vehicle

1997 Ford Aerostar 2 Dr XLT Passenger Van Extended

Review

Other than a thermostat replacement, new brakes, and tires, this van has been trouble free for me for over 5 years.

Favorite Features

Size, and 4.0 L powerful engine.

Suggested Improvements

Build a newer version.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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No Problems

Written by: David on 01/19/2005

Vehicle

1997 Ford Aerostar 2 Dr XLT Passenger Van Extended

Review

Purchased my Aerostar at a GSA Public Auction July 2002 for $4,500. It has a new 6 cyl engine and the body and inside were perfect. It has given me lots of pleasure as I like to sit up high and enjoy the view. If I fold down or take out the back seats, it will take 4x8 sheets of plywood and more.

Favorite Features

Easy to drive, Big windows, sits up high, lots of room inside for hauling.

Suggested Improvements

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