1997 Ford Aerostar Review
1997 Ford Aerostar Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Inexpensive. All-wheel drive layout allows for greater stability in all driving conditions. Rear drive models boast excellent towing capacity.
Cons
- Dated design, dated interior, dated chassis.
What’s new
Ford's aging minivan gets a five-speed automatic transmission this year. The sound system is upgraded and the seats are restyled as well.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Ford Aerostar XLT 3dr Ext Minivan AWD and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.43 per gallon for regular unleaded in Indiana.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Indiana
$290/mo for Aerostar XLT
Aerostar XLT
vs
$224/mo
Avg. Large Minivan
Vehicle overview
Ford's Aerostar was the Blue Oval's first entry in the fight against Chrysler Corporation's dominance of the minivan market. Unlike the Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager, and Chrysler Town and Country, the Aerostar retains many truck-like characteristics such as a rear-wheel drive layout, a rough ride, and an almost anti-aerodynamic shape.
Despite these seeming drawbacks, the Aerostar has won a loyal following of consumers who want a van smaller than a Club Wagon that can still haul a boat, camper, or trailer. In fact, there are so many Aerostar loyalists, that Ford continued the Aeorstar's production despite the introduction of its replacement in 1995.
Unfortunately, however, the Aerostar's time is finally up. Ford is putting its first minivan attempt out to pasture after the 1997 model year, leaving the Windstar as Ford's sole entry in the hotly contested minivan sales race. Don't despair, though, Ford has saved a few goodies for its final rendition of the Aerostar. This year sees the inclusion of Ford's all-new five-speed automatic transmission on 4.0-liter V6-equipped Aerostars. Using swap-shift technology the new transmission delivers power more efficiently than the four-speed, making hill climbs and trailer towing an easier affair.
Sure the styling is old, but the Aerostar still offers exceptional value when compared to other minivans. Particularly if your search has you investigating AWD alternatives such as the Dodge Grand Caravan AWD models.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Ford Aerostar.
5 star(39%)
4 star(50%)
3 star(11%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
46 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Best Car I've ever had!
mikehs2, 09/25/2011
1997 Ford Aerostar 3dr Cargo Minivan
It's a Mini Van, but I say car. To bad Ford doesn't have the foresight, or hindsight to keep building these. I guess they last too long, and are just too reliable to be manufactured by an American Car company. Very Efficient, Very Comfortable, and extremely reliable. It's the greatest and most versatile vehicle I've ever owned. Bigger than other mini-vans. It's a car. No, it's a van. … Wait it's a truck. It's just a great, great vehicle. No matter what you're planning on buying, check out at least one good condition Aerostar.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Best vehicle I have ever owned
Andy, 01/14/2010
1996 Ford Aerostar XLT 3dr Ext Minivan
The best vehicle I have ever owned. It has been very reliable, comfortable, inexpensive to operate, handy and a very useful vehicle. I'm still driving her after twelve and a half years and she has held up well. When ever my family's vehicles break down or they need a van they barrow the old Aerostar.
5 out of 5 stars
Build It and They Will Buy!
MOES, 04/02/2007
1997 Ford Aerostar XLT 3dr Minivan
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!!
4.5 out of 5 stars
Arthur the Aerostar
andys, 05/28/2003
1997 Ford Aerostar XLT 3dr Minivan
This van is a perfect family truxter!
A no frills, no nonsense machine that
can take the beating that the kids give
it on a daily basis and do it without
any break downs or suprises. Sad that
Ford stopped making them.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Ford Aerostar, so we've included reviews for other years of the Aerostar since its last redesign.
1997 Aerostar Highlights
XLT
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $290/month |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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