1997 Ford Aerostar Consumer Reviews

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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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 cylinder 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 in

Suggested Improvements

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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94 Aerostar EXT

Written by: Tomasina on 02/05/2004

Vehicle

1997 Ford Aerostar 2 Dr XLT Passenger Van Extended

Review

It's been a great family vehicle--lots of room for people and stuff; truck chassis; 4.0 delivers good power and 20mpg (more on trips);Repairs have been modest--should have never stopped making them! I would buy another in a minute--in fact I am getting a 97 in better shape and with less miles as we speak!

Favorite Features

Driver sits up above the road, confortable and with good vision. Hauls lots of stuff easily--lots more luggage space than any other minivan

Suggested Improvements

Hard to work on engine--cramped Seats are a "bear" for one person to get out!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Arthur the Aerostar

Written by: andys on 05/28/2003

Vehicle

1997 Ford Aerostar 2 Dr XLT Passenger Van

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Looks more manly than other mini-vans (truck based).

Suggested Improvements

n/a ford does not make it any more. However, I often think of the possibilities if they made a van/pick- up mix like the Ranchero. Bring back the cruck (car/truck)!

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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No problems

Written by: Lefty on 02/04/2003

Vehicle

1997 Ford Aerostar 2 Dr XLT Passenger Van

Review

Most trouble free vehicle I have ever owned. Now have 102,000 mi. No mechanical failures. Just normal maintenance, and even that I've slacked off on. Took the beast on a 4,000 mile road trip with 93,000 on the ticker. Flawless, safe highway driving. Got an amazing 23 mpg on the open road. If you can pick one up with modest miles on it, do it.

Favorite Features

Roomy interior. Reliability

Suggested Improvements

Start building them again!

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aero great value

Written by: dave skinner on 09/09/2002

Vehicle

1997 Ford Aerostar 2 Dr XLT Passenger Van

Review

only real problem i had was with burnt out sensors, evrything else was basic maintenance. i used mine for work approx. 40k year. fuel efficent and very dependable.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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