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Ford's first minivan in the U.S. market was the Ford Aerostar, which lasted for 12 model years. Aerostar was the best-selling rear-wheel-drive minivan made in the United States. Desired for its rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive attributes and its elevated 4800-pound towing rating, the Aerostar XLT found its prime competition in the Chevrolet Astro, Dodge Grand Caravan, GMC Safari and Mazda MPV.

Year-to-year changes[]

1991[]

Originally, the Ford Aerostar had four models -- base, Eddie Bauer, XL and XL Plus.

1992[]

The second generation Ford Aerostar was introduced for this model year, where in which Ford gave major updates to their first minivan.

1993[]

Integrated child safety seats were added as an option.

1994[]

The Ford Aerostar was marked for extinction in 1994, but received a last-minute reprieve. It was now  restored to Ford's minivan lineup, in a greatly simplified model range. However, the XL, XL Plus and Eddie Bauer versions have been dropped. Other significant deletions included the 5-speed manual transmission and the 5-passenger seating package.

1995[]

For 1995, the Aerostar was available in a single model only, the XLT. Also new for 1995 were side-impact door beams, and 7-passenger seating and air conditioning, now standard equipment in the wagon models.

The Aerostar was available in two series, the standard 2-seat (cargo) van and the (passenger) wagon. The Wagon came in the single XLT trim level, in regular and extended-length versions and in 2-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. The base engine remained the 135-horsepower 3.0-liter ohv V6. More performance was available from the optional 155-horsepower 4.0-liter ohv V6 engine. The standard transmission was a 4-speed automatic overdrive.

Though option packages have been cut back, the Aerostar still offered a wide range of options including an electric rear-window defroster, integrated child safety seats and dual or quadruple captain's chairs.

1996[]

The 1996 Aerostar contained a simplified model range (only XLT trim) and several improvements. The popular all-wheel-drive feature was still available on the extended-body 4.0-liter passenger wagon, but was no longer offered on the cargo version (now available only in regular length). A 3.0-liter V6 engine and enhanced 4-speed automatic transmission were standard on the regular-length Aerostar. Extended versions were equipped with only the 4.0-liter V6.

Available in both 5- and 7-passenger seating configurations, the standard Aerostar offered just under 140 cu. ft. of cargo space, and the long version nearly 168 cu. ft. Passenger protection included a driver's-side airbag, side-door guard beams and rear antilock brakes. The premium radio option was upgraded to the Ford Electronics P100 system, the face of which featured larger, more convenient buttons and rear headphone attachments. Though option packages have been slimmed down, an electric rear-window defroster, integrated child safety seats and two or four captain's chairs were available. In addition, the driver's pedal support has been strengthened, and the optional air-conditioning function and controls have been improved. Ten exterior colors were offered, eight of which were shared with the Explorer sport/utility.

1997[]

In its final year of production, the Aerostar sold more than 2 million copies of itself. The last ones were produced on August 22, 1997.

Retail prices[]

As of January 10, 1994:

  • $15,870 (1994 Ford Aerostar Cargo Van)
  • $18,415 (1994 Ford Aerostar Cargo Van with all-wheel drive)
  • $15,150 (1994 Ford Aerostar XL)
  • $18,620 (1994 Ford Aerostar XL with all-wheel drive)
  • $16,595 (1994 Ford Aerostar XL Extended)
  • $19,515 (1994 Ford Aerostar XL Extended with all-wheel drive)
  • $22,145 (1994 Ford Aerostar XLT with all-wheel drive)
  • $23,470 (1994 Ford Aerostar Eddie Bauer)
  • $25,380 (1994 Ford Aerostar Eddie Bauer with all-wheel drive)
  • $24,270 (1994 Ford Aerostar Eddie Bauer Extended)
  • $26,290 (1994 Ford Aerostar Eddie Bauer Extended with all-wheel drive)

As of mid-1994:

  • $16,725 (1995-1996 Ford Aerostar Cargo Van)
  • $17,355 (1995 Ford Aerostar XLT)
  • $20,655 (1995 Ford Aerostar XLT Extended)
  • $22,980 (1995 Ford Aerostar XLT Extended with all-wheel drive)

As of June 15, 1995:

  • $17,820 (1996 Ford Aerostar XLT)
  • $21,120 (1996 Ford Aerostar XLT Extended)
  • $23,445 (1996 Ford Aerostar XLT Extended with all-wheel drive)

Shipping prices[]

  • $540 (1994 and early 1995 models)
  • $555 (1995 and early 1996 models)

Gallery[]

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