The new-size vans were a different sort of family car, as their very nature made them more useful and less sporting. When Ford’s entry was introduced for 1986, it came with the base 2.3-liter four or the 2.8-liter V-6, which gave adequate performance and a complete lack of sparkle.
For 1987 there was a larger engine, the 30-liter V-6 designed and built for the Taurus/Sable sedans and wagons. This engine provided added pep in doses much larger than those 200 cc of increased displacement might have indicated. Even with the automatic transmission, the only gearbox offered, the van jumped off the line, passed slower traffic, climbed hills, etc with some authority. And, as expected, there was a price; 16 mpg in daily service.
Otherwise the Aerostar would hold a houseful of rug rats or your neighborhood garage band. Overall, the Aerostar was a nice package.
What Junkies are Saying