Ford Aerostar

Ford Aerostar (1992-1997)

The Ford Aerostar was the first van from Ford and was introduced as a 1986 model in summer 1985. The Aerostar was unique in his time, as he. Zugfähigkeiten the rear-wheel drive and a van like the Chevrolet Astro or GMC Safari with the ease of a car such as the Dodge Caravan or Plymouth Voyager united The Aerostar is often referred to as " Midivan " because it is larger than the " minivan " of Chrysler, but less than what is known in the U.S. as " Vans". As the vans by Chrysler, the Aerostar was supplied in small numbers to Europe, so its rear license plate holder for the larger European indicator is designed.

The end of 1997 the production of the Aerostar was discontinued. He was replaced by the Windstar, which was manufactured in parallel since the beginning of 1995. Until his end of production over 100,000 Aerostar were sold each year, since 1990, more than the GM competitor, so Ford 's second-largest Minivanhersteller was at that time. The Aerostar was built at Ford's plant in St. Louis (Missouri ), which also emerged the Ford Explorer, the Mercury Mountaineer and Lincoln Aviator. Today, this work is closed.

The Aerostar was chosen by the magazine Motor Trend Truck of the Year 1990.

Unlike the Chrysler minivan with front-wheel drive of the Aerostar was designed with rear wheel drive. While this used more interior space ( the ground was higher), the predestined Aerostar but for towing and improved handling characteristics when loaded.

The Aerostar also differed from other minivans of its time, because the was neither a car nor a truck floor pan. The official name of the Aerostar floor assembly is VN 1, the first Ford - soil group, which was named with letters (as opposed to "Fox " or "Panther "). This design was developed because the engineers monocoque constructions from the car - building were not used in the work of Ford vans and thus also felt uncomfortable. So they drew a monocoque frame with variant carriers for the Aerostar, similar to that at the Vans G-series of GM and the second generation of the Jeep Cherokee, as well as in today's Honda Ridgeline was the case. The aerodynamic styling of the sloping front nose resembled the Ford Taurus, which was also introduced in 1986. An early commercial compared the Aerostar in the side view with the Space Shuttle. Most of the time the Aerostar but was marketed as part of the Ford vans program.

  • 2.1 1985
  • 2.2 1988
  • 3.1 1989
  • 3.2 1990
  • 4.1 1992 4.1.1 External Equipment
  • 4.1.2 Interior
  • 5.1 Aerostar van ( 1985-1997 )
  • 5.2 XL ( 1985-1996 )
  • 5.3 XLT ( 1985-1997 )
  • 5.4 Eddie Bauer ( 1988-1996 )
  • 5.5 Long version ( 1989-1997 )
  • 5.6 Sport ( 1994-1997)
  • 6.1 instruments
  • 6.2 air conditioning
  • 6.3 Other equipment details

Mechanical Design

Early models were with Ford's 2.3 liter - equipped " Lima " four-cylinder in-line engine and worked for the 100 bhp (74 kW) underpowered. At the request was originally the 2.8 L - V6 engine to Ford Cologne with 115 bhp (92 kW) available. From 1988, both machines were no longer offered. From this time there was either the 3.0 L - " Vulcan " V6 engine with 145 bhp (107 kW) of the Taurus and Ranger from 1990 or even the 4.0 L - V6 Ford Cologne with 155 bhp (114 kW) from the Explorer and Ranger. The 4.0 L overtook the 3.0 L Vulcan quickly.

Since the Aerostar vans parts possessed ( brake drums, axle suspensions, wheels, etc. were all interchangeable with the Ranger, the BroncoII and Explorer), it was at the request almost all the drive parts of the series vans. Many Aerostar were mixed with 15 - wheels fitted an Explorer or Ranger " or 16 ".

One notable difference was that the Aerostar suspension of the drive axle with three arms on coil springs had like the Crown Victoria or the Mustang. There were two different manual five-speed gearbox, both from the van programs by Ford and Mazda. The first mounted gearbox from Mazda called TK - fifth Later, the Mazda M5OD -R1, which was designed by Ford, but built at Mazda came. It looked the M5OD -R2, the Ford F-Series and the Ford Bronco similar, but was not interchangeable.

The Aerostar with four-wheel drive (E- 4WD)

This was intended for customers who wanted more traction than a rear wheel drive could offer. From 1990 to 1997 there was an electronically controlled all-wheel drive with the XLT and Eddie Bauer models. This system differed from wheel-drive systems other Ford vehicles, as it automatically by turning the rear wheels without the driver, the front-wheel drive zuschaltete. The difference made ​​the Dana TC28 center differential, which ensured its electronically controlled clutch for a real driving all four wheels.

All e- 4WD Aero Stars had the 4.0 -liter V6 engine of Ford Cologne with 160 bhp (118 kW). The Aerostar was either with the aforementioned five-speed transmissions (up to 1995) or with the A4LD four- speed automatic transmission. As of 1996, there were either the four- speed automatic transmission for the 3.0 L - Engine 4R44R and the 4.0 L - 5R55E engine, which replaced the previous model. From 1997 onwards the 5R55E was standard.

Ford Aerostar long version (1989-1991)

Ford Aerostar Eddie Bauer

First generation (1985-1988)

1985

The Ford Aerostar is introduced with only one body style as the base van, XL -base Van and XLT deluxe Van.

1988

In 1988 there were several simplifications: The four-cylinder engine falls away and the V6 from Cologne is replaced by the 3.0 -liter V6 of the Taurus, which lowers fuel consumption. The XLT model of the equipment is simplified by eliminating the two-tone paint and change to the chrome features ( see below).

  • Since all the Aerostar now have the Vulcan V6, the V6 logo is omitted on the front turn signals.
  • The Aerostar logo moves from the front fenders on the left side of the tailgate; Depending on the equipment, the logo has a red or gray ground.

As a top model, the Eddie Bauer is introduced. It has the most features details of the XLT version (mostly as standard equipment), but a special outdoor equipment. There is again a two-tone paint, but instead of the sides of the vehicle, only the sills and wheel arches are painted beige. 14 "aluminum wheels are standard features of Eddie Bauer, but they are also available on request from the XLT. Individual rear seats are now available on request from the Eddie Bauer and the XLT.

Generation 1.5 ( 1989-1991)

1989

The exterior of the car is slightly revised. The grille now shows no honeycomb pattern, but is dark gray with three openings.

  • New wheel covers distinguish the Aerostar from Ranger and Bronco II One of the two species is similar to that of the tempo, the other ( 5 triangular openings with wide spokes) remains the Aerostar reserved.
  • The extended Aerostar is supplied as vans and van. The new version, behind the third-row seat 356 mm longer, bears no name.

1990

This year, the Aerostar took over the facilities offered Astro and Safari, which Ford no longer the third, but finished second behind Chrysler. Changes it is only under the hood: the V6 Cologne from returns as the 4.0 L - version back. The all-wheel version E- 4WD - the first for an American Van manufacturers - is introduced.

Second generation (1992-1997)

1992

The Aerostar gets a small facelift. Inside he gets a driver's airbag.

Outside amenities

Although the sheet metal be no changes, see the Aerostar - especially compared to the 1986 model - from the front is quite different. As a reminder of the name part "Aero", the old sealed beam headlights against modern clear-glass headlights, which are used in all Ford models, replaced. The color of the indicator lights change from yellow to white, so that they fit the new headlights. Also, the radiator grille is changed again; the Ford logo moves from the middle to upper third. This happens because of the same appearance of the Econoline and also renovated the then new Explorer. The small windows in the A-pillars are more blackened to make them look a bit smaller.

  • The two-tone paint is introduced as an option when XLT again, but in contrast to the Eddie Bauer version of the second color is not beige, but silver.
  • The bumpers are painted in two-tone paint in body color, in terms of monochrome painting they remain gray. Plastic wheel trims are introduced.

Interior decoration

To meet the safety requirements, Ford leads in 1992 an SRS driver's airbag. At the same time major changes to the switches and controls, such as for air conditioning, windscreen wipers and lighting, made ​​so that they correspond to the elements of other Ford models. The automatic gearshift lever moves from the center of the vehicle to the steering column, but the parking brake lever is - as with all Ford minivans - in the middle. The radio remains the same, but his panel no longer corresponds to the Ranger, but the Taurus. The Eddie Bauer models may obtain a leather interior.

1993-1996

1997

1997 is now actually the last year for the Aerostar. In addition to the van there is now only the XLT, as a basic and a deluxe model. Together with the 4.0 L V6 engine is now a five- speed automatic transmission - the first for a minivan - built.

  • The rear turn signals are no longer yellow but red. Often these special lights are used on previous models. For an additional hole for indicator must be attached.
  • There are seven-hole wheels in size 14 " x 6".

Aerostar models and trim levels

Aerostar van (1985-1997)

The van did not sell as good as the van, since the intermediate size of the Aerostar let him fall in comparison with the GM vans Astro and Safari. The van differed from Van mainly through its two-piece rear door, gegenübe the tailgate of the van. The van was not exported and therefore did not have the larger license plate recording of the van. Although it was easier to drive because of its size, it has rarely been converted into a van. The Transit Connect can be considered a successor to the Aerostar van.

XL (1985-1996)

For the Aerostar Van der XL was the standard. He was ordered by all trim levels also the most common. Most facilities offered at XL XLT were available on request, so all XL models are not simply equipped. Some details, such as the all-wheel drive E- 4WD, the individual rear seats and the air conditioning back there was only the XLT. Also, the 4.0 L V6 engine was available in XL only in the long version.

XLT (1985-1997)

The XLT model was the superior equipment of the Aerostar. Equipment details such as electric windows, electrically adjustable door mirrors and central locking were standard, as well as tinted windows, rear wiper, heated rear window, automatic transmission and ABS (only on the rear wheels ). In addition there was radio controls back ( switch for the rear speakers, two jacks for headphones ) and 6 stereo speakers, optional with 7- band equalizer. For an additional charge there were individual seats rear, a fold-down third row seats (from mid-1989 ), digital displays with tachometer, a trip computer, a selbstabblendenden interior mirror and folding armrests with cup holders in the rear seats. Cup holders belonged until 1992 to the special equipment, but there were six standard ashtray and two cigarette lighter.

Eddie Bauer (1988-1996)

The Aerostar was one of the first Ford ( and so far the only Van ), who got an Eddie Bauer equipment. She joined the equipment details of the XLT version with two-tone paint (beige with some contrasting primary colors ) and a beige interior (cloth as standard, leather optional). An often overlooked detail is the ability to fold the second and third row of seats into a bed. Some Eddie Bauer Vans, were not equipped with individual seats in the middle.

Long version (1989-1997)

1989 Ford extended in response to the Chrysler " Grand " Van den Aerostar behind the 3rd row seat by about 356 mm long version, which, however, never got its own name. The wheelbase of 3,023 mm remained the same, for he was already longer than that of the Lincoln Town Car. Because of its greater load volume sales of the long version soon overtook the normal version. Due to the higher weight of about 2 tons. was the 4.0 liter V6 engine in either standard ( XLT, Eddie Bauer and all e- 4WD versions) or a popular Extra ( XL).

Sport (1994-1997)

The Sport option was available for the XL and XLT trim levels. It consisted of a two-tone paint ( bright silver down with another bright color as the main color), a front spoiler, rocker panel with the AERO STAR logo and a SPORT logo. The XL models had large wheel trims, the XLT models aluminum rims. It was thus, this is an all-optical tuning. The Vulcan V6 with 140 bhp (103 kW) remaining under the hood of the XL versions.

Interior decoration

Instruments

On request, there were in all Aerostar digital displays; standard they were at the XLT and Eddie Bauer versions. The analog displays were the same as the digital, only the tachometer was missing. As of 1992, all were digital odometer.

  • The as optional equipment 1986 - 1991 available digital odometer jumped from 199,999.9 miles back to 100,000.0 miles. 1992 has been corrected. Since the distance display indicating also 200,000.0 kilometers, you had to compare only miles and miles display to determine the correct distance a used car ..

Air conditioning

All XLT and Eddie Bauer versions (and most XL vehicles) had factory air conditioning. From 1988 the better versions also had an automatic climate control. The windows of the second row of seats were designed as a sliding window.

Other equipment details

When they gave up in 1992 the central selector lever of the automatic, there was a desire on the center console on the floor. She had two small cup holders and a coin dispenser (so far in the glove compartment ). Had the mounted top center trip computer not a thermometer and no compass as with Chrysler, but he calculated the daily distance ( in addition to the odometer ), fuel consumption (total and currently ), the remaining distance to the vacancy of the tank and the average speed. Its two cards reading lamps, there was in addition to the two contained in the version already XLT. Another detail of the equipment are the six ashtrays and two cigar lighter in the early Aerostar models; obviously had particularly thought about the smoking.

Setting the Aerostar

The Windstar was the de facto successor to the Aerostar, but was marketed as a car rather than a van. The last Aerostar was sold on 17 March 1997, after the series for three years ran parallel to the Windstar.

1989 overtook the Aerostar GM in sales figures and took second place in the minivan segment. However, Chrysler's minivan concept had great influence on later minivans, so that they all were manufactured with front wheel drive. Ford, too, could not close the trend and planned 1994 launch of the 1995 - Windstar. Originally, the Aerostar should already be set in 1994. On learning of the plans, the Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn was showered with letters from customers and sellers who demanded the continued construction of the Aerostar. Ford relented and announced that the Aerostar and Windstar would initially offered in parallel. This gave Ford three minivans under two brands ( Aerostar, Windstar, Villager ), in contrast to Chrysler, the minivan for three brands had ( Voyager, Caravan, Town & Country ).

The replacement of the Bronco II in 1991 by the explorer proved so successful that Ford soon had the bestverkäufliche compact SUV in the United States in the program. The explorer took the Aerostar customers who had taken the Aerostar a decade earlier the Country Squire.

Aerostar and Explorer both made in the now-closed plant in St. Louis. In 1996, Ford announced that 1997 would be the last year for the Aerostar. But the outcry of customers was not as strong as in 1994 even as the minivans had lost popularity.

The peculiarities of the Aerostar

Like the other pioneering models from 1986 influenced the Aerostar the construction of many of its competitors, even today.

  • The Aerostar was the first production minivan, who offered since 1990 all-wheel drive. Its sequel takes this in today's cross-over models.
  • The Aerostar was the first minivan, which only offered six-cylinder engines ( four-cylinder engine was discontinued in 1997 ).
  • The Aerostar Eddie Bauer was the first luxury minivan. It was introduced in 1988; Chrysler Town and Country came only in 1990 as a minivan.
  • The sliding window of the Aerostar in the second row of seats were in the U.S. without precedent.
  • Introduced in 1997 5R55E automatic transmission was the first five- speed automatic transmission in a minivan.

Prototypes

In 1985, the two concept cars Ghia Aerovan Concept and Ford Aerostar were shown.

1987 was presented under the name HFX Ghia Aerostar driving a working prototype with 3.0 -liter V6 engine and 162 hp, air suspension and numerous electronic equipment details.

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