CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Ford Aerostar

Ford Aerostar — 1986–1997, hatchback, wagon, 2.3 L ''Lima'' I4 (1986–1987)2.8 L ''Cologne'' V6 (1986) 3.0 L ''Vulcan'' V6 (1986–1997)4.0 L ''Cologne'' V6 (1990–1997). Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Ford Aerostar
Engine2.3 L ''Lima'' I4 (1986–1987)2.8 L ''Cologne'' V6 (1986) 3.0 L ''Vulcan'' V6 (1986–1997)4.0 L ''Cologne'' V6 (1990–1997)
Transmission5-speed M5OD-R1 manual4-speed automatic5-speed automatic

About the Ford Aerostar

Ford Aerostar is a hatchback, wagon in the minivan class, with source data covering 1986–1997. The available vehicle data lists 2.3 L ''Lima'' I4 (1986–1987)2.8 L ''Cologne'' V6 (1986) 3.0 L ''Vulcan'' V6 (1986–1997)4.0 L ''Cologne'' V6 (1990–1997) as an engine configuration, paired with 5-speed M5OD-R1 manual4-speed automatic5-speed automatic and a Front-engine, rear-wheel drive; Front-engine, all-wheel drive (1990–1997) layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Ford Aerostar guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 2.3 L ''Lima'' I4 (1986–1987)2.8 L ''Cologne'' V6 (1986) 3.0 L ''Vulcan'' V6 (1986–1997)4.0 L ''Cologne'' V6 (1990–1997) and 5-speed M5OD-R1 manual4-speed automatic5-speed automatic transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Ford Aerostar specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make Ford
Model Aerostar
Model years 1986–1997
Body style hatchback, wagon
Vehicle class Minivan
Manufacturer Ford
Production June 15, 1985 – August 22, 1997
Market / country CA, FI, NL, UA, US

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Ford Aerostar includes 2.3 L ''Lima'' I4 (1986–1987)2.8 L ''Cologne'' V6 (1986) 3.0 L ''Vulcan'' V6 (1986–1997)4.0 L ''Cologne'' V6 (1990–1997).. Transmission information includes 5-speed M5OD-R1 manual4-speed automatic5-speed automatic.. The listed drivetrain/layout is Front-engine, rear-wheel drive; Front-engine, all-wheel drive (1990–1997).

Engine 2.3 L ''Lima'' I4 (1986–1987)2.8 L ''Cologne'' V6 (1986) 3.0 L ''Vulcan'' V6 (1986–1997)4.0 L ''Cologne'' V6 (1990–1997)
Transmission 5-speed M5OD-R1 manual4-speed automatic5-speed automatic
Drivetrain / layout Front-engine, rear-wheel drive; Front-engine, all-wheel drive (1990–1997)

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase 118.9 in (3,020 mm)
Length Standard-length:174.9 in (4,442 mm)Extended-length:190.3 in (4,834 mm)
Width 71.7 in (1,821 mm)
Height 72.2 –

Ford Aerostar other specifications

Name Ford Aerostar
Image 1991 Ford Aerostar XL in Electric Currant Red, Front Left, 09-13-2022.jpg
Caption 1991 Aerostar XL
Model Code VN1
Sp us

Ford Aerostar generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope Years Engine Transmission Drivetrain
Ford Aerostar 1986–1997 2.3 L ''Lima'' I4 (1986–1987)2.8 L ''Cologne'' V6 (1986) 3.0 L ''Vulcan'' V6 (1986–1997)4.0 L ''Cologne'' V6 (1990–1997) 5-speed M5OD-R1 manual4-speed automatic5-speed automatic Front-engine, rear-wheel drive; Front-engine, all-wheel drive (1990–1997)

Ford Aerostar features and equipment

Features shown below are tied to the available source material for this model. Equipment can vary by year, trim and market.

Standard or documented features

The Aerostar name was first revealed on a 1984 concept vehicle
TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Ford Aerostar

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load33 PSI front32 PSI rear
Fully loaded35 PSI front35 PSI rear
Load condition Front Rear Status
Normal 33 PSI 32 PSI Estimate
Fully loaded 35 PSI 35 PSI Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Ford Aerostar

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Ford Aerostar have?
The available source data lists the Ford Aerostar engine as 2.3 L ''Lima'' I4 (1986–1987)2.8 L ''Cologne'' V6 (1986) 3.0 L ''Vulcan'' V6 (1986–1997)4.0 L ''Cologne'' V6 (1990–1997). Engine availability can differ by model year and market.
What tire pressure should I use for the Ford Aerostar?
For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 33 PSI front and 32 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.
What is the best engine oil for the Ford Aerostar?
There is no single best engine oil for every Ford Aerostar configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.
What body style is the Ford Aerostar?
The Ford Aerostar is classified as a hatchback, wagon.
What years was the Ford Aerostar produced?
The available vehicle record places the Ford Aerostar in the 1986–1997 period. Exact availability can vary by market.
What are the dimensions of the Ford Aerostar?
The available source data lists length Standard-length:174.9 in (4,442 mm)Extended-length:190.3 in (4,834 mm), width 71.7 in (1,821 mm), height 72.2 -, and wheelbase 118.9 in (3,020 mm).
What transmission does the Ford Aerostar have?
The available source data lists 5-speed M5OD-R1 manual4-speed automatic5-speed automatic transmission options for the Ford Aerostar.
Is the Ford Aerostar FWD, RWD or AWD?
The listed drivetrain/layout for the Ford Aerostar is Front-engine, rear-wheel drive; Front-engine, all-wheel drive (1990–1997).
Who makes the Ford Aerostar?
The manufacturer listed for the Ford Aerostar is Ford.
When was the Ford Aerostar produced?
The available source data describes production as June 15, 1985 – August 22, 1997.
Where was the Ford Aerostar built?
The available source record lists assembly information as United States: Hazelwood, Missouri (St. Louis Assembly).
What class of car is the Ford Aerostar?
The Ford Aerostar is listed in the Minivan class.
What platform does the Ford Aerostar use?
The available source data lists the platform/chassis as Ford VN1 platform.
Which markets or countries sold the Ford Aerostar?
The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Ford Aerostar with CA, FI, NL, UA, US. Market availability and specifications can differ.
What came after the Ford Aerostar?
The available vehicle data lists Ford Windstar; Ford Transit Connect (for cargo van) as a successor where applicable.
How often should I check the tire pressure on the Ford Aerostar?
Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Ford Aerostar?
No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.
Does the recommended tire pressure change when the Ford Aerostar is fully loaded?
It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.
Can the Ford Aerostar have different tire pressures front and rear?
Yes. Some vehicles specify different front and rear pressures because axle loads and vehicle configurations differ. Follow the exact vehicle recommendation where available.
Why can mileage differ from the published figure for the Ford Aerostar?
Published fuel economy is measured under a defined test method. Real-world mileage can vary with traffic, speed, temperature, tire pressure, payload, maintenance and driving style.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.