Hello, I just wanted to make a comment about the comparisons between the Toyota Previa Minivan and the Ford Aerostar. In Consumer Reports magazine, the Toyota Previa is "Much better than average" in most reliability categories. The major shining points are an engine and Transmission that are close to perfect (no mechanical problems). Compare that with the "Much worse than average" marks of the Ford Aerostar. The Automatic Transmissions have high failure rates. The engines are prone to oil leaks and smoking. The Toyota Previa is a high quality minivan capable of going 200,000 miles on its original engine and transmission. Repairs are rarely needed. Compare that with the rusting, oil leaking, transmission failing, air conditioner, power window, power steering high failure rate of the Aerostar. Also, the Aerostars are prone to breaking down unexpectedly. The Toyota Previas are not. I was attracted to the Aerostar because of its roomy interior. But, I had to spend $6000 on unexpected repairs. I had a horrible experience with a 1991 Ford Aerostar 3.0 Liter V-6, and I will never own another Ford product forever. I advice you to sell your Aerostars and buy a Japanese minivan. You will be glad you did. - Bill

sorry Bill, but I can't, won't sell or trade my Aerostar. I have not found any of the problems that you jap car owners complain about. My neighbor next door has owned several Toyota mini's in the 5 years that I've owned the one Aerostar. Admittedly I believe the fit and finish of the Jap mini's are a higher standard than the american counter parts,(and I attribute that problem to over paid-under worked and just plain lazy UAW workers, but that is another issue) but I don't for one second believe their drive trains are better than the Ford or even the GM. (No mention of Chrysler products cause I for one do believe there cheap junk). Now I have as virtue of my chosen profession have maintained my car(s) very well and believe in preventive maintenance which would probable explain my Aerostars out standing performance and reliability. I have never had tranny problems, or power window problems or power steering problems or any other problem that you and consumer reports claim. And I don't actually believe every article that consumer reports releases because I do believe they are biases and a liberally run periodical. But again another issue. Anyway enough said, this is again why we have choices, this is why America is "America". Craig- 95 Aerostar

At this point in time, I must agree with Craig. I bought my 94 Aerostar XLT Extended E4WD in Jan 1998 with 36K miles on the clock. Other than routine maintenance (tune-up, belt, brakes, tires, fluids) it has been very reliable. I have had the standard Ford oil leaks (valve covers and intake manifold gasket), but I decided to have the leaks fixed since I believe there is no other minivan on the market that can compare with the spaciousness of this van (see my recent reply message to Diana about minivans). I picked this van up for $8500 3 years ago and have probably invested $1000-$1500 in maintenance and the oil leak fix, but the van still seems to have a retail value close to my original investment. I am religious with scheduled maintenance which I believe has everything to do with the reliability of any vehicle. My mechanic has an Aerostar with 175K miles on it and has never had any serious mechanical failures. He plans to drive it until it dies, which he feels will be another 175K. He recommended that I keep the Aerostar, take good care of it, and keep away from some on the new minivans on the market which he feels are not made very well, and he doesn't think that the Japanese minivans are worth the money they are asking for them. Keith

Hey Keith,    Yeah I've been very happy with my Aerostar.  I did claim that I would not sell it, but I would consider it if I could find the last year of the Aerostars that were made with the E4WD.  I wish I had gone that route. Silly really not that I live in a area that requires the all wheel drive.  Back to reality, I've got a trip this weekend and I'm loading up the star heading for Okla.  With right at 90,000 miles now I'll have no reservations at all in taking the star up there and back.  I did notice that the other day the right front spring was making a squeaking noise. I suspect its getting near time to rebush the front end.     Craig-

I think 1997 was the last year of the Aerostar and I believe they did have the E4WD. I must say that system is awesome! The van has never hinted a slip in any of the snow storms we have had here in NJ over the past few years. I even tried this past snow storm to get her to slip a bit but she held the road strong. I've got some real serious peace of mind with this Aerostar in the inclement weather, especially when my wife is out driving with the kids. Lots of metal around them and great command of the road. I too just turned 90K on the clock. As for the front squeak, yeah, check the bushings, perhaps a good dose of grease will take that away. I have had squeaks or crunching type of noises coming from the rear spring bushings when going over slow speed bumps, mostly when it's cold when everything seems to creak, but a good dose of silicone has cured it every time. Have a safe trip! Keith