I went today and took a pretty damn good look at this 1997 Ford Aerostar AWD inside and out. The vehicle belonged to a retired electrician and I will say that out of the many Aerostar's I've seen this is probably the best one!  The original price was $4900 but through some negotiation and a little bit of time I the price is $3200.00. 

 

Many Aerostar's have been abused and rarely do you see any in this good of condition and when you do the price goes up!

 

Anyway, here are some pics. and give some feed back.

Charles Maxwell www.showandtailchis.com Attachment: (image/pjpeg) i-1.jpg [not stored] Attachment: (image/pjpeg) i-2.jpg [not stored] Attachment: (image/pjpeg) i-3.jpg [not stored] Attachment: (image/pjpeg) i-5.jpg [not stored] Attachment: (image/pjpeg) i-9.jpg [not stored]

Funny...Yep, this baby is in immaculate condition it runs a lot stronger than my 95; I am not a Ford person, hate them to death but the Aerostar is truly unique. You'll find a Windstar in the shop more often. This one is an "Electronic All Wheel Drive" I am not sure if there is a 4X4 version.  The vehicle is so clean my wife is paranoid about whether the kids will ruin it.  I am looking for those Husky Liner or other tough thick plastic molded maps that will cover the floor.  The mags were replaced with a much lighter and rust free inkies (I think they are inkies - LOL); but it has been really taken care of. When I test drove it the take off speed is a lot better than the RWD version. It grabs and doesn't seem to let go!

Dick

It would be cool if it could pull a 5th wheel, LOL.... Maybe a camper will do!

Charles Price -

>This one is an > "Electronic All Wheel Drive" I am not sure if there is a 4X4 version. That is 4x4. It's got a transfer case with an electronically controlled front/rear clutch. Normal has most of the power going to the rear until the computer senses slip. Then it hooks up the front wheels. There's no low range like in a pickup type 4x4. It works fine except in the toughest off road use where a low range would help. Yes- it has good traction. It's almost impossible to squeak the tires on pavement from a standing start. It's difficult to make them spin uphill on a dirt road from a stop also.

Yep, it's a "Electronic AWD" from research you get a lot more usage out this model than the standard RWD.  This van was well taken care of it run's really strong almost embarasses my 95'.  The seller was a retired electrician for the state of New York.    Like, I said before I hate Fords but Aerostar is an exception. I wonder why they replaced it with a weaker model such as the Windstar.  This was a toss up betweent this and the Toyota Previa. I like the Previa but I can see that the mid engine and fluid access will be a hassle in the long run.

Alan

Basically the AWD system is somewhat like that on a Subaru; meaning it only uses it when needed which will save on fuel consumption, correct?  I saw a hood scoop on an Aerostar somewhere but I can not remember where I saw it.

Alan

"By the way, Tahoe is Indian for tall prostitute." If a prostitutite is a women who gets around for money. Then a Tahoe is a Tall (4x4) that gets around alot for money (gas) Shane

This Aerostar has original pin striping that spells "Aerostar" towards the rear of the van. cool.

Shane

I don’t think that setup will have much effect on fuel economy. Even though you’re not driving the front wheels, all of the components (driveshaft, differential, axles) are still turning, which creates extra drag.

 

Bob Garrett

95 Windstar

 

My wife and I already have a 95 RWD we like the versatility of the AWD model and the conditon of the 97' we now have.  The fuel economy comparisson between the AWD and RWD is not too big of a difference. If you are referring to drag as in regards to aero dynamics it is the same on both models, the AWD is slightly heavier than it RWD counterpart.    I would think a more free flowing exhaust system and K & N Air Filter will make a difference in fuel economy. V6 is as high as I will go.

Bob

The drag that I’m referring to is the mechanical drag of the added mechanical components, not aero drag. However, the tradeoff is generally a better handling vehicle, especially when driving in slippery conditions.

 

While a more free-flowing cat-back exhaust may offer some benefit, I personally would be careful with adding the K&N. They tend to let in more dirt than the stock air cleaner. If you do much driving on unpaved roads, you can suck a lot more crud into the engine over time

 

Bob Garrett

95 Windstar

 

 

My wife and I already have a 95 RWD we like the versatility of the AWD model and the conditon of the 97' we now have.  The fuel economy comparisson between the AWD and RWD is not too big of a difference. If you are referring to drag as in regards to aero dynamics it is the same on both models, the AWD is slightly heavier than it RWD counterpart. 

 

I would think a more free flowing exhaust system and K & N Air Filter will make a difference in fuel economy. V6 is as high as I will go.

Bob Garrett

I've used K & N in other vehicles but never had a problem. The K & N FIP Kit modifies the intake with a cone filter and they do come with a special cover however when dealing with aftermarket performance parts their is a trade off usually more wear and tear such as an MSD 6 AL ignition box that improves the performance but shortens the life span of the spark plugs.   Okay, so basically the free flowing cat back would be a great idea, correct? I also have been advised on a more free flowing cat, but the cat's in 97 are pretty much as free flowing as they are going to get.

Bob