Ford Aerostar
Ford's aerodynamic, rear-wheel-drive answer to the minivan revolution.
- Power
- 145 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 12.0 s
- Top speed
- 99 mph
- Est. value
- $3k–$15k
About the Ford Aerostar
Launched for the 1986 model year, the Aerostar was Ford's first entry into the burgeoning minivan market. Unlike its front-wheel-drive Chrysler rivals, the Aerostar utilised a rear-wheel-drive layout and a unibody chassis with integrated frame rails, giving it superior towing and payload capacities. Its distinctive 'one-box' slope-nosed design achieved a drag coefficient of 0.37, which was remarkably sleek for a utility vehicle of the era. The 3.0-litre Vulcan V6 became the mainstay engine shortly after launch, offering a significant power upgrade over the initial four-cylinder and 2.8-litre units.
Ford Aerostar specs
The Ford Aerostar produces 145 bhp (108 kW) and 224 Nm (165 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 12.0 seconds and has a top speed of 99 mph (160 km/h).
| Make | Ford |
|---|---|
| Model | Aerostar |
| Trim | 3.0 V6 |
| Years | 1985–1997 |
| Type | Van |
| Body style | Minivan |
| Country | United States |
| Original price | About $10,000 when new |
| Engine | 3.0-litre Vulcan V6 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,979 cc (3.0 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 145 bhp (108 kW) at 4,800 rpm |
| Torque | 224 Nm (165 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 5,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 12.0 s |
| Top speed | 99 mph (160 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,530 kg (3,373 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 95 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Ford Aerostar worth?
A typical Ford Aerostar is estimated to be worth $3,100 – $15,000 (about £2,300 – £11,000).
Its original price when new was about $10,000.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Ford Aerostar rarity in CarSpot
The Ford Aerostar is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 8 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Ford Aerostar fun facts
- The Aerostar's drag coefficient of 0.37 was lower than that of the contemporary Ford Mustang.
- To launch the model, Ford used eight C-130 cargo planes to simultaneously deliver the first batch of vans to eight major U.S. cities.
- Despite being a minivan, its rear-wheel-drive platform allowed for a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, nearly double that of its Chrysler competitors.
