1988 Ford Aerostar
Should You Buy a 1988 Ford Aerostar?
The 1988 Ford Aerostar is a front-wheel-drive wagon that offers a unique blend of utility and practicality, making it a suitable choice for families or those needing extra cargo space. Equipped with a 2.3L I4 engine, it produces 90 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. While the combined MPG is unknown, the Aerostar is designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, which may appeal to budget-conscious buyers. However, potential owners should be aware of the vehicle's safety record, particularly regarding fire incidents, which account for a significant portion of the 230 total complaints filed with the NHTSA.
This vehicle is best suited for families or individuals seeking a reliable and spacious wagon for everyday use, particularly those on a budget who prioritize practicality over performance.
Strengths
- +High reliability score of 97.9/100
- +Spacious interior suitable for families and cargo
- +Affordable maintenance due to common parts availability
- +Front-wheel drive provides decent traction in various conditions
- +Simplicity of design makes it easy to repair
Weaknesses
- -Significant number of fire-related complaints
- -Low horsepower may not satisfy performance enthusiasts
- -Limited modern features compared to newer vehicles
- -Unknown fuel efficiency could deter eco-conscious buyers
- -Aged design may not appeal to style-focused consumers
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 1988 Ford Aerostar has a notable number of complaints, particularly concerning the fuel system and ignition switch, with 45 fire incidents reported. Despite these issues, the vehicle boasts a high reliability score of 97.9/100, indicating that many owners have had positive experiences. Buyers should remain vigilant about the known issues, especially those related to safety components like the fuel tank assembly and seat belt buckles.
Performance
- Horsepower
- 90 hp
- Torque
- 126 lb-ft
- Engine
- 2.3 L
- Cylinders
- I4
- Transmission
- 4-speed automatic
- Drive Type
- front wheel drive
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- –
- Fuel Type
- regular unleaded
Dimensions
- Length
- 174.8 in
- Width
- 71.7 in
- Height
- 72.8 in
- Wheelbase
- 118.9 in
- Curb Weight
- 3,109 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 5
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –
Estimated Value
Value estimate unavailable. MSRP data not available for this vehicle.