Driving Impressions
reviewed by
During several days of testing, we took the Aerostar over everything from rut-filled dirt roads to rolling freeways. What we found was a vehicle with ample power, a firm but smooth ride and a superb sense of direction and stability.
In acceleration tests from standing starts and highway passing trials from 45 to 65 mph, the 4.0-liter, fuel-injected V6 responded quickly and aggressively and seemed to have plenty left in reserve. At 65 mph we observed that the engine was turning at a comfortable 2,500 rpm. We detected a little engine noise as well as minimal road and wind noise at higher speeds, but remember: This wagon was built on a work-van platform that can't offer the advantages of a sound-deadened luxury sedan.
Cornering and handling were the areas where our Aerostar really shone. We negotiated a sharply curved freeway exit ramp at 50 mph and we experienced absolutely no lean or sway. Darting in and out of freeway traffic, we found ourselves in command of a quick, nimble vehicle.
On bumpy dirt roads and stretches of slick pavement the computer-adjusted 4WD kept us on track without a trace of skidding or wheel spinning. The system had a full-time feature, which meant we never had to touch the switch. The computer locked the drive shaft of the slipping wheel to the shaft of the non-slipping wheels until normal traction was achieved.
The effective 4WD enhanced the braking on our Aerostar. Though our vehicle had only rear anti-lock brakes, we tested it on various slick surfaces and found we could easily stop on command.
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