The 1996 Ford Aerostar comes with two different body styles, two engines, one transmission, and three trim levels. The three-liter V-6 is the only option available for the base model and the XLT. The extended XLT model can upgrade its three-liter V-6 to a four-liter V-6. The four-speed automatic is the only transmission available, and the dual zone front air-conditioning that comes standard on the wagon models.
The Range
Body Styles: cargo van, wagon
Engines: 3.0-liter V-6, 4.0-liter V-6
Transmissions: four-speed automatic
Models: Ford Aerostar base, Ford Aerostar XLT
What's New
The 1996 Ford Aerostar's transmission now shifts more smoothly. The air-conditioning controls have also been revised and a new radio with improved controls is standard. Solar-tinted glass also comes standard.
Exterior
The 1996 Ford Aerostar comes standard with three doors and a compact spare wheel. A full-size spare wheel is optional for all models. The XLT come with black body side moldings and dual manual mirrors. A liftgate cargo door is available as an option for the van. The wagons come with the options of light tinted windows, dual power remote mirrors, and a roof rack.
Interior
The 1996 Ford Aerostar comes with a partial floor console, vinyl upholstery, and a cargo light as standard, while cloth upholstery is optional for all models. It comes with front bucket seats, while the wagons come with captain front seats, which are two-way adjustable, and bench rear seats. It also comes with an AM radio, and the wagons come with AM/FM radios. This audio system is optional for the van, and an AM/FM/Cassette audio system is optional for all models. An AM/FM/CD audio system is available as an option for the wagon models. Although air-conditioning is optional for the van, dual zone front air-conditioning is standard for the wagon models. Rear air-conditioning is available as an option for the wagon models. Meanwhile, a tilt steering wheel is optional for all models. The wagon models also come standard with driver and passenger vanity mirrors. Optional features include a full floor console, power front windows, and an illuminated glove box.
Performance & Handling
The 1996 Ford Aerostar is rear drive, and a front anti-roll bar is standard on all models as the rear anti-roll bar is also standard on the van, but not available on the wagon models. A locking/limited slip differential is also optional.
Safety
The 1996 Ford Aerostar gets standard variable intermittent front windshield wipers, a driver side front-impact air bag, anti-lock brakes, and a power fuel door release. The wagons come with the options of power door locks and illuminated entry. A rear window defroster is also optional for all models.
EPA Fuel Economy
Ford Aerostar van: 16/22 mpg city/highway
Ford Aerostar AWD van: 13/19 mpg city/highway
Ford Aerostar wagon: 15/21 mpg city/highway
You'll Like
- Air-conditioning on wagons
- Captain seats on wagons
You Won't Like
- Standard audio system
- No air bags for wagons
- No anti-lock brakes for wagons
Sum Up
Marks the end of a minivan era.
If You Like This Vehicle
- Chevrolet Astro
- Mercury Villager