Does Ford still make the Aerostar?
The short answer: No. Ford does not currently manufacture the Aerostar, and the name has not been revived since it was retired in the late 1990s.
The Aerostar was Ford’s early foray into dedicated minivans, debuting in the mid-1980s and lasting through the 1997 model year. It was gradually phased out as Ford shifted its minivan strategy toward newer models such as the Windstar in the mid-1990s and, later, other van configurations. Today, Ford’s North American lineup emphasizes SUVs, crossovers, and larger cargo/people movers rather than a dedicated Aerostar minivan, while some global markets continue to offer Europe-specific MPVs under different names.
The Aerostar’s lifecycle: a concise timeline
The following timeline highlights the key moments in the Aerostar’s history, including its introduction, major transitions, and retirement. It helps put the model in Ford’s evolving family-vehicle strategy.
- 1986: Ford introduces the Aerostar as a purpose-built, rear-drive minivan with family-oriented features and V6 power.
- 1995 (model year): Ford launches the Windstar as a more car-like successor in the North American market; Aerostar production continues briefly during a transition period.
- 1997: The Aerostar is discontinued in North America; Ford concentrates on the Windstar and subsequent minivan generations.
In short, the Aerostar’s production ended in the late 1990s, and Ford did not revive the name in later minivan generations.
What Ford offers today for multi-passenger or van-based transport
For readers seeking modern Ford options that serve similar needs to the Aerostar, here is a look at the current lineup and regional variations. The focus is on versatile, family-friendly or commercial vans rather than a dedicated Aerostar model.
- Ford Transit — a full-size van available in passenger configurations (up to many seats) and cargo variants, with multiple wheelbases and roof heights for versatility in families, businesses, or recreational use.
- Ford Transit Connect — a smaller van with passenger versions available (often up to 8 seats), suitable for compact footprints and urban use while offering modern technology and efficiency.
- Europe-only MPVs: Ford S-Max and Ford Galaxy — seven- or eight-seat multipurpose vehicles designed for family transport, widely sold in Europe but not typically in North America.
- Note on the Aerostar name — Ford has not revived the Aerostar name for any current model.
Practically speaking, today’s buyers who want Ford versatility for a family or group transport are guided toward the Transit family or, in many regions outside North America, the S-Max/ Galaxy MPVs, rather than an Aerostar-branded minivan.
Regional availability and branding
The product mix varies by market. In North America, the Aerostar is not in production and Ford’s current van strategy centers on the Transit lineup. In Europe, MPVs like the S-Max and Galaxy occupy the same general niche as the Aerostar did in the past, offering family seating and flexible interiors under distinct branding.
Summary
Ford does not currently produce the Aerostar. The model was retired after the 1997 model year, and Ford has not revived the name since. For modern alternatives, Ford's Transit family and Europe-only MPVs such as the S-Max and Galaxy provide contemporary options tailored to family transport and multi-passenger needs, depending on your region.
