What is the fuel consumption of Aerostar?

The fuel consumption of Aerostar depends on which Aerostar you mean. For the Ford Aerostar minivan (1986–1997), typical fuel economy is reported in miles per gallon (mpg). For the Aerostar twin-engine piston aircraft, fuel use is measured in gallons per hour (GPH) and depends on power settings, weight, and altitude. In general terms, Ford Aerostar minivans commonly fall around the high teens to mid-20s mpg, while Aerostar airplanes typically burn roughly 28–40 GPH at cruise, with higher or lower figures under different conditions.

Two common meanings of Aerostar

Ford Aerostar minivan (1986–1997)

To understand fuel consumption for the Ford Aerostar, it helps to know the engine options and typical operating conditions. Engine choices and drivetrain configuration influence mpg, and real-world numbers vary with driving style, maintenance, and terrain.

Typical fuel economy by engine and drivetrain

• 3.0 L V6 engine (early to mid production): roughly 17–19 mpg combined in typical driving; about 15–17 mpg city and 21–23 mpg highway.


• 4.0 L V6 engine (later years): roughly 18–20 mpg combined; about 16–18 mpg city and 23–25 mpg highway.


• Wheel drive: 2WD versions generally perform a bit better than 4WD variants, with 1–2 mpg difference under normal conditions.

Real-world consumption varies. Heavier loads, frequent starts/stops in city driving, and highway speeds can all affect mpg. For precise figures, consult the vehicle’s window sticker or a trusted owner-reported dataset for your exact year and configuration.

Aerostar aircraft (twin-engine piston)

The Aerostar line in aviation is a small twin-engine piston aircraft category. Fuel burn depends on the engines installed, power settings, weight, altitude, and prop efficiency. The following figures reflect typical cruise operation for common piston configurations used on Aerostar twins.

Typical cruise fuel burn and related figures

• Per-engine fuel burn at cruise: approximately 14–18 GPH per engine, depending on engine model (often Lycoming IO-540/IO-550 or similar configurations).


• Combined total cruise burn: about 28–36 GPH (under typical cruise conditions for two engines).


• High-power or full-tilt cruise and heavier loading: burn can rise toward 40–50 GPH total in certain situations.

Note: These ranges are general estimates. Exact numbers vary by engine type, propeller and gear, airframe weight, altitude, and operating technique. For the most accurate figure for a specific Aerostar aircraft, refer to the official Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) or the manufacturer’s data for that model.

How to estimate fuel consumption for your Aerostar

If you own an Aerostar or are evaluating purchase/operation costs, use these steps to estimate real-world fuel use more precisely.

• Identify the exact model and engine configuration (engine type, horsepower, and propeller). Gather POH data for cruise fuel burn at your chosen altitude and power setting.


• Record fuel on board at the start and end of a representative flight or trip; account for taxi, climb, cruise, and descent phases separately.


• Divide total fuel burned by time aloft to determine gallons per hour (GPH) for your typical flight profile; compare with published cruise numbers to check for variances.


• Consider conditions that skew consumption (payload, temperature, altitude, wind, and density altitude). Heavier loads and higher density altitude generally raise GPH at a given power setting.

Summary

“Aerostar” can refer to a Ford minivan or a twin-engine piston aircraft, and the fuel numbers reflect the two different domains. The Ford Aerostar’s fuel economy typically falls in the high teens to mid-20s mpg range, with modest variation by engine and drivetrain. The Aerostar twin aircraft usually consumes about 28–36 gallons per hour at standard cruise, with higher burn possible under heavy loads or high-power settings. Always check the specific model year data for road use or consult the aircraft’s POH for precise flight-specific figures.

How many miles per gallon does a 1993 Ford Aerostar get?

All trim levels of the 1993 Aerostar Passenger get 18 MPG, with 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway.

How many miles per gallon does a 1997 Ford Aerostar get?

The 1997 Ford Aerostar's MPG varies by drivetrain and trim, with most models getting 15 MPG city/22 MPG highway. 4WD models are less efficient, rated at 14 MPG city/19 MPG highway. The combined MPG is generally around 18 MPG for the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) versions.
 
1997 Ford Aerostar MPG by drivetrain

• Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): 15 MPG city / 22 MPG highway / 18 MPG combined 
• Four-Wheel Drive (4WD): 14 MPG city / 19 MPG highway 

Are Ford Aerostars reliable?

The Ford Aerostar is generally considered a reliable and durable vehicle, known for its longevity and ability to last over 100,000-200,000 miles with proper maintenance. Common issues reported in high-mileage examples include transmission wear, cooling system leaks, and suspension components needing attention due to frequent use. Other potential problems to watch for are A/C issues, door rattles, and exhaust system corrosion.
 
This video discusses the reliability of the Ford Aerostar and how it compares to other Ford minivans: 39sMy Old CarYouTube · Feb 5, 2022
Reliability and longevity

• Many owners report their Aerostars lasting for very high mileage, often exceeding 200,000 miles, with the powertrain being particularly durable. 
• Regular maintenance is key to its longevity. 

Common problems with high-mileage models

• Transmission: With high mileage, transmissions may experience wear and require attention. 
• Cooling system: Leaks and radiator corrosion are common in higher-mileage vehicles. 
• Suspension: Components like struts, shocks, and ball joints may need to be checked and replaced, especially with highway use. 
• A/C: Some models have reported issues with the air conditioning cutting out at idle. 
• Interior: Rattles in the door panels are a common complaint. 
• Exhaust system: Exhaust shields are prone to rotting out. 

What to check when buying a used Aerostar

• Transmission fluid: Check its level and clarity to assess the transmission's condition. 
• Cooling system: Inspect for leaks, coolant levels, and signs of corrosion. 
• Suspension and brakes: Have a mechanic check these critical components, as they are subject to wear, especially with long-distance driving. 
• Electrical system: Have the electrical system checked for any issues. 
• Recalls: Check the VIN for any open recalls on the specific model year at the NHTSA website. 

How much is a 1995 Ford Aerostar worth?

$1,308 to $6,095
The value of a used 1995 Ford Aerostar ranges from $1,308 to $6,095, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.