What was the last year they made the Ford Aerostar?
The Ford Aerostar’s final year of production was 1997. The family minivan, introduced in the mid-1980s as Ford’s rugged, body-on-frame alternative to mainstream minivans, was discontinued as Ford shifted toward newer designs in the mid-to-late 1990s.
When did production end?
The last model year produced for the Aerostar was 1997. Ford ceased Aerostar assembly in 1997 as the model aged and the market moved toward more modern unibody minivans. The vehicle remained in dealership inventories through that model year, but no new Aerostars were built after 1997.
Background and context
First launched for the 1986 model year, the Aerostar stood out among minivans for its body-on-frame construction and available four-wheel drive. That design approach offered strong towing and rugged capability, but it also made the Aerostar heavier and more truck-like compared with newer front-wheel-drive minivans.
Market shift
In the mid-1990s, Ford began introducing a new generation of front-wheel-drive minivans—most notably the Windstar—to replace older designs. The Windstar offered a more car-like ride, improved safety features, and more efficient packaging, accelerating the Aerostar’s obsolescence despite continued production for a few years.
End of production and legacy
With the Aerostar’s aging platform and shifting consumer preferences, Ford concluded production in 1997. Today, the Aerostar is remembered for its distinctive, rugged character within the minivan segment and remains a niche collector’s item for enthusiasts.
Summary: The last year Ford produced the Aerostar was 1997, marking the end of a long-running, body-on-frame minivan that gave way to newer unibody designs in the mid-1990s.
