The Ford Aerostar van is roomy and comfortable. The 3-liter, V-6 engineis fairly peppy considering the weight it has to pull.
But to make the van a more acceptable vehicle, we`d extend the nose andraise it a shade. Aerostar`s nose is sharply slanted and from the driver`sseat all you see is pavement, no front end sheet metal. Seeing the front end, as in the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager, is a psychological safetyfactor. It`s nice to know there`s something between you and the vehicle ahead.
Next we`d add a grab handle along the roof pillar or along the roof above the door to make it easier for anyone shorter than Michael Jordan to enter or exit without a hop and a leap. Step-in height was lowered fractionally for1988, but getting in and out is still a chore without stool in hand.
Then we`d put a stowage compartment in that massive dash top that servesmainly as a dust catcher. And we`d add a center console between the two bucketseats up front for added stowage and for coffee cup or pop can holders thatlong vacation trips tend to require.
We`d also relocate the spare tire from under the third seat to free thatspace for a suitcase or two.
This fall, Ford makes a few of those changes when it adds an optionalcenter console between the seats with cup holders. But that option will bephased in gradually and won`t be available at the outset of the model run. Andspare tires will be under the body and out of the way.
Good interior room and great visibility with abundant glass. But notethat the glass makes air conditioning a $576 must.
The 3-liter V-6 had sufficient power but the 17 miles per gallon city/22m.p.g. highway rating is a bit lower than we`d like for a driving mix favoringmostly city travel. A 5-speed manual is standard, which would be okay forcommercial usage; a 4-speed automatic with overdrive is a hefty $607 optionfor noncommercial van enthusiasts.
Base price: $11,165.
Ford willoffer a 15-inch longer extended Aerostar version this fall.Details Sunday.
