2006 Ford Five Hundred Sydney

Best know as Ford Five Hundred. . It has Big roomy inside, the Five Hundred features a tall roof that offers lots of headroom on ford five hundred. One advantage is that the driver sits relatively high, gaining a commanding view of the road. The back seats are very comfortable and quite roomy which also allow them to fold down to increase cargo capacity.
Volvo Austrlia assisted with engineering a body structure that benefits from the latest in best safety technology. Ford acquired the Swedish automaker famous for its passenger-protecting innovations around 1999 and, when it came time to develop the Five Hundred, employed most Volvo's best structural and safety engineers to work on the project productin.
The Ford Five Hundred is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the latter giving it more stable handling and better traction, particularly in inclement weather.
The V6 engine that comes on all models delivers responsive performance and good fuel economy. On front-wheel-drive models, the V6 is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, which offers more responsive performance and better efficiency than a traditional four-speed automatic. All-wheel-drive models come with a continuously variable transmission, a design noted for its responsiveness and efficiency.

2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

The Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a four-door, five-passenger, midsize pickup. It was unique when it first appeared in 2000, but today it must compete with midsize four-door pickups from every major player.
Essentially a Ford Explorer with a pickup bed, the Sport Trac offers plenty of room inside for people and out back for cargo. It comes standard with a 4.0-liter V6 that makes 210 horsepower, and a 292-hp V8 is optional. Both engines are available with rear- or four-wheel drive.
With the V8, the Sport Trac offers power near the top of the class. The power is delivered smoothly, but isn't as responsive in passing maneuvers as some might wish.
The Sport Trac's high ride height means the ride quality gets a bit busy over potholed or broken pavement, but otherwise, the ride is smooth, thanks in part to an independent rear suspension that also aids handling. Directional stability is good, steering response is quick, and body lean is well controlled for a heavy vehicle.
Inside, the Sport Trac has easy-to-read instruments and nice materials. Unfortunately, the door pulls are strangely positioned, making them hard to operate for some. Room, on the other hand, is plentiful front and rear. The bed offers decent room and some unique storage bins, but those who haul a lot of cargo regularly will want a more traditional pickup.
After benefiting from a redesign for 2007, the 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac adds more standard features and additional optional equipment. The most notable new feature, available on late-2008 models, is Ford's Sync communications and entertainment system. New standard features include fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power rear window, a drop-in storage bin, and side curtain airbags. The optional navigation system offers voice activation for 2008.

2006 Ford Freestar

Ford Freestar 2006 model is a just a minivan that performs well and offers all the best latest safety features. Price Packages and pricing have been simplified for 2006 models, and prices have been lowered.
Ford Freestar is abest car performer, but not sharpest saw in the shed. It's now in its third year since being redesigned. However, the J.D. Power and Associates research firm has rated Freestar's overall quality and mechanical quality better than most. It's better than any previous Ford minivan, so if you liked the Windstar, you'll love the Freestar.
Freestar is well-equipped to do minivan things. It can haul seven passengers and has a deep well behind the third row that's perfect for securely stowing a week's worth of groceries. Fold the third-row seat into the floor, and the Freestar holds four passengers and offers a big, flat cargo area behind the seats. Also, the third row can flip around to function as a tailgate seat, a neat trick for parking lot parties. A power rear liftgate and dual power sliding doors are available. Tow ratings of up to 3,500 pounds are possible, enough to handle personal watercraft, motorcycles, or other trailer toys.
On the highway, the Freestar is smooth and quiet. It glides over rough pavement. It's easy to drive, with responsive handling and a big, powerful V6 engine. It doesn't feel as refined as the best and newest of the minivans, however.
Freestar's strongest suit is safety: Freestar earned five stars in the government's (NHTSA's) frontal impact crash testing, and is a "Best Pick" for frontal offset crashes by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Freestar received a five-star rating from NHTSA in driver and passenger front impact as well as passenger side impact. It received a four-star rating in driver side impact and roll-over resistance.
Dual-stage driver and front-passenger air bags come standard and are designed to deploy at full or partial power depending on the severity of the crash. Ford's optional Safety Canopy can help protect against head injuries in a rollover or side impact; Ford's system is designed to offer protection to passengers sitting on the outboard sides of all three rows. Freestar's seat belts use pretensioners and energy-management retractors to improve their effectiveness and reduce the chance of belt-related injuries.
To help drivers avoid crashing in the first place, the Freestar comes standard with anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution. A tire-pressure monitor is standard and self-sealing tires are available. The optional AdvanceTrac electronic stability control helps drivers maintain control when swerving to avoid something or when entering a slippery corner too fast.

2008 Ford Taurus X

Taurus X before, is a new name for an existing product, the crossover SUV that used to be called the Ford Freestyle.
2008 Ford Taurus X has a lot of improvements inside, outside and underneath when compared to the old model. So it's ready to compete in the hotly contested crossover segment with a whole bunch of new arrows in its quiver.
Like the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable sedans, the Taurus X is loosely based on the same architecture as the Volvo S80 luxury sedan and Volvo XC90 SUV and it uses the same Swedish Haldex all-wheel-drive system as the Volvo on AWD versions. The Taurus X offers some detail changes to the suspension, however. Last year's 3.0-liter V6 engine has been dropped in favor of a new, 3.5-liter, 24-valve V6 that makes a full 30 percent more horsepower and more load-pulling torque. Likewise, last year's continuously variable transmission has been replaced by a new 6F six-speed automatic.
This new powertrain makes the 2008 Ford Taurus X a whole lot more fun to drive than the Freestyle crossover was. The new engine makes more power, and accelerates the truck much quicker (Ford says up to 44 percent quicker), but it also gets about 10 percent better fuel economy, even after adjusting for the new, stricter 2008 fuel economy rules that the EPA is using for fuel economy numbers on the window sticker.
The Taurus X fits into the product lineup above the five-seater Ford Edge crossover SUV that's built on the same platform as the Fusion, and under the upcoming 2009 Ford Flex, a larger, more luxurious, square-cornered family truck.
The Taurus X is designed to compete with the Nissan Murano, Mitsubishi Outlander, Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook, and GMC Acadia, among others.
Model Lineup
The 2008 Ford Taurus X comes in three models and each offers all-wheel-drive versions: SEL ($26,615), SEL AWD ($28,465); Eddie Bauer ($29,355), Eddie Bauer AWD ($31,205); Limited ($30,335), Limited AWD ($32,185). (All NewCarTestDrive.com prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices and do not include the destination charge ($750). Simple math tells us that makes the Haldex all-wheel-drive system an $1850 option on all models.
SEL comes with cloth upholstery, manually controlled air conditioning, AM/FM/CD, six-way adjustable driver's seat, power windows, power locks, and 17-inch aluminum wheels.
The Eddie Bauer edition adds leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic temperature control, power adjustable pedals, 6CD, front consoles, eight-way adjustable driver's seat with memory, woodgrain applique trim. Eddie Bauer carries a distinctive two-tone paint job, plus 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels and tires, wiper-activated headlamps, and Eddie Bauer logos inside and out.
Limited adds premium audio system with subwoofer, second-row consoles, chrome interior trim, auto tilt-down in reverse for outside mirror, heated front seats.
Options for the Taurus X include voice-activated DVD navigation system ($1995), reverse sensing system ($295), power liftgate ($475), auxiliary HVAC system ($650), DVD entertainment system ($995), AdvanceTrac electronic stability control ($495), power moonroof ($960), heated seats ($240), Sirius satellite radio equipment ($195), and 18-inch seven-spoke chrome wheels ($695).
Safety features include front, side and curtain airbags, ABS and traction control. Taurus X has been awarded five-star ratings in all four crash categories and a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). All-wheel drive is optional. LATCH child seat anchors and rear safety locks are standard.

2008 Ford F-250 Review

2008 Ford truck pickups feature new styling inside and out along with a modern suspension that delivers a smoother ride. It has a new diesel engine and a new F-450 carry are designed to handle the needs of ever-increasing agricultural, boat, and RV trailer heavy loads of weights. Other revisions and refinements are designed to address customer comment and stricter emissions standards.
Two words can define the 2008 Super Duty relative to the previous iteration: refined and more. It has more of the work ability you expect from a heavy-duty pickup, yet it is more comfortable, rides better, delivers more in the cost-benefit analysis, and is more environmentally friendly, a lexicon not normally applied to big trucks. With realistic expectations, any faults will seem minute when compared to the ability to plow a big parking lot, carry a small car or tow a small house.
The 2008 Super Duty is not an all-new truck. Some body panels, engines and transmissions continue. But many aspects more substantial than the front-end styling have changed. It has a new interior in five different flavors from hose-out to leather lux, a new diesel engine, more added features, and should cost less based on equipment than the outgoing model

And in a first for any major pickup manufacturer Ford has added a medium-duty pickup, the F-450, to the line. This model will be pricey by pickup standards, probably over $60,000 loaded, but it offers load capacity and towing ability never before found in a pickup, and is capable of carrying 5,000 pounds of hay and towing an 18,500-pound horse trailer simultaneously.

2008 Ford Expedition Review

Ford Expedition
Recently after redesigning the Expedition for 2007 while also lowering the price, Ford adds a new top end King Ranch model for 2008, as well as an available rear backup camera and power-retractable running boards.
Ford Expedition is meant for utility working, not for shows. It carries a lot of people, hauls gear, tows boats, and can pulls campers. Ford Expedition is very equipped with four-wheel drive, the Expedition will also get you there bad whether the road is dry, wet, snowy, or even when there's hardly any road at all, it can go any where in Australia
The inside features is rich materials and generous space in all three seating rows. The second- and third-row seats fold flat to create a useful rear cargo area. Extended-wheelbase EL versions add even more cargo-carrying capacity, which is especially noticeable when trying to load groceries or gear behind the third-row seats.
Most of the Expeditions are powered by Ford's 5.4-liter V8 that makes 300 horsepower and offers towing capacities in the 9000-pound range. Thanks in part to independent rear suspension, the Expedition offers a smooth ride that is more car-like than most big, truck-based SUVs. Due to that size, however, the Expedition is prone to lean in turns and is not easy to maneuver in close quarters.

2008 Ford Mustang Review

IntroductionFord Mustang was mostly known as the pony car segment in 1964 and was a runaway sales success. It createated a niche that exploded in popularity with the Camaro, Firebird, Barracuda, Javelin, and Challenger. Most are not available in the market today, leaving the Mustang with non competition, at least just recently.Fortunately, today's Mustang, introduced three years ago, is a very good example of the genre. The Mustang GT comes with a 300-hp V8 and is an absolute hoot to drive, making all the right sounds, hanging onto corners tenaciously, and delivering thrilling acceleration performance. The American pony car has never been better than the current Mustang GT.
The Mustang iscome in two formats as a coupe or convertible. The Mustang V6 Deluxe is a nice cruiser and its 4.0-liter V6 engine is a solid performer, all for around $20,000. But the Mustang GT is what the Mustang is all about and the basis of the legend.
For 2008, a new Bullitt model joins the herd. Faithfully styled to celebrate the hero car in the famous chase scene starring Steve McQueen, the 2008 Mustang Bullitt is tuned to a higher level than the standard GT. Some media have positioned the Bullitt as nothing more than a hopped up Mustang, but that sells what's going on here a bit short. Rather than simply bolting on some modifications and re-tuning the setup, Ford took the higher road, thoroughly re-engineering and painstakingly massaging the Bullitt to attain its additional performance. In other words, they did it the hard way, the right way. Ford used technology learned from development of the Shelby cars, and the chief engineer for the Mustang says technology gained from the development of the Bullitt will be used in the next-generation Mustang. In any case, the Bullitt is more responsive than the Mustang GT. We found the Bullitt to be superbly balanced, making for a more enjoyable, more sophisticated car to drive on a daily basis, a car that responds beautifully to the driver's whims. Ford plans to build about 7,000 Bullitt models.
For 2008, three Shelby models are available: The 319-hp Shelby GT comes in coupe and convertible form along with the 540-hp Shelby GT500KR coupe. The Shelby GT500 offers near-Corvette performance and we found it easy to drive, and fun for gymkhanas, race tracks or back roads. Its solid rear axle is bouncy on bad pavement, however, and all this comes at a substantial price increase.
For 2008, front side airbags come standard on all Mustangs, and high-intensity discharge headlights and interior ambient lighting are newly available.
While its styling is retro inspired, the Mustang is a thoroughly modern car. Redesigned from a clean sheet of paper for 2005, the current Mustang is fast and agile, more so than any past Mustangs. It delivers the bold styling, rear-drive performance and affordability that have been Mustang hallmarks for decades, but it's smoother and quieter and better built than older models.
The interior looks like a throwback from the '60s, and we think it's really neat. We just wish the interior materials were a wee better. A navigation system is available and it works well.
The Ford Mustang is an American success story. It holds true to an idea that still appeals to people of all ages, decades after the original was launched; 44 years after it created an automotive niche, the Mustang has returned to its roots and it's better than ever.

1990-1993 Ford Festiva Review

Introduced for 1988, this diminutive Korean-built front-drive hatchback weighs just over 1700 pounds. Three trim levels were offered: L, L Plus, and LX.The Festiva's 1.3-liter 4-cylinder engine switched from carburetion to fuel injection in 1989-90. For '90, a 5-speed manual transmission was standard and a 3-speed automatic optional. Festivas got a fresh grille and taillamps for 1990, and motorized front shoulder belts replaced manual belts. Rear shoulder belts became standard.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Ford Festiva: A streamlined lineup retained the Festiva L but deleted the L Plus and LX models, combining them into a new GL trim level.
1992 Ford Festiva: Power steering disappeared as an option after '91, so all subsequent Festivas have manual steering. The fancier GL gained aluminum wheels and an available Sport Option package.
1993 Ford Festiva: Unchanged for their final season, Festivas left the Ford lineup after 1993, replaced by a Ford Aspire.

2004-2007 Ford F-150 Review

Ford redesigned Australia's best-selling pickups for 2004, giving them roomier cabs, more power, fresh styling, and new features. Regular-, extended-, and crew-cab body styles returned. All cabs now had four doors and were 6 inches longer and 4 inches wider than their predecessors. The regular cab joined the SuperCab (extended cab) with rear-hinged "half doors" as standard. The SuperCrew crew cab returned with four front-hinged doors. Both extended and crew-cab models contained a rear bench seat for six-passenger capacity. The added cab length in extended models allowed the rear seatback to recline to the same angle as in the crew cabs. Crew cabs used a 5.5-foot cargo bed. Other F-150s had beds of 5.5, 6.5, and 8-foot length, depending on model. All pickups came in flat-side Styleside form; the 6.5-foot bed also was offered as a flare-fendered Flareside model. Ford's base engine was a 231-horsepower 4.6-liter V8. Optional was a 5.4-liter V8 rated at 300 horsepower, versus 260 in 2003. A four-speed automatic was the sole transmission--available for the first time with a floor-mounted shift lever. All models could be equipped with rear-wheel drive or with 4WD that had to be disengaged on dry pavement but included low-range gearing. Antilock four-wheel disc brakes were standard. No side airbags were available. Ford said a new frame design improved rigidity. The half-doors on extended cabs could be fitted with roll-down windows, unique among full-size pickups. Tailgates had helper springs designed to make them easier to close. Five trim levels were offered: work-oriented XL, sporty STX, mainstream XLT, off-road FX4, and luxury Lariat. Three different instrument-panel designs, along with trim variations, helped differentiate the versions. New features included modular overhead storage compartments inside the cab, which could be added or altered to suit a variety of applications, including DVD entertainment. For a while, the redesigned F-150 was sold alongside the previous-generation F-150, renamed F-150 Heritage. Chief F-150 rivals included the Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Ram, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra.
Year to Year Changes
2005 Ford F-150: Ford's new base engine was a 4.2-liter V6 that developed 202 horsepower and came with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. A new super-exclusive King Ranch edition of the F-150 debuted this season, along with a Work Truck option package for the XL model.
2006 Ford F-150: A new Harley-Davidson SuperCab model featured special trim and the 5.4-liter V8 engine. Fitted with a 6.5-foot Styleside cargo box and unique 22-inch wheels, the Harley-Davidson could have either 2WD or 4WD. Lariat, King Ranch and FX4 models could now get 20-inch wheels. Satellite radio became available for the King Ranch and Harley-Davidson. Traction control was now available for 2WD V8 models.
2007 Ford F-150: Australia's best-selling vehicle is available with a navigation system for 2007. A sport-themed FX2 package with specific trim is newly available for 2WD XLT SuperCabs and SuperCrews.

2006-2007 Ford Explorer Review

More V8 power, revised interior/exterior styling, and an available navigation system updated America's best-selling sport-utility vehicle for 2006. Retaining its truck-type body-on-frame design, the midsize Explorer came with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive that could be left engaged on dry pavement and incorporated low-range gearing. Revisions for 2006 included a redesigned interior and updated exterior trim. Ford competed against the Dodge Durango, Honda Pilot, and Toyota 4Runner. Two engines were offered: a V6 with 210 horsepower, and a V8 with 292 horsepower (up 53 over the prior year). The V6 came with a five-speed automatic transmission, while the V8 got a new six-speed automatic. Front side airbags were newly standard. An available third-row seat provided seven-passenger capacity; for 2006, it offered a power-folding feature. Antilock braking was standard, as was Ford's AdvanceTrac antiskid system with Roll Stability Control. That latter system was designed to detect an impending tipover and activate the antiskid system to reduce the chance of a rollover. Optional head-protecting curtain side airbags covered the first and second seating rows and were designed to deploy in side impacts and rollovers. Also available were second-row bucket seats, rear DVD entertainment, a sunroof, 18-inch chrome wheels, rear obstacle detection, power-adjustable pedals, and, new for 2006, a navigation system. Ford made satellite radio available as an option during the 2006 model year.
Year to Year Changes
2007 Ford Explorer: Power running boards and a heated windshield joined the options list for 2007.

1997-2003 Ford Escort/ZX2 Review

Redesigned subcompact Escorts went on sale in late May 1996, as early '97 models. The similar Mercury Tracer underwent nearly identical surgery. Buyers of the latest model got fresh styling, a new engine--and fewer body-style choices than before. Wheelbase was unchanged at 98.4 inches, but overall length increased nearly four inches. All body panels were new, as was the interior design.Two body styles went on sale initially: a 4-door sedan and a 4-door station wagon. Ford dropped the 2- and 4-door hatchback body styles of the previous generation. Only one engine was offered: a new 110-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard, with 4-speed automatic optional. Dual airbags were standard; antilock braking (with rear discs instead of drums) optional.
Year to Year Changes
1998 Ford Escort/ZX2: The previous base-model sedan now wore an SE label. Arriving in spring 1997, as an early '98 model, was a sporty Escort ZX2 coupe. The ZX2 was offered in two trim levels, dubbed "Cool" and "Hot." Though it shared the regular Escort's chassis, the ZX2 had unique exterior and interior styling, and sportier suspension settings.
1999 Ford Escort/ZX2: Changes were modest this year, including a standard inside trunk release for Escort LX models and the ZX2 coupe. An antitheft system went into the Escort SE and Hot ZX2.
2000 Ford Escort/ZX2: Introduction of a brand-new subcompact Focus for 2000 caused Ford to cut back on the old Escort. Wagons disappeared, leaving only a 4-door sedan and the ZX2 coupe, the latter consolidated into a single model with a firmer suspension and the 130-horsepower engine. Later in the model year, the ZX2 was to get a performance S/R option that included an upgraded suspension, bigger wheels/tires, and yellow paint.
2001 Ford Escort/ZX2: Escort was dropped altogether and ZX2 dropped its sporty S/R option package. An emergency trunk release was added.
2002 Ford Escort/ZX2: Base Standard models were joined for 2002 by Deluxe and Premium trim levels. Deluxe and Premium offered an optional sunroof. Available only on Premium was leather upholstery and a 6-disc, in-dash CD player.
2003 Ford Escort/ZX2: Torque increased by 8 lb-ft to 135. Other changes include new front bumpers with integrated fog-lamp cutouts, new radios, and revised wheels and exterior colors. ZX2 did not return for 2004.

1990-1996 Ford Bronco Review

Ford's full-size 4-wheel-drive utility vehicle could hold more than 100 cubic feet of cargo or seat six people in a roomy interior. It could also haul as much as 7800 pounds. Essentially a Ford F-Series pickup truck with expanded passenger area and fiberglass rear-roof section, Broncos came only in a 2-door body style, with a 2-way tailgate. Antilock rear braking was standard by the late 1980s, operating only in 2WD. A 4-speed automatic transmission edged aside the 3-speed unit, starting during 1990 as a running change. Base engine until 1993 was a 4.9-liter inline 6-cylinder, packing 150 horsepower, with a choice of optional V8s. A 185-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 was standard on the Eddie Bauer edition, optional on others. Also available: a 210-horsepower 5.8-liter V8, offered only with 3-speed automatic. Standard on-demand, part-time 4WD (not for use on dry pavement) had a conventional transfer-case shift lever on the floor.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Ford Bronco: An anniversary-edition model marked the Bronco's 25th season. The 3-speed automatic transmission had disappeared, making an electronically controlled 4-speed unit available with all engines.
1992 Ford Bronco: Front ends featured a new grille and rounded sheetmetal. Mirrors also were new. The 5.8-liter engine dipped from 210 to 200 horsepower. An XLT Nite model flaunted a monochrome black exterior and Nite insignia, but would last only a single season.
1993 Ford Bronco: Four-wheel ABS was installed in '93, replacing a 2-wheel setup. The 5.0-liter V8, at 185 horsepower, became standard. This year, the regular XLT got a monochromatic exterior (but black was not the only color offered). All but the Custom could have Touch Drive, which required an automatic transmission.
1994 Ford Bronco: A driver-side airbag came in '94. The 5.0-liter V8 added 20 horsepower and the 5.8-liter reverted to 210 horses.
1995 Ford Bronco: A new sport trim package for the XLT included a body-colored grille and bumpers, new running-board steps, and deep-dish aluminum wheels. The Eddie Bauer got a new bumper with air intakes.
1996 Ford Bronco: As an industry first, Broncos got optional futuristic mirrors that displayed turn-signal pointers in the glass surface. Bronco was replaced by the New Ford Expedition for 1997.

2005-2007 Ford Escape Review

Introduction of a gas/electric Hybrid version topped changes to Ford's smallest SUV. Again offered with front- or all-wheel drive, the Escape also got a larger base engine, freshened styling, and additional safety features. This five-passenger, four-door wagon had a rear liftgate with separate-opening glass. Replacing a 127-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder as the base engine was a 153-hp 2.3-liter four-cylinder. Four-cylinder Escapes could have a manual transmission or, new for 2005, optional automatic. (Prior four-cylinder models came only with manual shift.) A 200-hp V6 with automatic transmission also was available. The Hybrid had a four-cylinder gas engine, assisted by an electric motor, for a combined 155 horsepower. Its electric motor helped save fuel by powering the Hybrid at low speeds and assisting the gas engine during acceleration. No plug-in charging was ever required; instead, the system recharged the motor's batteries when coasting or decelerating. The Hybrid used a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that functioned like an automatic but had a near-infinite number of ratios. All models came with front-wheel or all-wheel drive; the AWD system did not include low-range gearing. For 2005, Escape's automatic-transmission shift lever was mounted on the floor console rather than the steering column. Antilock braking, previously optional, now was standard. Newly optional were head-protecting curtain side airbags for both seating rows. They were designed to deploy in side impacts and rollovers. Escapes also got revised front and rear styling. Ford said it had more sound insulation, too. Mazda's Tribute and the new 2005 Mercury Mariner were similar to Escape, but didn't offer a hybrid version at this time. Rivals included the Honda CR-V, Jeep Liberty, and Subaru Forester.
Year to Year Changes
2006 Ford Escape: Little changed on Escapes in the 2006 model year.
2007 Ford Escape: Once again, little was new for the Escape, but a somewhat reworked 2008 model arrived in spring of 2007.

1990-1997 Ford Aerostar Review

Introduced way back in 1986, Ford's rear-drive minivan came in both passenger and cargo-hauling form. A stretched van joined the original for 1989, on the same 118.9-inch wheelbase but with 15.4 inches tacked onto the rear. An available 4.0-liter V6 and heavy-duty 4-speed automatic transmission arrived for 1990. Also new for 1990: full-time 4-wheel drive (as an option) and standard antilock rear brakes. Seating for five was standard; space for seven optional. Six trim levels were available.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Ford Aerostar: A new sport appearance package for regular-length XL and XLT included forged alloy wheels and silver-color body accents (including a front air dam and side running boards). A door ajar light was added for models with dual rear doors.
1992 Ford Aerostar: A driver-side airbag and front-end facelift came for '92. The new dashboard got redesigned headlamp and climate controls. The automatic-transmission shift lever moved from the floor to the steering column. High-back front buckets now were standard. Rear outboard seats got lap/shoulder belts. A new grille and flush aero headlamps were installed.
1993 Ford Aerostar: New optional integrated child safety seats became available, folding out from the middle bench.
1994 Ford Aerostar: A high-mounted third brake light was installed for '94. Aerostars still came in XL, XL Plus, XLT, and Eddie Bauer trim.
1995 Ford Aerostar: Produced in regular or extended form, the Aerostar XLT complemented Ford,s new front-drive Windstar minivan. Side-impact beams were added to both front doors and the sliding side door. Permanent 4-wheel drive remained available, only in extended-length models. No more manual-shift Aerostars went on sale.
1996 Ford Aerostar: A new 4-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift controls became available. Radios got larger buttons. Optional premium sound systems were upgraded to 24 watts. The optional auto-climate system was redesigned with new air conditioning controls.
1997 Ford Aerostar: A new 5-speed automatic transmission arrived for '97, which turned out to be Aerostar,s final season. The 5-speed came only with the 4.0-liter engine, which was standard on 4WD Aerostars. This minivan was discontinued at the end of the year.