Minivans are suddenly not so mini anymore.
The latest version of what is called an "extended-length" minivan comes from Ford, which has stretched its rear-drive Aerostar for mid-1989 by 15.4 inches. Two years ago, Chrysler began offering longer versions of its popular front-drive Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager minivans.Some industry analysts believe the longer versions of these family vehicles will not only continue to crimp car sales but eat into commercial and retail sales of full-sized vans, because they are more efficient but not much smaller.
Ford's extended-length Aerostar still rides atop the 118.9-inch wheelbase of the standard-length version, although it has grown in overall length from 174.9 inches to 190.3 inches. Nearly all the added length is behind the rear axle, raising cargo capacity by 28.4 cubic feet to 167.7 cubic feet. Weight is up only 143 pounds, to 3,502.
Second- and third-seat passengers get a welcome inch or two of added leg room. Fuel capacity has been increased to 21 gallons, compared to 17 for the standard-length Aerostar.
All 1989 Aerostars are powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine, rated at 145 horsepower at 4,800 rpm. A 5-speed manual is standard, with a 4-speed automatic with overdrive an extra-cost option.
The extended-length Aerostar starts at $12,292, about $650 more than the base version of the standard-size model.
The fanciest version of the longer Aerostar, dubbed the Eddie Bauer Edition, was driven for this review. Ford linked up with the pricey purveyor of outdoor clothing and sporting goods several years ago to give its plushest truck models an "upscale" image.
As tested, it cost $19,973, including a $475 destination charge. Major options included a 4-speed automatic ($623) and trailer towing package ($282). The most expensive extra was the Eddie Bauer package, which for $7,349 adds just about everything but the kitchen sink. This option includes some of the more luxurious amenities found in any vehicle, besides the usual gaggle of power-operated conveniences.
On board is automatic air conditioning with front and rear vents and controls, an AM-FM stereo cassette with rear passenger controls and headphone jacks, and an overhead console with a trip computer. A specially tailored interior has rear seats that fold flat to form a bed. Deeply tinted privacy glass keeps out the heat as well as prying eyes.
While braking and handling are within acceptable limits for a vehicle this size, the extended Aerostar has a more trucklike ride than minivans by Chrysler or Mazda but less so than General Motors' Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari. It has a smooth highway ride, but its solid rear axle is felt on rougher pavement.
The Aerostar's V6 engine, while noisy under acceleration, offers adequate power under most conditions, even with seven passengers. Observed fuel economy during an extended trip was 21.3 mpg, in line with the EPA estimates of 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway.
The longer Aerostar will certainly be welcomed by families that enjoy long driving trips or simply need a large vehicle. It is also capable of towing up to 4,700 pounds when properly equipped, much more than front-drive minivans.
Some may at first be put off by the Aerostar's deep dashboard and sloping nose, which make judging distances while parking difficult. But one soon gets used to it because all-around visibility is good and the driving position high.
Still, the Aerostar has some minor annoyances.
There is still no center storage console for drinking cups as in other minivans, something Ford has delayed until 1990. Its shallow glovebox is useless, and there is no sliding drawer under the front seat as in other models.
The most serious interior flaw is the folding second seat, which has a rigid seat-belt latch near the Aerostar's sliding side door. During one week of driving, three people sat on it and suffered small but painful bruises.
Ford says the rigid latch is needed to meet safety standards, and there are no plans to change it.
Other minor points concern the Aerostar's "space saver" spare tire, mounted outside and ahead of the rear bumper to increase interior room. Some may find it difficult to extricate it from its holder, which on some models does not accept the flat tire.
Do-it-yourselfers will find items like fluid fills and dipsticks well marked under the Aerostar's hood. Changing the oil and filter must be done from below.
Ford hopes to sell about 175,000 Aerostar passenger vans this year - more than a third of them the extended-length version.