1994 Ford Aerostar Review (continued)
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Walkaround

The Eddie Bauer version of the Aerostar rewards buyers with a high-quality two-tone paint treatment. Our test vehicle sported an Electric Red Clearcoat Metallic upper body with a Mocha Clearcoat Metallic lower body and a red accent stripe divider.

The front was well-balanced by a rectangular grille with three vinyl bars, square two-way headlamps and a hefty wraparound front bumper color-matched to the lower body. A centered air scoop and two slender chrome strips did a nice job of interrupting the mass of the front bumper.

In profile, the most dynamic design characteristic of our Aerostar was the severe downward slope of the windshield and hood from the roofline. It was an eye-pleasing and aerodynamically styled touch.

The Aerostar offered a more conventional look with slab sides, a high roofline and ample ground clearance. But Ford added black vinyl window moldings, door handles and side-view mirror coverings that worked with the two-tone paint for a rather sporty effect. The forged aluminum wheels that came with the Eddie Bauer package complemented the appearance.

There was certainly nothing striking about the flat rear end of our Aerostar, but we found nothing to disappoint us, either. The liftgate was one of the easiest-opening ones we've encountered, thanks to dual hydraulic assists. The same applied to the sliding passenger/cargo door on the right side of the vehicle.

Interior Features

When we stepped into our Aerostar Eddie Bauer Wagon, we were pleasantly surprised by its elegance. Four leather-clad captain's chairs formed the front and middle seating arrangement. The three-passenger rear seat was also leather and converted to a child-sized bed. This seat could also be removed for more cargo space. All seats were high off the floor, providing excellent visibility.

With the exception of some rather hard-to-reach power window and lock buttons, the Aerostar boasted a well-organized and passenger-friendly interior. In the middle passenger armrests, we found headphone jacks for private enjoyment of the vehicle's stereo system. Individual fan controls allowed rear passengers to adjust their climate via side and roof vents.

In the driver's seat, we were confronted with a cockpit-like configuration that we suspected was influenced more by NASA than Eddie Bauer. Looking through the thick leather-padded steering wheel that housed the standard air bag, we were greeted by a high-tech instrument cluster and vehicle diagnostic center. Large digital miles and kilometers, the current and average mpg, the amount of fuel remaining and the distance we could drive until the tank was completely empty. Engine rpms were indicated by a bar-graph tachometer.

The computerized instrument cluster included a scanner that reviewed the status of the charging system, oil pressure and other engine functions. just beneath were lights for the air bag, braking system and parking brake. Few vehicles we've driven have provided information as effectively and completely as this Aerostar Eddie Bauer Wagon.

It was obvious that Ford took an equally thorough approach to storage and organization throughout this vehicle. Swing-out map cases in the doors, a covered well in the left rear area and a floor console with cupholders and a storage slot were just a few of the practical touches.