Ford Aerostar Wagon
17 MPG The 1997 Ford Aerostar Wagon is EPA-rated at 17 MPG combined (15 city / 21 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 882 gallons, $2824 a year in fuel, or $0.188 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1986–1997 run it averages 17.2 MPG, falling by 1 MPG over 12 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.147 | $1471 | $2206 | $2941 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.176 | $1765 | $2647 | $3529 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.188 | $1882 | $2824 | $3765 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.206 | $2059 | $3088 | $4118 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.235 | $2353 | $3529 | $4706 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.265 | $2647 | $3971 | $5294 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.294 | $2941 | $4412 | $5882 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 17 MPG | 15 | 21 | $3650 | 523 | 2 |
| 1996 | 17 MPG | 15 | 21 | $3650 | 523 | 2 |
| 1995 | 17.5 MPG | 15 | 21 | $3550 | 508 | 2 |
| 1994 | 16.7 MPG | 14.7 | 20.7 | $3733 | 534 | 3 |
| 1993 | 17 MPG | 15 | 21 | $3650 | 523 | 3 |
| 1992 | 17 MPG | 15 | 20.7 | $3667 | 524 | 3 |
| 1991 | 17 MPG | 15.3 | 21 | $3667 | 524 | 3 |
| 1990 | 16.7 MPG | 15 | 20 | $3733 | 534 | 3 |
| 1989 | 17 MPG | 15 | 20.5 | $3650 | 523 | 2 |
| 1988 | 17 MPG | 15 | 20.5 | $3650 | 523 | 2 |
| 1987 | 18.3 MPG | 16.3 | 21.3 | $3417 | 490 | 3 |
| 1986 | 18 MPG | 16 | 21.6 | $3500 | 500 | 5 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 32 vans models tracked here, the Ford Aerostar Wagon ranks 1 on current figures, against a class average of 15.0 MPG.
Nothing in its class is rated higher — it leads the group.
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 523 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.8 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Ford Aerostar Wagon get?
The 1997 Ford Aerostar Wagon is rated at 17 MPG combined by the EPA — 15 city and 21 highway. Across all 12 model years in the database it averages 17.2 MPG, ranging from 16 to 22 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Ford Aerostar Wagon cost in fuel per year?
At 17 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 882 gallons — roughly $2824 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.188 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1997 model is $3650.
Has the Ford Aerostar Wagon become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 18 MPG in 1986 to 17 in 1997. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Ford Aerostar Wagon efficient for its class?
It ranks 1 of 32 in the Vans class on current figures, against a class average of 15.0 MPG. That is 2.0 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.