jpg thumb ( 800x407 ) px right 1992-1997 Ford Aerostar ) ) Ford Aerostar was the first minivan manufactured by Ford . As the 1990s progressed , this posed a problem for Ford as every Aerostar made was now becoming a missed opportunity for Ford to sell an Explorer . Ford announced in 1996 that the 1997 model year would be the final year for Aerostar production .