The Ford Aerostar was Ford's first attempt at building a minivan, and was introduced as a 1986 model in mid-1985. It was the first Ford program to use the automaker's present alphanumeric pre-production code name system, and was designated VN01.

The Aerostar was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 1990.

The Aerostar was distinguished by using a modified pickup truck chassis integral to its unibody construction. This design was developed because the designers in the truck office were unfamiliar and uncomfortable with unibody construction, and essentially designed a frame into the unibody. The aerodynamic styling was similar to the Ford Taurus, which was introduced at the same time. The Aerostar was sold until 1997.

The Aerostar was a rear wheel drive vehicle, unlike the pioneering Chrysler minivans. This compromised interior space somewhat but provided superior towing ability.

The Aerostar was produced at Ford's St. Louis, Missouri assembly plant.