The Curious Case of the Mazda 2.8L V6 in the Early 1986 Ford Aerostar

Today, the Ford Aerostar is remembered as a minivan that thought a little differently. With its rear-wheel-drive setup, truck-derived chassis, and rugged reputation, it was built to straddle the line between people mover and workhorse. But if you pop the hood of a very early 1986 Aerostar, you might find a surprise: a 2.8-liter V6 that came not from Ford’s usual engine families but from Mazda. That’s right, Mazda.

So what was the story behind this short-lived powerplant? Why did it appear in Ford’s first minivan, and why did it disappear so quickly? Let’s trace the journey of the Mazda 2.8L V6 in the Aerostar’s earliest days.

Why Mazda? A Brief Backstory

In the early 1980s, Ford was in a deep strategic partnership with Mazda. The relationship helped both companies fill product gaps and share engineering resources, particularly as Ford looked to scale global offerings and tighten development timelines.

Ford and Mazda jointly developed platforms (like the one that underpinned the Probe and MX-6) and exchanged engines in a number of vehicles. So when Ford needed a compact yet capable V6 for the initial Aerostar rollout, the 2.8-liter engine from Mazda’s parts bin was an appealing option.

This engine had already proven itself in the Ford Ranger and Bronco II, where it was known for decent low-end torque and reliability. It was part of the Cologne V6 family, a German-designed engine line that had been adapted for multiple applications across Ford’s global lineup. The variant used in the early Aerostar, the 2.8L EEC-IV version, was refined with multiport fuel injection and a cast-iron block.

Performance Specs and Early Use

The Mazda-sourced 2.8L V6 produced approximately 115 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, enough to move the relatively lightweight Aerostar around town and onto highways with confidence. Paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a three-speed automatic, the engine was aimed at buyers who wanted more power than the base four-cylinder but didn’t yet need the towing strength of larger V6 options.

For the Aerostar’s earliest production months in 1986, this engine was one of just two choices available, the other being a 2.3L inline-four shared with the Ford Ranger and Mustang.

It was a calculated move. The Aerostar was launching into a market dominated by Chrysler’s front-wheel-drive minivans, and Ford needed something ready for primetime that could compete on performance without requiring a full redesign of its powertrain lineup.

A Short Stay Under the Hood

Despite its potential, the Mazda 2.8L V6 didn’t last long in the Aerostar. By mid-1986, Ford phased it out in favor of the 3.0-liter Vulcan V6, a true in-house engine developed by Ford’s Engine and Development Office in Dearborn.

There were several reasons for the shift:

1. Power Expectations Were Climbing: As American consumers began demanding more out of their minivans, such as towing ability, highway acceleration, and load-carrying, the 2.8L V6 started to feel underpowered. The Vulcan engine offered more torque and horsepower, making it a better fit for both passenger and commercial use.
2. Standardization Across Models: The Vulcan was already slated for use in the upcoming Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable sedans. Consolidating powertrains made sense from both a manufacturing and service standpoint.
3. Long-Term Durability and Emissions: The Vulcan engine had been designed to meet stricter U.S. emissions standards and had proven itself in long-term durability testing. Ford was building toward longevity, and this engine provided that foundation.

According to internal product guides and the 1986 Ford Car & Truck Product Facts Book, the 2.8L V6 was offered for a limited production run of a few months before being removed from the lineup entirely.

Finding One Today: A Rarity Among Vans

Because the Mazda 2.8L V6-equipped Aerostars were only produced for a brief window in 1986, finding one today is a bit like spotting a four-leaf clover. Collectors and vintage Ford fans keep an eye out for these early models, not just because of their rarity, but also because they represent a unique chapter in the evolution of Ford’s minivan program.

If you do happen upon one, check the engine code on the VIN (engine code “S” indicates the 2.8L V6) and verify the build date; it will likely be from the first half of 1986.

A Footnote Worth Remembering

While the Mazda 2.8L V6 was quickly overshadowed by the more powerful and efficient Vulcan, its short-lived presence in the Aerostar is worth remembering. It highlights Ford’s willingness to move fast, leverage partnerships, and adapt on the fly in the competitive automotive landscape of the 1980s.

There was no room for delays for a company stepping into the minivan market for the first time. The 2.8L V6 helped Ford get the Aerostar on the road, giving it a head start in becoming one of the most distinctive minivans of its time.