Readers Choose Ford Aerostar for Columnist to Drive for a Week

Automotive columnist must take on a week-long test drive of a Ford Aerostar van, despite his past distaste for the model.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:37pm by Ben Kaplan

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An abstract, colorful image created through slow-shutter panning, depicting a Ford Aerostar van in a blur of motion and energy, conveying the excitement and unpredictability of the columnist's upcoming test drive.As readers challenge an automotive columnist to test drive a Ford Aerostar, the van's motion is captured in a blur of color and energy.Portland Today

In a twist, readers have voted for automotive columnist Mark Tucker to drive a Ford Aerostar van for a week, despite his past negative experiences servicing the model at a gas station in the 1990s. Tucker had hoped to choose a more appealing vehicle like a Mini Cooper, but readers are now tasking him with testing out the Aerostar, as well as a Volvo 940, Chevy Chevelle, and Smart Fortwo over the next year.

Why it matters

This story highlights the playful back-and-forth between an automotive columnist and his readers, as they challenge him to test drive vehicles he may not have initially chosen for himself. It also touches on the lasting impressions certain cars can make, even decades later, and how personal experiences can shape one's perception of a vehicle.

The details

Tucker previously worked at a gas station in the 1990s where he serviced numerous Ford Aerostars, many of which were driven by rude customers. This negative association has left him with a distaste for the model, though he acknowledges it may not be entirely fair. The other vehicles readers can choose from include a sharp-looking Volvo 940, a classic Chevy Chevelle, and a quirky Smart Fortwo. Tucker is apprehensive about being forced to drive the Aerostar for a week, but is open to the challenge and hopes to approach it with an open mind.

  • Tucker has been writing for the automotive website TheAutopian.com for almost 4 years, with his first 'regular' day being April 4th.
  • This 'choose-your-own-adventure' style article is being published on April 3, 2026, marking the start of Tucker's 5th year with the site.

The players

Mark Tucker

An automotive columnist who has been writing for TheAutopian.com for nearly 4 years, sharing his experiences and opinions on a variety of vehicles.

Thomas Hundal

The original host who took the first shift in the columnist role before Tucker took over on April 5th.

TheAutopian.com

The automotive website where Tucker has been publishing his columns for the past 4 years.

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What they’re saying

“I'd rather have a Cooper S with a six-speed manual, but I'm not scared of the CVT either. My wife and I have a friend back in Portland with a CVT-equipped Mini, and she loves it, and it has been reliable as far as I know.”

— Mark Tucker, Automotive Columnist

“I've never driven one [a Ford Aerostar] further that fifty feet, or faster than five miles an hour, so I can't comment on their road manners. I grew to hate them, though, because of one company that used them as a fleet vehicle and brought them to us for service. The drivers were all jerks, and the vans were always trashed.”

— Mark Tucker, Automotive Columnist

What’s next

Readers will vote on which of the four vehicles - the Ford Aerostar, Volvo 940, Chevy Chevelle, or Smart Fortwo - Tucker will be required to drive for a week, with the results to be revealed in an upcoming article.

The takeaway

This story highlights the engaging dynamic between an automotive columnist and his readers, as they challenge each other's perceptions and preferences when it comes to test driving different vehicles. It also touches on how personal experiences can shape one's views, even years later, and the value of approaching new challenges with an open mind.