Overview & Reviews

There are several model/series changes, as well as updates to the exterior, interior and powertrain. Ford says a new transmission has improved shift quality and the 3.8-liter V6 is standard on all Windstars. The base model is now called the Windstar LX three-door. The SE Sport is a new trim level and it includes driving lights, painted bumpers and body-side molding, a rear lift gate spoiler, a second-row bucket/console seat, a roof rack with brushed aluminum crossbars, black rocker cladding, and different wheels and tires.

• Top-flight safety equipment and ratings, plenty of interior features and options, sonar backup warning system.

• Floaty ride, restricted legroom for second- and third-row passengers, noisy engine.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 90.00

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  worst car ever owned - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By millerw - October 1 - 9:43 pm

  Worst vehicle I have ever owned. Electronics all repaired or replaced, replaced transmission, wheel bearings, rotors, complete brake system, air conditioning. Ford recalls 5 in the past three years. No one should ever buy one.

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  Bad Apple - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By family van - December 7 - 10:02 am

  Moulding issue 2002 Check engine light started to come on in 2003 Wouldn’t accept gas in 2003 Rear windshield wiper motor issues started in 2002 Multiple O2 sensor repairs at $200+ each Intake manifold repaired in 2008 to fix Check engine light repair $500+ Stabilizer Bar Control Link repaired in 2009 Alternator repaired in 2009 Intermittent ABS computer hydraulics control issues Heating mechanism burned out On top of all that, the passenger side sliding door rattles Final straw...Rear Axle Cracked while family was in the car. Despite multiple issues reported online, Ford says there is no recall.

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  Cool van but so unreliable - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Mustang Dude - August 17 - 10:22 pm

  we had this van for 8 years , it got us around the east coast of the USA quite well until after 30000 miles, the tranny went, ecu and oxygen sensors multiple times. Im never buying a FORD again, until they fix these problems i owned a Camry for 16 years and nothing besides the normal wear and tear. Going to stick with Japanese cars for awhile sorry Ford. Except for there mustangs, mostly problem free.

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  Broken Axle - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By jerzeetrish - May 11 - 8:18 am

  I had my Windstar for almost 2 years with really no troubles besides brakes and tires,when at 107,000 miles my real axle just breaks! I was driving down a highway thankfully only at 45 mph when i hear SNAP and see black smoke and hear a grinding noise and smell burning rubber. i thought it was just a tired but to my amazment when i looked under there van theres my rear axel lying on the ground. THANK GOD that i wasnt on a major highway going any faster than I was otherwise me and my 3 children might not be here today. If anyone already owns this van WATCH OUT!!! The axles are rusting from the INSIDE OUT and there is no way to tell!!!!!

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  Back to the imports - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By pat McLaughlin - May 9 - 8:07 pm

  Bought this van with ~ 70,000 miles in 2005. Did well until summer of 08 with 100,00 miles, leaving the Smokie Mts.. Torque Converter gasket blew spewing trany fluid on the poor guy behind me. Must say though that I am still running on same trany, just adding fluid every couple months. But at 85,000 brake sensor lights keep coming on for no apparent reason, the control for switching A.C. to Heat is not working, and oh when my Ford van found out that I was attempting to trade it in today, it decided to start spewing coolant.

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  Had many Fords before but..... - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Party of 4 - July 22 - 3:03 pm

  We bought it used with 71K miles. As we drove off the lot the engine light came on. The dealership we bought it from fixed it-twice. Little things such as sliding door sticking/not unlocking, passenger door lock sticking, & the rubber between the doors come off. Now we took a vacation 700 mies away & on the way back the tranny at 82k miles literally dropped when driving up major mountains in Southern OR. Ive always been happy with Ford, but not too happy on this one. Will but will buy again

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  Good for only 90,000 - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By mike - May 1 - 9:01 pm

  Do you notice some trends in these reviews. Mine is bad valve blowing oil and coolant everywhere. Expert Tire says it will take $680 to fix and flush refill fluids and clean it all up. Then they say the manifold and also tell me ford doesnt have parts. I will be checking this out. Why fix it? Look at all the review that follow up valve problems with blown transmissions! I have a hard time believing garage didnt see the manifold problem! Look at your price carefully! Consider these vans are great until about 90,000 and then a money pit. Expect tire and ford both rip you off! next time a Honda or Toyota it cant be any worse!

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  Transmission, O2 sensor, doors, problems - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Mikeeeee - January 23 - 2:39 pm

  Overall, an attractive, comfortable van. Gas consumption is ok for a van. Some nice options available. Has plenty of power, compared to other small vans.

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  New Transmission at 36,000! - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Ken - September 7 - 10:32 am

  We got this van because of the great safety rating and our growing family. However, it needed a new transmission at 36,000 miles...just after the warranty ran out. The Ford dealership and national Ford office were no help at all. This is the LAST Ford I will ever buy! Even though Im very patriotic, Im looking to the Japanese car companies now, as their quality and reliability are so much better. American Car companies need to get with the program and make some quality cars!

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  Good machine - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Bill - July 22 - 2:34 pm

  This has been a very good van. Hauls a goodly load, pulls the boat, and have had no maintenance issues at all. Bought it used for $7,500 in 2003 at a cheapo used car dealer and it has taken us on many a trip. Now has 139,000 miles. This has been one of the best car values I have ever owned. Reading some of the other reviews I see some real disappointments in this very auto. It seems Detroits big problem is being consistently good, not hit-or-miss in quality. The engine has always been noisy in the cabin, and that would be my only complaint.