Overview & Reviews

The biggest news is the availability of the AdvanceTrac stability control system. All Windstars have sliding doors on both sides for 2002. Entry-level LX models get upgraded appearance items, and buyers of this trim can opt for the Autovision entertainment system and 16-inch alloy wheels for the first time. The short-lived SE Sport model is dropped, and SE buyers can no longer have leather seats. Four new colors freshen the outside of the Windstar.

• Top-flight safety equipment and ratings, plenty of interior features and options, powerful V6 engine.

• Disconnected ride and handling, poor interior space utilization, noisy V6 engine.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 81.00

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  Transmission failure @ 85,000 - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Tim - May 28 - 4:41 pm

  Bought it new as a dealer orphan and got a good deal. Have been satisfied with reliability, economy and utility until now. O/D light started flashing and check transmission warning came on. The dreaded Windstar tranny failure strikes. Very disappointing because we were hoping to push to 100k before major repairs. The van has been dealer maintained, garaged all its life, well cared for, and 50% of the mileage is long distance. Well suck it in and pay $3k for a remanufactured tranny with 3yrs / 100k miles warranty. And then pray the engine isnt next. Time to start using high mileage additives for safety.

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  This stinks - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By ARTAZ - January 3 - 2:17 pm

  Just bought this two months ago. Havent drove it for 2 weeks straight without something going wrong. First check engine light ended up as spark plugs, wires and DPM sensor, now check engine is back on with cyldr 5 misfire, and now engine started knocking. had to flat bed back to MN from family trip to WI. I owe 5k on this thing, and I can afford the payment because Im to busy fixing it. costs 700.00 to fix even before I made my first payment.

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  thanks for nothing Ford - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By dennis m - October 6 - 6:43 pm

  This car was purchased with the expectation that it would last for maybe 150,000 miles has been a nonstop headache. on third power steering pump, constant electronics problems, $3200 spent on tranny rebuild, two bad door lock actuators, thank you Ford for ripping me and my family off. I did not think I could afford a Honda but have found out I couldnt afford not to by one. what are we supposed to do now? this Windstar is worthless is now in the shop because of water leak been fun hauling kids in kingcab Nissan all week.

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  Not Very Happy - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Gandy82 - June 14 - 3:53 pm

  We had no problems with this van up until 5 months ago and it has been a money pit since. Th OD lights has flashed while going through TN and EGR Valve light will not stay off even after replacing the valve and sensor. Now it is reading clylinder 1 missfire which is in the rear of the engine and not easy to get to. I will never buy another Ford mini van ever again.Oh yeah..the ac compressor went out and the control switch to the heater and ac went out also. BIG $$$$$. Oh yeah...I will never buy another Ford mini van ever again.

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  Last Word - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By grrover - March 19 - 12:04 pm

  Well I after reading these reviews before I bought the car I thought gee everyone is pretty positive. I bought the car I was happy for about three years great van and I have owned three Caravans before. The Ford was lot more comfortable on the highway and lot more preppy. But whoa! When it hit the fourth year the thing just started to fall apart! I have spent over $ 5000 on repairs in the last year! $2,500 in one month alone. My mechanic says hey its cheaper than buying a new car! Sure its lining his pockets. The he tells me that my engine shaking is a a minor engine overhaul for replacing the head gaskets a mere $1,200. I decided to trade it in on a new Outback this week.

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  Over 5,000 in repairs. - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Larry Smith - October 26 - 9:13 pm

  Purchased this van new, at less than 50,000 miles, 3 engine seals had to be replaced due to leaking, also the torque converter had to be replaced and the A/C compressor had to be replaced. Today at 85,000 miles the transmission failed and the cost is estimated at over $2,500. I am retired on a fixed income and Ford is killing me.

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  Minor problems but do not recommend - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Jozsef - February 17 - 2:59 pm

  We did not have any major problems but generally not happy. I just had the second front break replacement at 35000 miles and the front tires a few months ago. Has very bad fuel efficiency in city driving for short distances. Last year, when we drive to Disneyland, the engine lights were coming on and off like an xmas tree. Even now, the service engine light comes and goes.

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  Its O.K. - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By jdc690 - August 8 - 8:14 pm

  Im not a van lover but bought the Windstar so our son and his family could all fit in for short trips. Former owner obviously was not much interested in washing, waxing or vacuuming but it cleaned up pretty good and since I paid a pretty reasonable price Im happy with it so far. Big gas hog (16 mpg) but so was the pick-up it replaced. The grandkids love the video player and after I bought headphones for them its O.K. for us too. Still not a big fan of vans but I like this one as well as Id like any. Ive always had my best luck with Ford products.

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  It is what it is! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Jason - February 20 - 7:43 pm

  Im not a minivan fan, but for our family outings its what we drive. As far as value for the money I think its hard to beat this Ford. Its comfortable for 2 adults and 5 children ages 2 to 11, but I see the need for something larger as our children get older. We average 19-21 mpg and have had no major mechanical problems in our first 47000 miles. We have had minor cooling system problems, and a nuisance problem with a door indicating its open when its actually closed. Both problems where repaired reasonably by a local private shop. All in all I think itd be tough to beat this vehicle for the money.

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  Not Great...Not Bad - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By dragonfly052172 - October 24 - 4:14 pm

  Great for first couple of years ... then it wears out. Electronics start to go. Rear wiper motor -- gone! Trim and door hardware start to come off. Interior is just plain ol cheap. So dont buy unless its for the long haul. Because it depreciates too fast. Oh yeah, gas mileage of 20 mpg on highway! Not good at all.