Overview & Reviews
Introduced in the mid-1990s, the front-wheel-drive Ford Windstar minivan campaigned with an emphasis on, and reputation for, safety. And in the hotly contested family minivan market of the time, that was an especially solid piece of ground to be on. As long as buyers didn't need to haul adults in back on a regular basis -- or find it necessary to remove the heavy third-row bench seat from the van often for additional cargo room -- the Windstar generally served a family's needs just fine.
Unfortunately, the Ford Windstar's general reputation for reliability was notably poorer than other competing minivans, particularly those from Honda and Toyota. The van's engine and transmission were particularly troublesome. In addition, we often criticized the Windstar for its noisy engines, poor interior space utilization and floppy handling.
Consequently, we suggest most shoppers take a look at other choices in this segment. But if you are set on getting a used Windstar, we'd at least suggest focusing on the most recent generation and consider opting for an extended warranty, if available.
Most recent Ford Windstar
During its nine years on the market, there were two Ford Windstar generations. The most recent was produced from 1999 to 2003. (Ford renamed it the Freestar for 2004.) The '99 van was completely redesigned to look more modern and sporty while upgrading mechanicals and adding a driver-side sliding door. The second- and third-row seats were now on rollers for easier maneuverability, and up front the instrument panel was reworked for improved ergonomics. There were also upgrades made to the suspension, transmission, brakes and air-conditioning.
Models now included base, LX, SE, SEL and Limited versions. Powering the van was either a 3.0-liter 150-horsepower V6 engine or -- a much more desirable -- 200-hp 3.8-liter V6. In reviews of the Ford Windstar at the time, our editors lauded the 3.8-liter engine for its power but complained that it was noisy under acceleration. We were also unhappy with its disconnected ride and handling, poor interior space utilization and weak reputation for reliability. Positive attributes included a plethora of convenience and safety features and top-notch crash test scores.
If we were shopping used Windstars, this new-and-improved second-generation version is as far back as we'd go. There were a few updates made through the years. The most significant of these were standard power-adjustable pedals, an optional rear-seat video entertainment system for 2000, the switch to the 3.8-liter engine as standard for all models in 2001 and the availability of safety-enhancing AdvanceTrac stability control for 2003.
Past Ford Windstar models
Ford introduced the front-wheel-drive Windstar in 1995 to replace its outgoing Aerostar rear-drive minivan. The new Windstar featured an extensive list of standard equipment, including dual airbags, antilock brakes, a four-speed automatic transmission and V6 power. Inside was seating for seven, including a unique integrated child seat.
The Windstar's only available engine was a 3.8-liter V6 which produced just 155 hp, but a more generous 220 pound-feet of low-end torque. Only a base GL model was available, but a more luxurious LX trim level was added in 1996 when a 3.0-liter 150-horsepower Vulcan V6 was made standard and an upgraded 3.8-liter V6 engine rated at 200 horses was optional. That year also saw four-wheel disc brakes fitted on vehicles equipped with traction control or the towing package. In 1998 -- the final year of its first generation -- the Windstar's driver's door was widened as a stop-gap measure to help access to the second row until the completely redesigned Windstar arrived a year later with a fourth door.
User Reviews:
Showing 91 through 100 of 915.00-
transmission failure - 2002 Ford Windstar
By Denise - July 29 - 9:45 amThe Ford Motor Company has been notorious for building poor quality cars that do not last past 100,000 miles. This van is no exception to their "Fix Or Repair Daily" reputation. We purchased the Windstar used with 60,000 miles on it, figuring wed at least make it to 100,000 before anything substantial went wrong. I use the van to drive my homeschooled children to their many activities and I drive the speed-limit while doing so. Aside from the various annoying problems, we have just experienced transmission failure at 83,000 miles. And from my research, we were lucky to get that much from the van. Ive seen reports of failure on this model starting at 30,000 miles!! Ford should pay, yet...
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Ford Windstar - 2002 Ford Windstar
By Ford lover - July 13 - 10:38 pmI bought mine used with 27,000 Miles on it.I flushed transmission at purchase and added X-1R additive to motor also.So far done this 4 times. It now has 228,000 miles. Only repairs so far are alternator, power stearing pump, 2 front bearings, throtle body sensor, MAF sensor, cruise control cable. All other systems are still going so far. I believe good maintenance is the secret and changing fluids regularly including flushing AC system.
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Some problems with age - 1998 Ford Windstar
By Dan Meyers - July 13 - 2:10 pmThe car is not that bad. I purchased it new. Occassionally the Check engine light flares , due to ethanol fuel. Ethanol is corn,which attracts water. Disconnect the battery, remove the fuel filter, blow out the gas and water,add a bottle of Rubbing alcohol to only 5 gals of gas, reconnect the battery after 5 minutes to reset the ECM.and its good for the next few weeks. If I can retrofit a glass bowl purge type system ,that might eliminate the water. Also, I just replaced that dual speed fan control switch for $38..and saved plenty. Ford said itll cost about $800 . That little fan switch controls the A/C vacum doors, power brake boosters, speed control and other do dads. Running good now.
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NEVER LOOK INTO THIS CAR !!!!! - 2000 Ford Windstar
By EMH888 - July 9 - 10:00 amThis van seemed like a good deal at first but at about 30,000 mi. It started burning oil profusly and I took it in for repairs. Ford said they havent expierienced this with the windstar before but I have hered of a few stories from others who say they too have had problems. Ford fixed some of the problem but i dont know what will go next.
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Workhorse - 1998 Ford Windstar
By PitbullDad - July 5 - 6:37 pmWe bought this with 32,000 miles on it at bank repo lot. Generally dependable. Hit a curb at about 80K and hasnt been the same since. Had struts replaced twice, many alignments, and tires wearing out fast. Now with AC compressor gone out and need for tires and alignment, time to say goodbye at 131,000 miles. Still would rather have an accident in this car than most others--solid body and safe. Hauled a popup and 16 fiberglass travel trailer from TX to FL to VA and around the area with no problems. Carb went in GA but otherwise a good family vehicle... Some paint lamination problems that FORD declined to warrantee at just over 36K. Not happy with Ford about that. Wont go with Ford again.
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Not as nice as my Aerostar, but a hit - 2003 Ford Windstar
By Ryan- Minivan expert - July 4 - 10:00 amA nimble and clever van, but I would like to see more feature that were in its X-brother van Aerostar. No mechanical problems yet, but Warranty is up to 100K, so I dont need to worry. AWD is a necessity up here in Rochester,NY and FrontWD doesnt perform like our Aerostars, but this van will never rust, as it is plastic and is very safe. Our family always has the new minivan in the neighborhood and impressed a lot of friends, neighbors and family with this van. Will we upgrade to the new redesigned 2004 Windstar, I dont know yet, but that Caravan is looking nicer than before...
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Problems with Two Fords so far - 1998 Ford Windstar
By dawn - June 30 - 7:37 pmOur fam of 5, often drives from Denver to Spokane. We got the windstar after the trans on our explorer went out in the middle of WY, 100s of miles near nothing in the middle of the night. This week on the van we replaced the R&P, for DIYs this is inexpensive but difficult 100.00. And the power steering pump, a little difficult but inexpensive 60.00. The ABS light goes on and off for no reason. Dome lights dont always turn off, and door ajar stays on. Cruise control went out after it surged to 95, like the throddle got stuck. Shifts really hard. Lots of room for the kids, not much room for baggage in the back. You have to drop the engine to change plugs, wires
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2000 Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
By Skip - June 29 - 9:38 amTo many repairs as it got older. Hard to find a reasonable repair shop and dealerships sometimes try to sell more services than needed.
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2000 Windstar SE - 2000 Ford Windstar
By ken_swar - June 15 - 7:30 amLeased vehicle has 23000 miles. Been to dealer twice for factory recalls -- both fixed in a day as promised. Required one other trip to dealer for rear sliding door which was harder to close than the other. Dealer was able to successfully correct. Lease over in March of 03. I would be more interested in sticking with a Windstar if the 3rd seat were a little easier to manage.
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Not Very Happy - 2002 Ford Windstar
By Gandy82 - June 14 - 3:53 pmWe 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.
