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:

• 

  Very Reliable - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By fredericksburg - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Our Windstar has been the most reliable new car weve owned weve also owned Honda and Volvo. The only warranty item was a loose drivers seat rack, which they replaced. Since then, weve replaced some front suspension pieces at pretty low cost no other problems. Very comfortable on long trips.

• 

  Solid Mini-Van - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Ben Whitehead - April 28 - 2:00 am

  No problems whatsoever in the time weve owned it. Very strong 3.8 V6, with all the passing power I need. Quiet, comfortable. Its a mini-van, what more do you want?

• 

  great van - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By shimdaug - March 28 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Windstar is the best van my wife has every had. We have four children and i use it to pick up things at the hardware store. it drives great and theres plenty of room. we have had a Dodge Carvan, Chevy Venture, and a Toyota Previa and none come close to how nice this van is.

• 

  Very Satisfied - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Stevenff - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought this 1998 Windstar with 89000 miles on it from a GM dealer. It was on their back row. The price was right. I have put on another 45000 miles with absolutely no problems. The only thing I have replace is tires. I really didnt expect this kind of service. Figured I would have to repair something, but everything keeps on going. Was afraid the lack of a 4th door would be a problem, but Fords stopgap solution of a large drivers door and sliding drivers seat gives adequate access to left rear passenger seat.

• 

  Its a Keeper - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By cwnow - February 27 - 2:00 am

  This van has been wonderfull. It is reliable and fun to drive. I use it daily for business, then hope in for weekends on trips with the family. I have had fairly minor problems with the vehicle over time. The only real gripe I have is that the paint job has begun to fade, but being red and in the Florida Sun this was to be expected.

• 

  Windstar Review -Jmmcoolebay@hotmail.com - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By Jordan M - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This minivan is great. Has Great power, aceleration is very good, you can roast the tires in this very very good. Gas Milege is also good

• 

  1999 Ford Windstar LX Mini-Van. - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Frogger21 - February 3 - 10:00 am

  I Just recently purchased a Ford Windstar LX Mini-Van, and was very impressed with its performance, space, and overall handling. I did my research, compared vehicles, trucks, suvs and vans. After weeks of searching for the right vehicle I have to say that Ford was "The Right Choice". I also have a Wife & Two Boys, and they could not be any happier with my decision.

• 

  Top of mtn @ 70000 - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By coolgolfer21 - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used w/17000, beautiful easy enjoyable ride until 70000 miles, then problems. Rebuilt tranny, dozen trips for "service engine lite". All that finally fix (at my cost) and now smooth sailing again. Never fails otherwise, trading for another but four doors this time.

• 

  98s safer than new windstar - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Windstar - January 21 - 2:00 am

  We love our WindStar and if you check out the Insurance Institute for Highway safety page you will wonder why anyone drives some of the other vans out there. With the Windstars safety, front and rear Air-Heat controls powerfull 200hp engine and great driveablity its the perfect vehicle. The only negitive Uniroyal self seal tires were Hydroplaneing so bad at 40000 mile we had to replace them.

• 

  Nice Van - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By SecondWindstar - January 17 - 2:00 am

  We only have 6,500 miles on the van so far and no problems other then dirt building up in the manual sliding door tracks which I just clean out (twice) and I also had to spray WD40 on the sliding doors to stop some squeaks but they work perfect now. Also, tail light was kind of hanging out a little so I loosened two screws and clicked it back in, no big deal. Van rides very nice and runs perfect. Transmission shifts perfect and drive train operates flawlessly with food power.