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:

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  Avoid at All Cost!! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By slbenz - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Purchased new in 4/99 and in the three years I have owned it, the van have been in the dealership four times for power doors that would not close all the way shut. The drivers door handle internals broke and at 29.5K miles, the transmission failed and had to be rebuilt. Gas mileage is poor, it was advertised to be 19 city 23 highway but in reality is closer to 15 city 20 highway and that is not with a full load. Handling and drivability is on par with the best. Also, there is too much wind and road noise that enters the cabin. Wont buy a Ford again.

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  Cant wait for the Sledge hammer - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By zulubuff - January 8 - 9:34 am

  This car was nice whe we first bought it. First signs of problems came when the check engine light came on and has remained on for 7 years. After 1 year, the paint started chipping. 6 years later, it is nicknamed brown top because of rust. Transmission is bad, replacing brake fluid is hard, cup holder fell off, radio no longer works. Indicator for lights and washer fluid come on for no reason. When it is warm, the guages dart around, so you never know how fast you are going or how much gas you have. Drivers side wiper is junk. Seatbelt didnt latch and had to be replaced. Heater/AC control replaced. Idle is rough, and when I turn or park, every looks because it is so loud.

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  Sorry to see it go - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By sorrytoseeitgo - January 6 - 6:34 pm

  Had 17000 miles when we bought it, now has 200000+. This has been a great van. Normal wear and tear repairs. It has been one of the most reliable cars Ive had. Although itd probable be just fine, long trips on high mileage makes me nervous with a family. Someone is going to get a great used van at 200000+. Will probably keep it in the family!

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  There are better minivans - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By JimBeam - January 5 - 7:17 am

  I inherited this vehicle from my father-in-law, who purchased this as a former "dealer car" in 2003. Its a good people mover, but was dated when new and is even worse now. We have had no major issues, but lots of minor ones. We have had all sorts of problems with electrical sensors going bad, each of which cost several hundred dollars to fix. We had the mysterious flickering interior lights problem (its a bad door sensor, if you are wondering) a tire pressure light that comes on for no reason, and a very expensive check engine light. I think Ford cut every corner they could think of when building this van and it shows.

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  Good reliability - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By wirebender - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This has been a workhorse for me. We have traveled back and forth from Oregon to California to Arizona numerous times and have never had any trouble. Van now has over 90k miles and still going strong. Regular maintenance has been all that is needed. Highly recommend.

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  Ford - Stick to Trucks - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By nofordvans4meagain - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 6 Fords now. Never again will I own a non-truck Ford. My Winstar SEL has had major steering and transmission problems. I had a manifold problem too. Also, the interior had several items fall off. Transmission is still horrible. The new 2002 are no better. We tried one. Stay away from these vans. You will be happy you did.

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  Loved my Windstar - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Beth - December 6 - 12:09 pm

  We bought our Windstar new off the showroom floor. It did not have lots of bells & whistles but we bought it for the 5 star safety rating. We were just starting our family. It never left us stranded at the side of the road & it always started. We would have driven it til the wheels fell off but a deer had other ideas (it had 73,800 miles on it). I am very sad to see it go.

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  This van is a piece of junk - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Cocoamosh - November 19 - 5:23 pm

  This van was good for about 3 months and then it went to hell fast. Rack and pinion power steering pump and struts-they all go together and its costly. I loved my van until about a week ago and got an estimate for repair. No wonder everyone says do not buy a Ford-Found On The Road Dead and some other words I can think of.

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  Used Car Shopping? Keep looking! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Northern Mom - November 17 - 10:42 am

  With finances in disarray, we hoped we would get something reliable and reasonable. Purchased with 87,000 miles, this van is neither. Repairs are constant, steering is off, engine repairs non-stop, ABS brake lights come on everytime we hit a pothole and fifteen brake codes up at the dealership. Weve had problems like the transmission blew in the first week, leaking manifold, broken clip,a hose about to go? If you have 2k to add in, might make it a few years more but you can do better than this dog. Way too much money to spend on a sinking ship..Weird second row seat - not easy with kids and pets. Stinky exhaust, very expensive every time I go in with it.

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  Minor problems - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Safaa - November 12 - 10:08 am

  Bought it little over 4 years ago with 108k miles. Now has 139k. Prior owner kept it up very well. But now we noticed that it was in a wreck since clear coat is peeling and overspray found on pass door weatherstrip. We had no problems with the transmission or prior owner had it replaced. Check engine light came on back in 07 and we bought manifold gasket and bolts and we replaced all in our garage for $80 otherwise dealer wanted $400. Last week we replaced rack and pinion due to noise from turning and paid $650 to have it repalced along with fuel filter, coolant and trany fluid flush. We also replaced all four tires last summer for $250. Will keep our Windstar for another 3 yrs or so.