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 131 through 140 of 915.00-
Super transportation - 1997 Ford Windstar
By jpbass77 - August 5 - 2:00 amComfortable drive. Haul kids take out seats easily, haul the bicycles (one recumbent, one wedgie) help move in- laws. Does everything I expected, with minimum mechanical. Now @ 105K miles. Rear a/c gone out -- electrical switch needs replacement. Great car to teach kids how to drive.
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Works good for me! - 2002 Ford Windstar
By Bigol - July 21 - 2:00 amWindstar offers alot of bang for the buck! Although it is not the hottest selling minivan on the market, my family and I enjoy it! This is our second Windstar! No problems with either van but a minor recall on the drivers side floor mat hinge.
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anxious - 1995 Ford Windstar
By kool - July 14 - 2:00 amI havent driven this vehicle yet so i dont know much about it. Owner says it is in excellent condition.
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Very satisfied - 2000 Ford Windstar
By Velani - July 4 - 2:00 amI have had very ggod luck with Windstar LX vans. I have been using them for the past 4 years.
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Our New SE - 2002 Ford Windstar
By Davidb - June 4 - 2:00 amWhat a great Van. We we adament against buying a mini-van until testing drive this van. This model far outshings the Honda/Madza/Dodge competing models we test drove/rented.
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Happy SE Owner - 2002 Ford Windstar
By jonl - May 30 - 2:00 amAfter 7000 miles, we have no complaints about our SE van.
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Great Van - 1995 Ford Windstar
By Kenneth - April 15 - 2:00 amWe have had great success with our Windstar. Very reliable. Weve only had to perform routine maintenance (oil, tires, brakes). Engine and transmission still respond well even after 90K miles. I will definately buy another Ford.
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Windstar Sport - 2002 Ford Windstar
By A.I. - April 2 - 2:00 amWe have had the van for 3 months and are very satisfied with it. It has 4500KMs on it so far. We have taken it on 3 long road trips (3 hours at 130 - 140KPH) and the L/K (M/G) is great. We have been able to get 720KM, 705KM and 715KM on one tank of gas on the trips. In the city were getting between 500 - 550KMs. We owned a Taurus SE prior to this van and found the van drives just as nice as the Taurus. The 200HP engine helps on mountain roads and passing. The looks of the van are great as well. Black looks the best on this van. We will most likely buy the van at the end of the lease.
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WINDSTAR SE - 2002 Ford Windstar
By BILL - March 14 - 10:58 pmTRADED 1999 CHEVY ASTRO FOR 2000 WINDSTAR SE. MUCH BETTER RIDE AND COMFORT.
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96 Ford Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
By kmcculloh - March 13 - 2:44 pmI bought this van new in 1996 at a very good price. It has been a good vehicle overall, with just a few minor problems at this point, 60K miles. I plan on keeping it for at least another 60K miles, even if I have to pit some money into it for repairs it will still be cheaper than buying a new one.
