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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  1998 Ford Windstar 3.0 L Passenger Van - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Barry Riordan - March 15 - 10:49 pm

  This van was my company van since new and its been a very reliable vehicle. I bought the vehicle from the company at 148,000 miles and havent regreted it.The only thing major that went wrong was the fuel tank went bad. The vehicle now has 194,000 miles on it and has the original motor and tranny in it. I change the ATF fluid on a regular basis and also regular oil changes. Motor does not use a drop of oil between changes. Original front brake rotors did have to be replaced at 75,000 miles. We have taken numerous trips in the summer from PA to South Carolina with no problems whatsoever.

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  Good Car - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Tom - March 15 - 4:37 pm

  Well, the good thing is we bought the car used, July of last year. Since the car has been around for a while the few problems we have had, we could find the solution easily over the internet. Anyways we got the car for $2,800 and it has paid for itself 10 times over since then. It has a very comfortable ride, and its safe. This car has given us less problems than the 07 Camry we bought last year.

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  Good bye, Ford - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Steve - March 15 - 8:49 am

  Purchased new. Even though it only has 100,000 miles, its on its 4th set of tires. Its noisy, the front end clanks, and has since new. The door ajar problem has existed since it ran out of warranty, along with various and sundry check engine lights. The transmission is on its way out now, so its time to get rid of the thing. The passenger seats are nice. The front buckets are terrible. Im glad to see it go away.

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  2002 Ford Windstar - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By nunzie mollicone - March 9 - 11:04 am

  Car is garaged. Drive about7000 mi per year. Never been in any accidents. Had to relace alternator and battery last year. Handles beautiful, very smooth ride.

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  I have been lucky - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Lucky - March 5 - 3:18 pm

  Bought Windstar new in Nov 07. Initially - few problems. Air idle control valve - replaced, the fuel delivery - remapped, and a loose motor mount - fixed under waranty. I considered gettting rid of it but didnt. Today - 205,792 miles - highest mileage and most reliable vehicle ever owned (25 cars and 20 motorcycles). Have symptoms of head gasket failure (coolant is disappearing) for 50,000 miles. Waiting for head gasket(s) to fail - will consider replacing myself with new gaskets, head bolts, etc. I change the oil every 5K (Pennzoil) and the trans fluid every 25K. Replaced alternator once, power steering pump twice, brakes and battery thrice. Just normal maintenance. We were lucky.

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  Good until too many miles - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Finally gone - March 1 - 3:50 pm

  We bought the car used with 26K on it ans will give to charity with 180K. Overall we were pleased to have it for 11 years but wish we could have had a couple more years. Had to replace the head gasket, electrical system poor at the end causing battery to go down. Overall gone on many vacations etc with good room for 7 people. Not sure about transmission at this point, will be good for parts for someone. We fared better than others, and did not pay top dollar after first year from a dealer when it was a "program car" the first year.

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  Dont buy a ford! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By NOFORDS - February 22 - 11:31 pm

  We purchased our Windstar used, 1 year old less than 20,000 miles. As soon as the warranty wore out the problems began. The transmission went out at about 65,000 miles. The heater and defroster broke. The door locks no longer work. The rubber also came off from around the sliding doors. There is also a problem with the wiring, causing dash lights to come on when there may or may not be a problem. We take very good care of our cars and have never experienced anything so terrible. It is currently not running, were not sure why this time, but we are not putting another penny into this piece of junk. It hasnt moved from our driveway in 7 months. And Ford wonders why business has been so bad?!!

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  Another Terrible Ford Experience - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By joneill - February 8 - 5:39 pm

  I bought my Ford new and take great care of it.Several recalls then at 65K miles my rear axel cracked clean in half-rusted from inside and 1K for the fix. 3 months later the transmission died. Radiator also replaced-total 3,800 Now it is at 67K miles and took in today because radio wont turn off killing battery. Needs additional 500K for new fuse box and to patch leak. Will pick it up on Monday and take it as a trade in on a Toyota. Should have learned my lesson as my last Ford had to be towed out of my driveway at 80K. Husbands Ford needed a new engine at 55K miles. Have yet to have a good experience with Ford. Ive finally learned my lesson!!

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  Wont Make Same Mistake Again - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By bill davis - February 3 - 5:56 pm

  While the exterior design is very good and the interior is adequate the overall quality of this van is horrible. Shortly after purchasing it the transmission went out. It is extremely noisy on the road and in town. Idles rough, the service engine light and the ABS light stays on. The "door open" light stays on and the automatic locking system works intermittently. I wanted to but a Toyota or Honda but I let my wife talk me into this Ford because she liked the exterior better than than the Toyota/Honda. She agrees now that tis Ford has really lived up to its name "Found on road dead". Cant make this mistake again since the Windstar is no longer made which is a GOOD thing.

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  Waste of time and Money - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Brandon R - January 20 - 6:16 am

  I bought this car new. It had 3 transmissions, headgasket, a wheel bearing, check engine light problems, ABS light problems,and those are just the big ones before 60,000 miles. When I took it too the junk yard at 130,000 miles the cruise control didnt work, the inside lights stayed on and it chimed, the back wiper didnt work, the transmission was going out again, the check engine light never went off(which the dealer never had an explanation for), and it was VERY well cared for. I have never had anywhere near this many problems with any car and this will be the first and last ford I ever buy.