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:

• 

  Solid, Dependable, Efficient - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By CarolynDan - January 2 - 3:47 pm

  As I get ready to pass along this, my second Windstar, I want to relate how very pleased I have been with this minivan. Through 200,000+ miles it has performed like a champ, very dependable, very easy to drive, very much the family car. Like other Fords of its ilk, the transmission was shot at about 140,000, but the rebuilt is doing fine. The only other major mechanical problem was replacing the steering rack at about 165,000. The engine is well sized, giving a lot of power and zip while at the same time consistently delivering 20+ mpg on evenly mixed city/highway driving.

• 

  Engine Reliability? - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By Tom - December 31 - 7:47 am

  Purch van in 97 with 4,500 miles. The vehicle has been fairly rugged, except the 3.8 L engine, 200 hp and tows well. The intake and timing chain cover gaskets failed at ~ 110,000 miles (should not fail), about $2,000 from a private mechanic including water pump. Gas mileage is 22/17, handles and drives well Problems: Speedo bounces @ 40,000 did not repair ($500) 3 sensors $250 for parts Intake, timing cover gaskets, water pump @110,000 ~ $2,000 Alternator @120,000, $130. Power steering pump hose $60. Weld front suspension supports $250. Intake manifold gaskets 2 hours Labor, $25 for gaskets Need to clean the sliding door contacts every few years (10 minutes a little steel wool)

• 

  Ok in the long haul - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Jeff - December 19 - 9:41 pm

  Bought LX with 52K on it. Experienced numerous small issues at around 70K such as tie rod ends, oil seals, EEC sensors, paint pealing on door trim and broken cheap interior parts. After 80K never another issue. Serviced regularly including tranny. Just sold with 142k on it and it is still running strong. Mileage was 18- 21. Alwyas cupped front tires no matter what.

• 

  One in a Million? - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By One in a Million? - December 19 - 9:43 am

  Reading some of the other reviews I think I may have that one in a million -- this van has been very solid. Besides the hubcaps being poorly designed (they wont stay on) and the door ajar warning (with annoying dinging below 15 mph), this van has had only the expected repairs - - transmission rebuilt at 167,000, tie rods recently replaced, wheel bearing, suspension, brakes, radiator hose -- not bad since it has almost 240,000 miles on it!! I have kept it well maintained. All I know is that this van has been very reliable.

• 

  One in a Million? - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By One in a Million? - December 12 - 9:49 am

  It has been very reliable. Bought it with 49,000 miles and have put 187,000 miles on it. Transmission rebuilt at 167,000. The most annoying thing haas been the door ajar warning and the incessant dinging until it reaches 15 mph! Other than that I have kept it well maintained and normal repairs have been done -- like tie rods, suspension, ignition coil pack, radiator hose, brakes, wheel alignment. My children say that maybe we were fortunate and got that "one in a million" good Windstars. I dont know. I just know it has been solid!

• 

  Bad job, Ford - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Karl - December 2 - 7:41 am

  Ongoing problems with this van, which now has about 70,000 miles. Have owned since new, with about $7,000 in unscheduled maintenance in 8 years. List of problems: driver seat motor, rear window motor, cooling system leak (despite regular maintenance), air conditioning, cruise control (twice), engine pings loudly, electric rear doors unreliable, rear stereo speaker connections bad. Have decided never to buy a Ford vehicle again.

• 

  Despite what others say - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Mike15 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Windstar for nearly 3 years now and the only thing I had to do was replace the tires and brake pads. That was due to normal wear. I have had a very pleasurable experience with my Windstar. I plan to keep it and of course maintain it for many years. I do expect things to wear out over time like maybe the transmission after 130,000 miles like another fellow "complained" about, but it happens to every vehicle.

• 

  Familys nightmare minivan - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By soretincho - November 23 - 12:06 pm

  Head gasket blew at 105,000 miles Ford recall covered up to 100.000 mi had to pay 1,200 to fix. Transmission rebuilt twice, minivan very unreliable. Will never buy from Ford again.

• 

  Once they fixed the throttle sensor.. - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By David - November 13 - 1:38 pm

  I really like this van. Unfortunately, I had a high idling problem that went on for about 70,000 miles. Unexpectedly, it was diagnosed it as a bad throttle sensor. Once they replaced that, its like a new car. I love it again. Ive had a few "electricals." The driver side window motor had to be replaced. The "Check AdvanceTrac" comes on occasionally, but nothing is found to be wrong. Mileage is as stated, 18 to 24. I can live with that. I wish the seats were stow n go, but thats not a show stopper. Theyre heavy as heck, though. Ive got 111,000 on it now and hope to get another 50-75,000. Bottom line, once the high idling was fixed, its an nice car.

• 

  Never again will I buy a Ford - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Sthebkrman - November 12 - 2:00 am

  The first thing that broke was the rack and pinion power steering system. I paid a $50 deductable for about a $1300 repair job. Then the transmission started shifting very roughly between 1st and 2nd gears. Ford said they replaced something but there would always be a little shutter when it shifts. They said this would have cost me around $2400 without the warranty. The whole van still shakes profusely when it shifts. Now the front heater temp. valve is broken and the engine light is always on. The right side elec. sliding door has never closed correctly. It comes unlatched after it closes. I have to close it manually. Chucks of plastic chrome coating have fallen off of the grill.