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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  \ - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Lynda - May 9 - 10:00 am

  The 2000 Ford Windstar was my first new car.. always bought used before..The worst purchase of my life!! It has been in for 12 recalls, cruise control stopped working at 30,000.. Transmission "surges" and dealer says its normal..sure... Ive spent more time in the dealership waiting for my car that all of my other used car purchases before! Ford is the worst company.. I used to have Oldsmobiles before and was treated like a queen.. Ford sees that I dont drive a Lincoln, so too bad for me.. Going to trade my Windstar in for a Reliable non-Ford auto!!I tell everyone I meet to not buy a Ford...

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  Ford has many Transmission Problems. - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By David lee - February 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my 5th Ford and 2nd Winstar. Ford is not reliable. Real gabbage. So many litte problem. Especially TRANSMISSION problems four of five cars.(two 93 Taurus within 24000 miles, 2000 Windstar 35000 miles, 96 Widstar 130000 miles). Other one(95 Taurus) calibers problem in the rear wheel just after 36000 miles cost me many hundreds miles and came out same problem again 90000 miles. Try not to buy Ford. Many Ford Rebate brought me to buy these cars but I was penny wise dollar stupid.

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  Never buy a Ford again - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Chris - January 19 - 10:34 pm

  I grew up in a Ford city and a Ford family. Locks and doors dont work consistently, Check engine light is on constantly despite several thousand dollars and trips to multiple dealers an independent finally told me Ford used inferior parts in the intake manifold, Ford is aware and has published tech bulletins but wouldnt offer to help. The dealers dont care anymore. Do not buy a Ford. I also bought a Lincoln LS, I got tired of visiting it and traded it for a BMW which has been extremely reliable.

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  Ford Quality None - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Telrider - June 27 - 3:26 am

  My girlfriend and I both bought 2000 Ford Windstars and the front tires failed on both around 20k due bad front tire alignment from the factory. It turns out the camber control is under the engine pan where it can not be adjusted without a $175 slotting job to the pan. The dealership, Ford "Customer No Service", and the Ford area rep said that it was not covered under the 36k bumper to bumper warranty. "Ford-Ethics None"

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  I Hate Ford: The sad Windstar tale - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Ashwin Ramesh - May 5 - 5:35 pm

  The day I bought my Windstar, I thought I was going to have lots of fun with it and go on many adventures. However, I had a disappointment. After 15,000 miles, the transmission blew up. Then, at 20,000 miles, I had to replace a gasket. Finally, at 30,000 miles, the car caught fire in my garage! I had to call the fire department, because my house caught fire with it!

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  STAY AWAY - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By JWM - June 29 - 3:44 pm

  Simply the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Bought with 38K and only have 50k now. I have replaced the front axle, rear shocks (twice), front shocks and struts, and sway bars and it still feels like we are surfing. I have also fixed the brake sensor (twice), rear brakes and rotors, power steering pump, various gaskets, and the transmission had to be rebuilt and left my family stranded on our vacation. Driving it home from having the transmission rebuilt, the check engine light came on again. The front seat belt doesnt work properly and the power switch for the front seat has been broken for about a year. Even with the extended, this van is costing us money. Please dont ever buy this van.

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  Do not buy this vehicle - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By neveragainford - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I heed warning to anyone who is interested in a Ford Windstar. Make sure you look around before you make your decision. This is a nice vehicle at first, until you start looking at what you can get for your money at the other brands. I think the best minivan on the market today is the Dodge Grand Caravan / Chrysler Town and Country! Where else can you get industry exclusive infrared climate control that is automatic, Power sliding doors with obsticle detection system, and a power rear lift gate standard? You cant even get them elsehere as an option. These are by far the supreme minivan on the market!

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  What A Nightmare - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By PO,D IN CT - December 16 - 2:00 am

  This car was great until the dreaded 36000 mile warranty cut off. At about 38000 miles all heck broke loose. 1st it was the heater ($1300), next the air intake thing ??,($900) then the bearings ($1400). $3600 later we traded it in for a real car (Honda). Through all the problems neither Ford nor the dealership wanted to even know us. In 1 yr. of owning the Windstar it cost us $3600 in repairs and $8000 in depreciation . After owning 4 other previous Fords I will never buy a Ford again!!!

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  Ford Windstar - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Archie77 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Its a Ford, and lives up the the name. It has been in the shop 4 times in one year. Get this, when they sell you a extended warranty everything is covered. When you need repairs it covers nothing.

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  Waste of money - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Unlucky - December 3 - 2:00 am

  We spent over $33,000 on this car new. It has had nothing but problems with the doors, stalling, horrible noises coming from stero speakers in the doors, steering has already gone as well as mulitple other problems. Brakes and rotors need replacing every 10,000-15,000 miles. Car died after pulling into traffic dealer couldnt reproduce the problem but I still paid a hefty fee for their diagnostic testing. Extended warranty we bought from Easy Care has covered nothing. Three years later, this cars resale value is only $9,000 what a waste of money! We will never, ever, ever purchase another Ford after our experience with this Windstar.