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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  35k in 2 yrs; so far so good - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By jiminjax - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive put 35k on the Windstar in just under 2 years with only 2 minor problems, a failed mass air sensor and failed liftgate struts, both replaced under warranty. Its built like a tank; when a Toyota Avalon bounced off the left front fender and wiped itself out, I had to look to find the damage. Ive read about all the problems in earlier models, but I think they got it together by the 2000 model year.

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  Would someone please crush this van - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Why oh why did I buy - October 31 - 10:01 pm

  Suckered in by a low purchase price used - $12,000 with only 20k miles. The steep depreciation should have been a clue. Lumbering handling, decent acceleration, 20 mpg. Eats brake rotors and various other expensive things. Cupholder jumps up and down wildly. Transmission occasionally misses a shift, and pauses in an apparent neutral state for a second while the engine freely revs to the sky. To top it off, two months ago the anti-lock and brake warning lights turn on after the engine warms up. Ford dealer says its the speed control module, and it aint cheap. Power windows quit about the same time. I keep hoping someone would just steal it. Sickening ownership experience.

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  At what point should I scrap it? - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By C Horton - October 31 - 9:01 pm

  We bought this from German friends who were returning back home. They kept detailed records and had every service done and every repair done imaginable. I figured we should have a good run. We bought it with 80k miles. After 2 1/2 years, with only 98k miles Ive had to repace the transmission. The door locks never quite work and the check engine light goes on every and ever trip to the dealer/service station costs at least $600 to fix it. Im crossing my fingers to get six more months out of it as the inspection comes up at that time. Im fed up with all of the maintance costs for this poorly designed vehicle. Ford dealerships love all of the high margin work they get from this car.

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  Over 5,000 in repairs. - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Larry Smith - October 26 - 9:13 pm

  Purchased this van new, at less than 50,000 miles, 3 engine seals had to be replaced due to leaking, also the torque converter had to be replaced and the A/C compressor had to be replaced. Today at 85,000 miles the transmission failed and the cost is estimated at over $2,500. I am retired on a fixed income and Ford is killing me.

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  It is not good choice for a long run - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By proAm - October 20 - 5:46 am

  4 and 1/2 yrs old and only 57k miles. I bought it for value. Dont like it for poor quality. Brake makes noises from day one. The 1st issue, the car died immediate after start. The 2nd air-condition. Both are covered under warranty within 3 years. Since then, power steering made noises and the car shakes at cold start some time. I added in a little steering fluid help a little. Yesterday the engine light on for vacuum leak at isolator bolts in intake manifold. It costs over $500 to fix it. It seems more troubles ahead. Now the car lost 2/3 value after 4 yrs. I did my part for maintain (3000 miles oil change, transmission fluid and filter change once. Air filter twice.) Ford not.

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  A Piece of Garbage - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Stenodactylus - September 29 - 3:06 am

  This is a totally unreliable, poorly built junk mobile and money pit. Ford built the engine out of two different metals that wear at different rates. As a result, it blows head gaskets every couple of years. They did not oficially recall it, but they had a "campaign" where they would repair it at no cost if you happened to bring it to a Ford Dealership. The first time the head gasket blue, it had my family stranded in a bad part of Los Angeles, about 600 miles from home. We had to tow it back and get a rental car to continue on. Since then, weve known its unreliable and havent risked taking it very far.

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  Bought used, 75K miles later - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Tim - September 19 - 1:52 pm

  Our 2003 Windstar Limited has been a very reliable van. We have put >75K miles on in less than 4 years of ownership. The only problems we have had is occasional flickering interior lights and the in dash CD changer that sometimes does not want to eject that we deal with. The Winstar was the last van with a removable 3rd seat rather than fold flat. This is the one thing that I dislike about the van. The rear seat is heavy and bulky to move in and out. The VCP rather than DVD based entertainment system is another drawback. Our limited is very quiet and comfortable to drive, although our typical gas mileage of 20 MPG is a little lower than what we had hoped for

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  Lots of problem but will get over it. - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Phil - September 18 - 11:33 pm

  Bought it in 1999, since then problem after problem. Head gasket, transmission, front end, wonder if there are anymore of the service lights at dashboard which is not turn on... but the van has 300K km now and done a lot of towing (pop up trailer) this van is our family pleasure since we have it.

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  Out of my pocket!! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Jeanine - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Wouldnt you know it, at 44,000 miles and less then three years just 8,000 miles after my warranty ended my power steering pump broke internally sending "shrap metal" into the power steering rack thus destorying that also. $1,130 out of my pocket. NEXT at 55,000 miles my transmission "died" on a on ramp. Aamco said oil shaft pump broke which killed torque converter. $2,170 out of my pocket. Calls to ford headheadquaters in detroit yelled no help or sympathy. Wouldnt buy another ford again if they where the last cars on earth!!!

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  Do not buy - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Terry - August 27 - 9:07 pm

  Bought van 5 years ago with around 50000 mi. 77000 on van now. Started while under warranty with check engine light had intake gaskets replaced and after warranty out same problem. Replaced o2 sensors and still have intake manifold leaks. Tranny out now. Suprised ford not richer with what they are selling. No help for the working guy. I also had door switch replaced at my cost. Good luck if you have one. Still debating on fixing tranny maybe I should get out while the getting is good