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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  Pleasantly surprised! - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By cashewfeni - August 23 - 11:29 pm

  This has been our first American car. We bought 2 years ago When it had >100K miles. We have had only minor annoyances but no major problems. The engine runs strong, we got good gas mileage, the ride is comfortable, the braking is good...it has been an awesome buy! The biggest issue is that it has just 3 doors. This is bad for a family with 2 small kids as it is really difficult to place an infant/toddler behind the driver. Considering the fact that a minivan is supposed to be a family car, I find a 3-door design just absurd. Sometimes, the car wrongly thinks that a door is open and the interior lights stay on - there is no way to manually turn them off!

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  No Problems - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By No problem - August 21 - 8:46 pm

  Bought it new in early 2001. Wifes car shes a lead foot. Very few problems, no engine or tranmission problems. Sliding doors need adjusting very couple years. We put 107500 miles in 6.5 years. Never broke down, if they still made them Id buy another. We never missed an oil change or other service.

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  NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By NEVER BUY A FORD - August 17 - 5:14 pm

  I bought this lemon in 2005 had 32000 miles on it. I had to replace transmission in April 2007 at 50000 miles and replaced engine at 59000 miles, what a lemon. It makes me sick to think Ford builds cars like this to sell to familys. Will never buy another Ford product ever!!

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  Power & Polish - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Fergs - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The 2000 Windstar has alot of horsepower and attractive styling.

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  Still driving the Mom Mobile - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Mfranck - August 8 - 6:02 pm

  Until this week, I never had a single problem with my Windstar. I cant wait to get it back from the dealership (lets hope the extended warranty covers the ABS failure). At 74,000 miles this car has held up and drives beautifully. In the snow when the SUVs cant make it up our hill, my Windstar out performs them all. Two kids, five dogs and the interior still looks new. I truly cannot say a bad thing about this car except that since my kids are older it isnt cool to drive.

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  Quick - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By macspec - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Excessive road noise from tires and suspension Something needed to make rear door easier to maneuver.

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  Pleased with my 2000 Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By kennyp - August 8 - 10:00 am

  The 2000 Ford Windstar SEL we purchased was the first new car we ever had. I have been very pleased with the van. The interior is very comfortable and the quad seating helps getting the children in and out quite easily. I especially like the safety record of the van and feel that that alone was worth choosing the Windstar. It would be nice to get better mileage ( average 19 - 20 )and have less engine noise, but those are things I would willingly trade off for the safety.

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  2003 Windstar - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By w. sick - July 18 - 7:53 am

  This has been a reliable and totally trouble free vehicle with lots of both passenger and load carrying capacity.

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  Run, run for a better car - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By Joel - July 16 - 11:07 am

  Blown head gasket from failed sensor. Body scratches very easily, and visibly! Rack in constant need of readjustment. When driving on the hwy, feels like there is a sail attached to the roof. Very poor turning radius. Fix or Repair Daily. Never Ford. Never again.

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  Transmission bucks when shifting gears - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Felicia - June 15 - 11:40 am

  I dont recommend a Ford windstar van, at least not a 1998. When I first got the vehicle the transmission was bucking and when I went to have it replaced with a new trainny, it did the same thing, and they told me this was normal for 98 Windstar vans. Visiblilty is not great on highway. I had to replace the whole ABS system costing me over $1100 and nearly everything else except the engine has had to be replaced. On a more positive, it is a very comfortable car to drive, and it rides very smooth with a quiet engine. Safe car to drive if you do well with poor visibility on the highway. I would not get a Ford Windstar van again, and may not even get a Ford again.