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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  Poor quality and poor company - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Brad - April 20 - 10:43 pm

  This car is a good idea but poor execution. Transmission failed at 90k and is a known problem with this van. The check engine light comes on because of clogged EGR circiut . A/C blend louvers break, known problem. The worst thing is that you may have to get these fixed over and over again.

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  Never buy a Ford! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Disgusted - April 17 - 3:54 pm

  Nice vehicle in terms of looks, comfort, safety and driveability. But it has been costly to maintain. Needed new tie rods, intake manifold developed a leak, new rotors, AC/heater control failed, blown head gasket. Over $8000 in repairs with 66000 miles. I have owned three Fords and all had major mechanical problems. Thats three strikes in my book. I will never buy another Ford. I looked at an Odyssey but wanted to buy American. Its a national disgrace that they cant build a better vehicle.

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  10 years and still going - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Mark - April 9 - 8:51 pm

  We purchased our Windstar new almost 10 years ago. It has been almost trouble free the whole time. We pull a 3,500 pound camper with it and it pulls great. We went from WI to Montana 2 years ago with camper fully loaded 80 to 85 MPH all day with temperature outside in the 90s. It ran great. The mileage averages about 18 MPG, which isnt that good but it has never had any major problems. Have heard a lot of bad things about engine and transmission problems, but we have not had any. I use synthetic oil and flush the transmission every 30 to 40K miles. Very comfortable front seats. Great for those long rides.

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  Unsafe and totally unreliable - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By fitzh2o - April 7 - 10:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle because of its safety crash rating. The way it has been going with this vehicle, we may find out how crash worthy it is sooner than we hope. We have only owned it since January of 2001 and it only had 18,000 miles on it. It now only has 32,000 miles. We have had to replace 2 ABS censors which were thankfully under warranty. Now, we have no brakes! You push the pedal to the floor and hope you will stop. We have been given an estimate of $400-$1000 for repairs. As soon as this vehicle is repaired we are dumping it. No more American cars for our family. Our last one was a Dodge Grand Caravan and the transmission went outon it at 60,000 miles.

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  4 years and Running - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By jesfam - March 29 - 9:23 pm

  I like everything about this van. After 4 years the style is still current with other van designs.

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  Two lemons to make sour lemonade - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Gary - March 28 - 7:15 pm

  The Windstar SEL was well equipped and it offered some means of comfort and style. The exterior looks very appealing, stylish and a real head turn kind of vehicle. Truly an amazing color and great color coordination plum and gray in color. Adequate power for a minivan and very responsive. But the transmission stinks! I went through two Windstars, both gave me transmission problems. The first Windstar was an SE version and it was rather roomy, as a matter of fact the 1995 SE was roomier than the 2000 SEL though it was an army green and gray I got used to it. The 95 SE was a joke as far as handling and power. Since the Windstar had such a great safety rating I bough another big mistake.

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  Quality is job....what? - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By txarmadillo - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 99 Windstar used in Dec. 99 with 13000 miles on it and have loved it. I currently have 51300 miles on it with numerous problems. My check engine light came on so I took it to Honolulu Ford and spent $150 so they could tell me that my repairs will cost over $1100. The intake has to be fixed, one of my valve covers has to be replaced, 2 injectors are bad, spark plugs apparently need to be replaced, vacuum leaks, my right front wheel bearings are just about shot, and my tranny is acting funny. It has been in a few times for recalls. Other than that, the van has been good to us. I am so thankful I bought an extended warranty with my van.

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  REALLY BAD DECISION! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By liz - March 8 - 12:36 pm

  Bought this car used at about 3yrs/36k miles. Checked all reviews for this year and they seemed great for reliability. After hitting close to 75k miles this car is a money pit. The emission control light keeps coming on and my mechanic cant seem to fix it. Every week it goes back with a different problem fixed related to this light. I am starting to feel the trans slipping...just great! Just what I need. At the time I bought it, I couldnt afford a used Honda minivan, now with all that Ive spent in repairs and aggravation I could (and should) have purchased that Honda. There has to be some type of recall...this is ridiculous!

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  Best non soccer mom van ever! - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Jack - March 5 - 4:48 pm

  Powerful, nice looking, easy seat removal, holds resale value, 18-24 mpg was right on, tires wear great versus a lot of vans that wear out front tires. Lot of pick up and very comfortable. Radio iffy so replace with aftermarket. Otherwise a 10!

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  Ford Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By nyjetsus - March 4 - 6:47 pm

  Low mechanical quality makes this vehicle the worst Ford I have ever owned. Once factory warranty expired, the trouble began. Multiple breakdowns, including AC and transmission.