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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  11 years going strong - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By No problems ever - March 4 - 12:38 pm

  I bought this van new and have had it to the mechanics only twice in all these years easy to fix carburetor problem just 3 years ago, and fan fix for back seats. Extremely reliable. Everything still works perfectly. Gets 17 mpg, better than the mid-sized SUVs these days.

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  Ford is terrible - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By David - February 27 - 8:47 pm

  Original transmission replaced at 38,000 miles, replacement transmission had to be replaced at 43,000 miles, then motor broke at 92,000 miles. I will now be junking vehicle, not worth $3,800 repair estimate. Maintenance was performed regularly.

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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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  Mechanical design flaws - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Norma - February 22 - 7:52 pm

  There are design flaws in the oil pump that cause engine failure and the transmission is weak. Both had to be replaced BEFORE 100K miles.

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  Minor problems but do not recommend - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Jozsef - February 17 - 2:59 pm

  We did not have any major problems but generally not happy. I just had the second front break replacement at 35000 miles and the front tires a few months ago. Has very bad fuel efficiency in city driving for short distances. Last year, when we drive to Disneyland, the engine lights were coming on and off like an xmas tree. Even now, the service engine light comes and goes.

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  Stuck with a lemon in oregon!!! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By gizzy - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this from a local dealership in Oct 2001, it was their fleet car and had 35000 miles. Right away I had major problems. 8 months later it has been in the shop 7 times, almost $8000.00 in repairs (almost all covered by extended warrenty) Transmission replaced at 42500 miles. No used car lemon law in oregon. Never again will I own a WINDSTAR!! make sure you look at national highway safty website and go to any search engine and type windstar problems and see how many you get.

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  Transmission, O2 sensor, doors, problems - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Mikeeeee - January 23 - 2:39 pm

  Overall, an attractive, comfortable van. Gas consumption is ok for a van. Some nice options available. Has plenty of power, compared to other small vans.

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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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  Windstar - Maybe it will get you there - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Nancy - January 12 - 9:36 am

  This van has been a total disappointment. Weve had problem after problem, some of which left me stranded on the side of the road with my three kids in the car. Problems range from transmission to electrical to mechanical. Every problem that results in a visit to the Ford Service department takes days to fix. I bought the van because of the high safety rating - I didnt feel safe stuck in the breakdown down lane of I-95. I cheaped out and didnt buy the Toyota Sienna back in 99, I wont make the same mistake this time. I hear Ford is getting out of the minivan business due to lack of demand of minivans. They must mean lack of demand of their poorly built piece of garbage van.

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  Stay away from this vehicle. - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Grace - January 3 - 1:11 pm

  We bought our 2001 Windstar in 2002 with 11,000 miles. We had to replace the transmission at 40,000 miles. We called Ford and they just pretty much told us too bad for you. They were trying out a new transmission and we were one of the unlucky ones. It gets horrible gas mileage and it seems to always be in the shop for the same problem. Next time it will be a Honda or Toyota for us! The Ford wind star is junk.