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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  Excellent family car! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Mima - September 28 - 11:24 pm

  Excellent car for a family. Very reliable. Had great fun with a lot of trips with it. Good riding, like a newer car. Overall - very satisfied of it.

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  Windstar SEL - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By mpastick - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I wouldnt trade this van for the world. The price was pricier but the SEL is a luxory van more than a mini van. Everyone compliments on the van. Ive had no problems to date. I love it.

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  Where was Edmunds when I needed it? - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Seattle family - September 23 - 12:06 pm

  The biggest mistake of our automobile buying lives. We like the room and the ride in general. But it is now limited to going only to Home Depot and the dump on weekends. I would never trust it outside our neighborhood. Replaced everything so far, including engine. Read the other reviews here. They wont say anything we cant say.

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  UNRELIABLE - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Sherry Lundy - September 23 - 8:21 am

  If I had only known. We thought we were getting a deal purchasing this in 00 with only 20K mi. for $11K...since then we have spent more than we would have to purchase new! Transmission 2 times once at 30K and now at 80K, chews up brakes, tires annually and is driven less than 12K per year! Lost brakes completely 3 times, something to do with the ABS/traction control. Does not hold an alignment, creeks, squeaks, clunks still after everything replaced...bearings, struts, bushings, steering rack. And than there is the elusive fix to the interior lights staying on, no one can figure it out so battery needs to be replaced frequently! Wish I had known...never would have bought it.

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  Rambling Wreck - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By joetomburk - September 17 - 11:40 am

  Probably a lease return as the car had approximately 18,000 miles when I purchased. Problems began with defective radiator hose which was replaced by the dealer. After that I bore the brunt of all repairs including intake manifold gasket (luckily not the head gaskets since it was only $600 to repair rather than $1200). Front end extremely noisy and have made multiple trips to the mechanic with little change. Things are better for a while and then back to normal (clunking noise). Have experienced similar problems with door ajar indicator-heavy doses of WD 40 in all of the locks usually cures this ill. Brakes a shaky at best. First and last purchase of any Ford product.

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  New Transmission at 36,000! - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Ken - September 7 - 10:32 am

  We got this van because of the great safety rating and our growing family. However, it needed a new transmission at 36,000 miles...just after the warranty ran out. The Ford dealership and national Ford office were no help at all. This is the LAST Ford I will ever buy! Even though Im very patriotic, Im looking to the Japanese car companies now, as their quality and reliability are so much better. American Car companies need to get with the program and make some quality cars!

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  ford quality????? - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By daniel lipps - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchases my 2002 windstar this year and found what i thought was a simple defect. I soon discovered that Ford takes responibility for its mistakes! If one looks at the 2002 windstars back right wheelwell there is no covering or protection to the elements. the other three are covered with a plastic sheld and rust preventive. i found that ford will make no effort to fix the factory defect and will insted let my $30,000 van rust!!!! I find Ford utterly noncompliant with my service needs and dismissed my concerns as understated.

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  No More Windstars - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Glembi - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Minivan started off great. At 10,000, both automatic doors stopped closing. Got constant engine knock. Lots of minor things happend but all covered under warrenty. At 40,000 miles, things really started to happen. CD player ate a CD and would not give it back. $300 to fix. $400 to replace. Upper manifold gasket went. Another $500. At 50,000, six seals around the bolts that attached the lower manifold to the engine went. Another $500. This week, the heating system deflector door went. $300 to get behind the dash. Another $350 to replace the part. Never have I owned a car that had as many problems at less that 60k miles.

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  Its O.K. - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By jdc690 - August 8 - 8:14 pm

  Im not a van lover but bought the Windstar so our son and his family could all fit in for short trips. Former owner obviously was not much interested in washing, waxing or vacuuming but it cleaned up pretty good and since I paid a pretty reasonable price Im happy with it so far. Big gas hog (16 mpg) but so was the pick-up it replaced. The grandkids love the video player and after I bought headphones for them its O.K. for us too. Still not a big fan of vans but I like this one as well as Id like any. Ive always had my best luck with Ford products.

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  Good Bye Ford, Hello Nissan - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By jon - July 26 - 9:52 am

  I purchased my 2000 Windstar used 4 years old with 42000 miles on it in the hopes it would last me several years and provide dependable service. I have spent far more maintaining this vehicle than I would have with another vehicle. The transmission is slipping (75,000 miles), struts need replacing, power door locks not working, fuel economy is 17 mpg (which is harder to swallow closer to $3/ gallon) and vehicle has always had problems with alignments. The worst part is that given the dependability and performance of the Windstar, Ill lose a significant amount of money today as I trade it in on a (yes) foreign car to take advantage of the Japanese ability to build dependable vehicles that hold their value.