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:

• 

  Good machine - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Bill - July 22 - 2:34 pm

  This has been a very good van. Hauls a goodly load, pulls the boat, and have had no maintenance issues at all. Bought it used for $7,500 in 2003 at a cheapo used car dealer and it has taken us on many a trip. Now has 139,000 miles. This has been one of the best car values I have ever owned. Reading some of the other reviews I see some real disappointments in this very auto. It seems Detroits big problem is being consistently good, not hit-or-miss in quality. The engine has always been noisy in the cabin, and that would be my only complaint.

• 

  I like it so far - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By kbarno - July 18 - 9:48 pm

  I used to own a 1995 Ford Aerostar with 220,000 miles & sold it to a friend. He has done minimal work to it and its still running. So I bought a Windstar. The washer fluid sprayer on the back window doesnt work, and Ive had to replace a windshield due to a rock ding. It needs the plugs done but thats expected at 112,000 miles other than that Im happy. The clunky noise in the tranny seems to be a normal Ford thing. The Aerostar sounded like that for years and at the mileage it had, the tranny still ran strong. Overall I hope to have the same luck with the Windstar, because at this time Im happy with it.

• 

  One Year Update - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Woodbyrne - July 13 - 8:47 am

  It has been a year since we bought this minivan. Overall we love its functionality. The one minor problem is the back seat. We knew it didnt fold flat when we got it but it would be nice if it did. Getting it out is not that hard but it is very heavy. I can do it alone but its a good workout. So far there have been no problems at all. The kids love it and so does my wife. Now that gas is $3 per gallon and rising, wish it had better fuel economy. No minivan is really fuel efficient but this thing is a pig. We average 16mpg with mostly local stop-and-go driving. We are seriously considering trading it in for a more efficient wagon but it has been so reliable we cant.

• 

  Would not buy another - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By kari - July 8 - 10:20 am

  I hate this minivan! The gas mileage stinks! And we have tried to give it a tune up, but nothing works. On our best day we get 10mpg in town and like 16 highway. Will buy foreign next time for the better mpg. And I am an "American" car fan!

• 

  Ford Quality None - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Telrider - June 27 - 3:26 am

  My girlfriend and I both bought 2000 Ford Windstars and the front tires failed on both around 20k due bad front tire alignment from the factory. It turns out the camber control is under the engine pan where it can not be adjusted without a $175 slotting job to the pan. The dealership, Ford "Customer No Service", and the Ford area rep said that it was not covered under the 36k bumper to bumper warranty. "Ford-Ethics None"

• 

  Bad Transmission - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By lou - June 19 - 10:26 am

  This is our first minivan and we loved it.We bought it new as I hoped that fact would keep us out of the shop and trouble free. The automatic transmission failed at 36,095 miles. The dealer says its out of warranty, but good news... it will only cost me $200.00 plus the cost of the tow. Well I thought that was a break, and I am thankful but, this is a major problem that should not happen at all yet this soon. Ive owned five Fords in all. Im not sure about the next.

• 

  50 years of Fords and this is the last - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By My Last Ford - June 16 - 9:33 am

  Im 8,000 miles into the 3th transmission in 115,000 miles and Im now getting "check transmission" errors. The original transmission died at 40,000, the second at 60,000 and number 3 at 112,000. The only other problems have been tie rod ends at 50k and a couple of engine modules at about 70,000. Ford paid for tranny #2 under their 36,000 replacement part warranty. The new error (the previous trannys died while pulling out into traffic with no warning) is likely to be a computer module that isnt part of the warrantied replacement tranny -- needless to say after $10,000 in repairs on a $25,000 car, this is the last Ford, despite a lifetime of being a Ford owner.

• 

  Never Again! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By KVriezen - June 15 - 7:38 pm

  I bought this car from a dealership with 23K miles on it 3.5 yrs. ago. We rolled our 96 Windstar (which had problems) after hitting a patch of MN ice and T-boning another van. Because we walked away with only a few bruises and scratches (living to tell about the 5-star crash rating), I bought another Windstar. Stupid me. At 97K the O/D light & the Check Transmission lights came on. It seemed to be OK if the car was cold, but after about 45 miles it would come on. It also started skipping gears. After three trips to the mechanic (whom we have used for years) he says there is a tranny leak and we need a new one ($2K). He first thought it was a stuck solenoid. NOT! No more Fords for us! EVER!

• 

  Van Fan - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Mark Zehnpfennig - June 2 - 10:39 am

  Setting aside a few minor quality issues this is a great minivan.

• 

  Good only for lemonade - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Jon Kirkwood - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Three years, eighteen pages of repair orders, and five recalls. First, last, and only American manufactured car I will purchase. Ford should be ashamed to produce a vehicle of such poor fit, finish, and quality. Both front seats were replaced, all of the exhaust system heat shields, and one engine control module. Two "FEMs," whatever they are, luggage rack, and the engine starter have all been replaced. And the fuel economy is NEVER greater than 17 MPG. Good, strong, motor; when it runs. Its still a nice looking, comfortable vehicle. Too bad its such a shoddy product.