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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  Run away from this van - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Drftr - April 4 - 8:16 am

  Worst built automobile I have ever owned. Ride is poor, handling poor, less than 50k miles. The driver side window motor has been replaced. The front heater has quit working, brakes have made funny noises (had checked no problem found). Brake and ABS lights go on off intermittently. Supposedly means big problem. Dealership can not duplicate. Interior lights randomly come on. Passenger mirror remote control had to be fixed. Small trim pieces falling off. Last American product I will ever buy. Driven nothing but Fords for 25 years. Customer service is bad.

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  First Van - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Phillip - March 27 - 12:15 am

  Hard to find a van with such great features and an attractive look. We looked for months to catch a great deal and what a deal we got. Bought it 5 years used and still looked brand new. Lots of power and love the easy oil changes compared to my 2001 Ford ZX2 (oil filter almost impossible to remove) that I currently own as well. Have newborn twins and a 3 year old and it fits them all nicely and the strollers and groceries as well. Overall it has impressed this Ford Man!

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  poor workmanship - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By dissappointed - March 21 - 5:28 pm

  The engine has inferior parts. Most people have problem with the check engine light coming on and it will run anywhere from 500-2,000 dollars to repair this problem, depending on if your dealer knows what they are doing. Ford knows of the inferior parts and flaws but will not step up to the plate and say we messed up, lets fix it. Ford needs to step up and take responsibility for this problem.

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  Reliability poor - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Spark - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Overal, it was great first 40K miles. No problems. We enjoyed the vehicle. We started having many small problems- alternator, suspension parts, front struts (twice),idler arm pulley, door lock, etc. One major probelm on head gasket for engine- was a major job $1000. nagging problem with stalling-finally solved by reprgraming of PCM module.

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  Geesh, Bought new, No more Fords... - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By David R Backus - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle brand new. It never ran right from day one. The car would shake around 70 miles an hour. I kept taking it in to the dealer and they could not find anything wrong with it. RIGHT! The transmission went out at 84000 miles. The power steering before that at 77000 miles at 2200 and 600 dollars a Pop. Then the brakes siezed up on me. I called Ford but to no avail Basically they said sorry about your luck the warranty expired. I NEVER SAY NEVER, BUT I will not be buying a Ford product again in the near future. I will not recommend Ford to Anyone I care about.Stay away from the WINDBAG!

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  Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By tshffr - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive with plenty of interior room for short or long trips.

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  GREAT VAN - IF YOU BUY EXTENDED WARRANTY - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By momof4 - February 22 - 1:39 am

  Three new transmissions in less than 75k miles first transmission 25k miles. Bought van brand new. Heavenly ride. Original transmission gave hints of failure at 10,000 miles -- dealership denied for another 15,000 miles until the whole transmission gave out while crossing highway. Ford, good training on the denial of transmission problems. Thanks for putting my life in danger! This may sound crazy, but I love the van even with 3 new transmissions in 4 years. Perhaps I’m not wise. 3 children alters thought process. Edmunds reviewers were dead on even the nit picky problems. A financial survival tip -- extended warranty absolutely without a doubt a serious necessity for Windstar owners -- Ford Direct) finances no interest.

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  It is what it is! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Jason - February 20 - 7:43 pm

  Im not a minivan fan, but for our family outings its what we drive. As far as value for the money I think its hard to beat this Ford. Its comfortable for 2 adults and 5 children ages 2 to 11, but I see the need for something larger as our children get older. We average 19-21 mpg and have had no major mechanical problems in our first 47000 miles. We have had minor cooling system problems, and a nuisance problem with a door indicating its open when its actually closed. Both problems where repaired reasonably by a local private shop. All in all I think itd be tough to beat this vehicle for the money.

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  Good but could be better! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By winchesterp - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the 3rd minivan we have owned. The other two were Mercury Villagers. The Windstar is more trucklike in both ride and feel than the Villagers. It is also much roomier than the Villager, and the remote electric door opener feature is a nice touch. Also like the styling of the Windstar, and the dashboard is a little more ergonomic than the Mercury.

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  Transmission, check engine - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Alan - February 8 - 8:17 am

  This vehicle was great right up to about 75,000 miles. Then things went poorly. I have had electrical problems, the check engine light keeps telling me that an o2 sensor is bad changed two times. Then at around 105,000 the tranny started acting weird. Stuck in second gear, O/D light flashing. I have the 3.8 many mechanics have refused to tune it up because it is so hard to work on.