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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More time in the SHOP than on the ROAD! - 2003 Ford Windstar
By tony22r - August 2 - 2:00 amBought NEW for $20K out-the-door. Since New: Service Engine Soon light ON. 5K Trim, Weatherstripping falling off 7K All doors rattling, squeeking 40K Blown Head Gaskets 50K Blown Transmission 55K (and 10 Recalls later) Sold for $3K Good riddance! I feel sorry for the Sap who bought it, and Im just glad that its not MY problem any more!
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I told my best girlfriend not to buy one - 2003 Ford Windstar
By the girlfriend - July 27 - 2:00 amI work at a Ford dealership, Stay away from all of them except for the Ford Trucks! They Rock! The 150s are Awesome The Windstars are sadly nothing but problems
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Ford Windstar - 2003 Ford Windstar
By FordGuy9 - May 29 - 2:00 amThis car is built very poor
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Should have bought the Oddesy! - 1999 Ford Windstar
By Markos - March 21 - 2:00 amBought the vehicle pre-owned after we found out we were having twins. Did research, safety was great I didnt expect the vehicle to be so awful. Replaced PC Module after 3 months, tranny after 9 months. Have numerous electrical problems, doesnt start on cold days. What a mistake I should have spent the extra money for the Honda. Called Ford Motor Co., and they dont seem to give a hoot. Pretty bad when I work in the car industry myself as a sales consultant. Cant wait for the Saturn Mini-Van in 2005 model year.
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7 Factory Recalls - 1995 Ford Windstar
By tony22r - December 13 - 2:00 am7(!) Factory Recalls! -blown head gaskets, twice -2 transmissions, failed plungers -"Check Engine" light has been constantly ON since new. -weatherstripping falling off -trim, interior falling apart -had a defective, leaky RIM since new! -Electrical problems -Has been towed more times than we can Count! Do NOT buy a Ford Windstar!
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Dont Buy Ford - 1996 Ford Windstar
By FarsideJohn - November 23 - 2:00 amAn average vehicle at best, this POS has been sitting in my garage for 5 weeks because it has a leaking head gasket (3.8 liter engine) at 64,000 miles. Although there are hundreds of identical complaints on the NHTSA.gov web site due to Fords bad engine design, Ford refuses to make good on the $3,000 of repairs that are required to make this vehicle driveable again. If I am reincarnated, I will never, never, never buy another Ford product.
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Beware - 1998 Ford Windstar
By Riv - November 19 - 2:00 amVery poor reliability. Radio has been a major problem. Very expensive to repair/replace (suggest replacement with after market radio). Major problems with motor after 45,000 miles. Service engine light comes on all the time. Continue to take to dealer and its something different each time. Vacuum hoses, oxygen sensors, gasket replacements, front steering suspension problems and recalls. Basically a money pit. Timing Head Cover Gasket and Upper Intake Gasket latest repair, $1,400.
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Ford Loser - 1996 Ford Windstar
By FordLoser - September 3 - 2:00 amDont by a Ford unless you have DEEP POCKETS! The repairs on Ford vehilcles will suck your wallet DRY! Headgasket, Timing Gasket,Main Engine Bearings, Brakes, Speedometer, ALL DEFECTIVE! OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES!And no more than 100,000 miles. Ford "customer service" is well versed in "Im sorry but, we wont help you"
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NEVER BUY THIS THING - 1995 Ford Windstar
By M DAWG - September 1 - 2:00 amTHIS IS THE WORST VAN IN THE WHOLE WORLD, IT HAS GIVEN ME SO MANY PROBLEMS AND I CANT EVEN NAME THEM ALL.AT 50,000 I HAVE HAD A NEW ENGINE REPLACED ALREADY. THATS JUST ONE OF THE MANY PROBLEMS. PLEASE TAKE MY ADVICE AND DONT GET THS SO CALLED WINDSTAR. YOU WILL SPEND SO MUCH MONEY MANTIANING THIS THING THAT YOU CAN BUY YOURSELF ANOTHER VAN.
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Disappointed by Ford - 1995 Ford Windstar
By Disappointed by Ford - July 25 - 2:00 amI was previously a happy 1994 Ford Ranger. So I thought that the same good experience was in store when I bought the Windstar. Wrong!!! It left us stranded on 4 occassions. I replaced the transmission for $2K, the A/C system for $1.1K, and the computer and other ignition components for about another $1k. Why did Ford allow this wreck to leave the factory? I will never trust Ford again! Sorry, you only get one chance and you had your one chance twice. The Ranger gave you another "one chance." The Windstar was your last chance. Hello Toyota, so long Ford.
