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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  guess we got a good one! - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By jjs - February 11 - 12:44 pm

  Bought it used with 18k miles on it. Now has 143,000 and runs just great. Had a transmission problem at about 55,000 miles but fixed at dealer andno further problem. Power doors dont always work, but the 3.8 burns no oil and no drips anywhere. Resale is terrible, so Ill drive it till it stops! Meanwhile, it remains a nice comfortable ride.

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  Not bad - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By trevor - January 30 - 4:37 pm

  Pulled a boat back from a different province with my stepdads 01 sport. Liked it so much I bought the identical van. Other than the typical ford engineering that makes it hard to work on yourself its been a great family van. I pull trailers with it all the time and use it for road trips with the family. It gets great gas mileage,has lots of power and has no problem with the cruise set at 145km/h. I think a tranny cooler helps deal with trans problems.

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  Great family Van - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Deb - January 21 - 12:51 pm

  Reliable, I have had this van since 2005, Have not had any problems with it. Oil Changes, brakes - that is all. The only reason I am looking for another vehicle is my childern are very tall and they no longer are confortable in the back seat.

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  Good Van for the Price - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By tommy - January 19 - 9:00 pm

  Prior to this van we had another 2001 LX. We sold it with 165,000 miles. We have an SEL that has 168,200 miles Now. Sure we have had some problems, but these cars are VERY easy to repair and maintain. Forums are readily available to diagnose problems, and parts are very inexpensive. So far the car has never left us stranded. This car has a bad reputation but, it has been an overall comfortable and decent van.

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  Would I Buy It Again? Maybe - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Windstar Sport - December 29 - 11:26 pm

  I bought this car used in Oct,03.It had only 7600 miles on it. I have driven it up & down the I-5 probably at least 12(roundtrip) times. It has yet to fail me on the road. I love the versatility of using it for people, animals, & camping. However, I have spent at least $6,000 on repairs transmission went out at 89,000 miles. Alternator went out last year. Some computer stuff, too. My brake light & parking brake stays on all the time. Cost 1700 to fix & still cant get the light to turn off. I just paid the car off in Sept/09. Cant afford a new car at this time, so I take good care of it. People still tell me it looks brand new. Next van I get I want seats that go into the floor,

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  Windstar1996 GL - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Jadlcg3 - December 18 - 12:46 pm

  I bought this van 6 years ago. It had 140,000 miles when I bought it. It ran pretty well. I have had to replace a few very expensive parts. The ABS keeps messing up my front breaks (I have to replace them every year). The speed sensor is bad, and have had to replace the O2 sensors. The rear defrost fried and does not work, thank goodness for my garage. The seats are very heavy to take out, as well. Over-all, the van has been pretty good to me. Has not left me stranded anywhere. Im able to drive long hauls with no problems. I do wished it had the drivers side sliding door. Its ok, though. My boys call it the NASCAR Van. lol

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  Does the Job - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By MW - December 15 - 2:00 am

  We have had a good experience with the windstar ( our first minivan) The seats are removable, though heavy, but make for very versitile use of space. Our three kids and the dog have plenty of space and still room for luggage. We havent had any significant problems that werent addressed promptly. The side power doors are great, thought the pass side door often moves slowly. We only have 38K miles on it and I hear the horror stories about the trans. but none for us (knock wood) My wife and I swore we would never get a minivan, but this has been the best, and most practical vehicle we have owned.

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  Quality doesnt = American anymore - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By RG - December 6 - 1:31 pm

  I never owned a Ford before and I will probably never own one again. American cars are unreliable compared to Japanese brands. No big issues with the car so far, but the Engine light has gone on and supposedly it is a problem w/an oxygen sensor, spark plugs or vacuum leak. Trying to fix it yourself is impossible and Dealer wants $90 just for diagnostic! Guzzled gas before and now with sensor/leak problem its consuming $10 a day just to drive around the corner! Not a lot of road noise, but the vehicle shakes terribly. It feels like its going to break apart on the highway. Doors are quirky and wont unlock w/keyless when too cold. Ill buy a Japanese or Euro make at trade-in.

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  I Was Surprised - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By JETZcorp - November 16 - 5:35 am

  When I told my parents I would like my first car to be a truck, they figured I was looking for a 4000lb thing and picked up this van. I thought it was going to be a terrible pig that got a gallon to the mile and turned with the precision of a brick. What I found instead was that, compared with my moms Suzuki Grand Vitara, the beast had gobs of torque and an orgasmic sound above 4000 revs. My only complaints are the transmission (all cars should be manual) and the fact that it wont haul a motorcycle. In terms of reliability, the only worrying thing is a sort of clicking under the dash depending on the A/C setting. Take control of the shifter yourself and burnouts are easy.

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  Mixed bag - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By Sigh... - November 11 - 6:55 pm

  Have owned the car since it was new. Now have 180,000 miles on itso we know the good and the ugly. The good: great concept and design, very comfortable, great highway vehicle (primary use for us - never was a city car which is prob why we have so many miles on it),tranny is orig and fine engine/trans/systems well conceived (but see the bad...) now has 180K on it and runs great - still not burning oil. The bad: it was made so poorly!!! We have replaced virtually every seal in the engine, rebuilt all the brakes, cruise control and ABS computer quit working years ago. Have replaced many parts - it has been an expensive car to maintain.