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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  2002 Ford Windstar - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By nunzie mollicone - March 9 - 11:04 am

  Car is garaged. Drive about7000 mi per year. Never been in any accidents. Had to relace alternator and battery last year. Handles beautiful, very smooth ride.

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  One in a Million? - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By One in a Million? - December 19 - 9:43 am

  Reading some of the other reviews I think I may have that one in a million -- this van has been very solid. Besides the hubcaps being poorly designed (they wont stay on) and the door ajar warning (with annoying dinging below 15 mph), this van has had only the expected repairs - - transmission rebuilt at 167,000, tie rods recently replaced, wheel bearing, suspension, brakes, radiator hose -- not bad since it has almost 240,000 miles on it!! I have kept it well maintained. All I know is that this van has been very reliable.

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  Power & Polish - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Fergs - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The 2000 Windstar has alot of horsepower and attractive styling.

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  Pleased with my 2000 Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By kennyp - August 8 - 10:00 am

  The 2000 Ford Windstar SEL we purchased was the first new car we ever had. I have been very pleased with the van. The interior is very comfortable and the quad seating helps getting the children in and out quite easily. I especially like the safety record of the van and feel that that alone was worth choosing the Windstar. It would be nice to get better mileage ( average 19 - 20 )and have less engine noise, but those are things I would willingly trade off for the safety.

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  Better than Expected - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By flin1 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  We bought this van mainly because it had been sitting on the dealers lot for around a year and we got a great price on it. Id driven a rental Windstar and liked it and my wife thought we needed a van for our 5 person family. Weve had good luck with Fords and this was no different. It is surprisingly quiet, and smooth riding. The base engine gives pretty good power and also pretty good mileage. The dealer service has been excellent on a few minor problems, radio and a minor paint problem.

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  Best non soccer mom van ever! - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Jack - March 5 - 4:48 pm

  Powerful, nice looking, easy seat removal, holds resale value, 18-24 mpg was right on, tires wear great versus a lot of vans that wear out front tires. Lot of pick up and very comfortable. Radio iffy so replace with aftermarket. Otherwise a 10!

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  11 years going strong - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By No problems ever - March 4 - 12:38 pm

  I bought this van new and have had it to the mechanics only twice in all these years easy to fix carburetor problem just 3 years ago, and fan fix for back seats. Extremely reliable. Everything still works perfectly. Gets 17 mpg, better than the mid-sized SUVs these days.

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  Better than GM or Chrysler! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By PL - November 5 - 1:28 pm

  Bought this after owning/driving Chevy Venture and Dodge Caravan. This was hands down a better van. Bigger, more power, better ride than the competition. Gas mileage less on the larger 3.8L engine, but significant power and better towing ability makes that negligible at 25mpg hi-way vs 28+ on the others with a small trailer. Loved it from day one and it still drives like new, turning 109,000 this week. Maintenance is easier on Windstar-easier oil/filter changes. Cabin air filter for allergy sufferers is good idea. Overall I would say 100% better than Venture and 50% better than Chrysler products. Looked at Honda, Hyundai before buying this. We have never regretted it a second!

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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.