Overview & Reviews

AdvanceTrac stability control system was supposed to be available for 2002, but it was postponed. It makes its appearance for the 2003 model year. The LX base trim level is rechristened to Windstar.

• Top-flight safety equipment and ratings, plenty of interior features and options, powerful V6 engine.

• Disconnected ride and handling, poor interior space utilization, noisy V6 engine, poor reputation for reliability.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 106.00

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  Ford all the way - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Phantom - September 23 - 1:14 pm

  I Love My Windstar! Without a doubt this is one of the best vehicles on the road. One fact my decision to purchase a Windstar was you very rarely see on sitting on the road side. The total mileage is approaching 101200 and have only had regular servicing done. My dealer is the one problem I have as they want the van brought in for every little thing. I suppose they think an oil change is beyond the scope of the average person. If Ford still made Windstars, I would not hesitate to purchase another one. Anyone who thinks the Windstar gets poor mileage probably races from stoplight to stoplight and spends a lot time sitting in traffic. I get approximately 18.6 mpg around town.

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  Good and Bad Features - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Sandy - July 30 - 7:17 am

  Mechanically, I have had no problems with the Windstar. I have 88,000 miles on it and it still runs like new. I just changed the battery for the first time. I am going to trade it on a smaller car. If I had known that Ford was going to come out with a van with collapsable seats instead of the removable ones, I would have waited and bought the Freestar. Removing and replacing the back seats has been the biggest pain since I got the car. Also, like most other reviews here, my interior lights occasionally flicker and no one can fine what is wrong. Same with the ABS light that comes on but dealer cant find any problem when I bring it in. Gas mileage has been about 20. Used to be better.

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  Not a good quality-reliable van - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By SANCHEZ,EDNA - July 12 - 1:08 pm

  The van is not a good quality. Looks good on the outside but nothing good on the inside. The electrical system easily broke down, alternator work out on two years. manufacturer did not informed us that there is a recall on the van. The Van stop in the middle of the Freeway at no warning. The power window does not work to good. The sliding door stock every time.

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  When the alternator worked. - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Firemann - May 14 - 3:46 pm

  We had a spell of a couple months were we could not keep an alternator in the van. However, once we got the problem solved (4 alternators later) the van has been great. Gas mileage is not so good, but its a comfortable ride. We have the SEL. One of the power doors broke and they are very heavy without the motor moving it. They are spacious and great for long drives.

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  Tall drivers take note - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By thundercloud47 - April 28 - 7:23 pm

  I am one week into owning this Windstar. Im 66" and have a problem with fitting in the newer vehicles especially the imports. This was funny when I was younger but now that I am disabled with arthritis it is not so funny anymore. I have no problem fitting in the Windstar. The only issue I have is the console where the heater controls and radio are located. It is too close for my liking in that it does not give my right leg enough room. But this is an issue I can overlook. I have plenty of headroom, the seats are comfortable, and the ride is fantastic. I really like not having to duck my head to look out the windshield. Its too soon to tell about reliability .

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  Poor quality - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Ford - never again - April 21 - 3:01 pm

  Seems like this car knew it had passed the 3 year / 36,000 mile mark and started to disintegrate. Catalog of problems, many electrical: in-dash CD changer wont eject, rear windows open & close when they feel like it, electric sliding doors: one opens occasionally & the other wont close completetly, steerng motor howls like a werewolf.

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  Buyers beware... Be very aware! - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Just say NO!!!! - March 30 - 11:05 am

  My wife and I bought this used nightmare, from one of the largest Ford dealers in the country. We were attracted by its good looks and many great family options like the entertainment package. I had owned a 1998 windstar before, which was a complete lemon (transmission failure) but I had heard Ford greatly improved this van (false) we only owned this 2003 windstar van for 7 months as of yesterday when we traded it in at the Toyota dealership. Just cant afford to put any more alternators, batteries, electrical components on this van to keep it going with 60,000 miles plus I didnt even get into the from end shimming at road speeds. Low cost to buy but ridiculous ownership cost to keep on the road.

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  Dissapointed owner - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Estella Delgado - March 19 - 11:42 am

  We purchansed and have enjoyed this vehicle until recently when the van with only 70,000 miles on it broke down and we are told that it needs a new transmission. We cannot believe this has happened. It is now sitting in the garage because of the economy we cannot afford to dish out over $1,500 for the repair.

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  Do NOT Depend on Ford - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Great Family Van NOT - March 17 - 1:59 pm

  The first 2 yrs were great, no problems (even posted here in 08-2005). However, since early 2006 we have had the interior lights flashing, dealer can not fix and many many compliant logged with no known TSB or fix. (Replaced: light swithc 2x both sliding doors and rear gate sensors) -- Now the intake manifold must be replaced due to a PLASTIC seal used that melts around 50- 70K miles. *We have 55K now. $100 part and 3 hrs of labor at your dealer of choice @ $120= total $460 before taxes. My dealer stated 4-6 vans a day must have this done, and Ford will not issue a recall as this is not a Safety issue. Just causes the van to suck more gas and fail emmissions.

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  Once they fixed the throttle sensor.. - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By David - November 13 - 1:38 pm

  I really like this van. Unfortunately, I had a high idling problem that went on for about 70,000 miles. Unexpectedly, it was diagnosed it as a bad throttle sensor. Once they replaced that, its like a new car. I love it again. Ive had a few "electricals." The driver side window motor had to be replaced. The "Check AdvanceTrac" comes on occasionally, but nothing is found to be wrong. Mileage is as stated, 18 to 24. I can live with that. I wish the seats were stow n go, but thats not a show stopper. Theyre heavy as heck, though. Ive got 111,000 on it now and hope to get another 50-75,000. Bottom line, once the high idling was fixed, its an nice car.