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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  Very disappointed - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Ray - August 26 - 2:01 am

  In 4 years that we have had this car, we have in the past year put in over $3500. This includes $1200 for intake manifold problem where the oil leaked. Funny I saw the same problem noted also on this website review. Then a few months later we ended up replacing the engine at a cost of $2500 with Ford pitching in the other half. Now we are having to replace the ABS computer brain that controls the hydraulics for the brakes. That is $1200. The dealership has offered to work with us on this repair as well as offering us an option on purchasing another car with them like a Freestar. I am VERY DISAPPOINTED that this car would have had $5000 in repairs while under 85k miles.

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  2 Windstars - Over 100k Miles each! - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By lovewindstars - August 25 - 10:10 pm

  We purchased a 1995 Windstar from a private party in 2002 from a soldiers wife on Ft. Carson. I have to say this car has been a REMARKABLE dream to own. We have had ZERO major repairs and have been incredibly impressed with this Windstar. We have had one tune up, one alignment, new tires twice, one serpentine belt replaced, and new brake pads a couple of times. and 100% Mobil1 synthetic oil changes. It runs quiet, stays straight, and never fails to start and run well. We keep wanting to trade it in, but its almost become a challenge to keep this one going to see JUST HOW MANY MILES we can put on it with the original transmission and engine!

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  Disgruntled Ford owner - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Shirley L. Kimbro - August 23 - 5:30 pm

  My 2000 Ford Windstar SEL has given me nothing but trouble. The transmission had to be replaced when it was less than 2 years old ($2200). The transmission was replaced AGAIN 2 weeks ago ($2900), and its in the service dept right now because the "Check Transmission" and the Overdrive light is still flashing. Its the WORST vehicle Ive ever had. I will never spend my money on another Ford vehicle. The van should have been "recalled" for mechanical defects. The electrical doors and locks have failed.

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  Constant Repairs - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Terry Dullaghan - August 22 - 1:12 pm

  Purchased with 29,000 on it. Vehicle now has 65,000. In 36,000 miles we have replaced the front axle once, the transmission, the ABS system, various electrical systems and the head gasket. I purchased this for my daughter and her three children and it is the most unreliable vehicle we have ever owned. It appears Ford products start self destructing right at 55,000 miles and beyond.

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  cant trust it - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By nomorefords - August 18 - 6:06 pm

  Bought the van new in 02. From the very day we bought it, it had electrical problems. In 3 years it had 11 electrical repairs. The power seat quit a few times, the dome lights quit a few times, the rear window blew in on a cold morning when defroster turned on. The windshield was replaced because it wouldnt seat properly. Dealer couldnt figure out electrical problem, so they replaced the entire wiring harness inside. After warranty expired the relay and wiper motor blew during heavy downpour (dealer fixed under warranty anyway). Other than too many electrical problems, we loved the van. Couldnt trust it anymore, traded it for a Honda Pilot.

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  Great Family Van - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Parents of 2 under 2 - August 15 - 5:27 pm

  We traded off a Acura TL for the van when the 2nd kid was in route. I can not believe we would love this as much as we do. Our van is the LX Deluxe with is an understatment with all the features: Power windows, locks, seats VCP, wheels, tire pressure monitor, rear a/c, plenty of horsepower. Our second row is a bench since both kids are in car seats this allows easier access to the 3rd row.

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  Best Value Ive found - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By vanfan - August 11 - 1:37 pm

  I have an 02 and had a 96 prior. both have been quite reliable. the 02 was only to the dealer 2 times in 3 years (once under warranty). My brother has had his Odyssey in as many times, and paid a WHOLE bunch more for the van. Great for towing our folding camper as well. I highly recommend!

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  Our 2002 Windstar - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By sumagra - August 9 - 5:41 pm

  Been very happy with the car. Brakes needed replacement at 38,000 miles and so did front tires. No other repairs. Gas, oil-changes, and go.

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  i own 5 of them - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Cabbie - August 7 - 10:00 am

  as part of my cab fleet i own 5 of these. just after 100k miles everyone of them needed a transaxle (transmission). at about the same time evry one of them needed a new rack (steering). The front suspension is very prone to wear, constantly changing ball joints, idler arms etc. Most of my vehicles go 500k miles before retirig at about 6 years old, these arnt making it. Suggest anybody that gets to 100-120k of normal use get rid of it quick. The Windstar actually taurus with a different body. Too heavy for the chassis and drive train.

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  Very Happy - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Ethan - August 7 - 10:00 am

  We bought our first Windstar in 1999, have since bought a second (2002), and will shortly buy our third. I cant tell you how happy we have been. The only time spent in the shop has been for the recalls and this seems to be a very small price to pay to make sure the van is running well. With cars from other manufacturers that I have owned in the past, this includes German and Japanese cars, I have had to make similar types of repairs, but I had to pay for them.