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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  Its good on the inside - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Nate1tate - July 30 - 3:37 am

  We bought this van because we had a second kid on the way. It was fine for family trips and such at first, but the alternator went with under 60K miles. Had major engine problem that required installation of a special valve and head gasket. Trouble with power sliding doors staying on track. Had tranny gasket leak, speed sensors, etc. After reading these reviews Im worried about the steering and tranny now. Buying used we got an upgraded interior. Thats the best part of the whole van. Im not totally unhappy with it, just tired of spending money on it. Trade value is miserable and makes me want to hold on to a vehicle that will likely cost much more before I can afford another car.

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  After 5 & one half years - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By s lznb - July 30 - 2:09 am

  We bought this vehicle due to the handling and power. The only one close was the Pontiac Montana sport but we couldnt make a deal. This van has never been any trouble, just routine maintenance, still has the OEM battery. Better fuel economy than expected, hwy & town. It has exceeded expectations and is still a pleasure to drive. I would buy another one except the new dash arrangement is unpleasant.

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  This Van is Awesome! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By admaster_99 - July 26 - 12:29 am

  My parents bought this van brand new in 2000, it has performed flawlessly during the past five years (95,000 miles). The van has been in the shop for service maybe 2 times. Once for the ball bearings in the front wheels the second time to replace the tie rods because they were bent from all the torque the engine puts out. It is just starting to show signs of wear like a little squeak here and there, and shocks getting a little worn. Nothing major drivetrain is rock solid, tranny isnt quite as tight as it use to be but is can still easily smoke the tires. If I had to depend on a vehicle, it would for sure be the Windstar.

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  Never again! - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Colleen - July 13 - 4:08 pm

  After driving my first brand new car is was immediately plagued with problems. When we purchased the van we were assured that we would be able to tow a tent trailer (<3,000 lbs). Initially the check engine light came on. Nothing wrong at the dealer. Dont know what the computer has been trying to tell us over the past 9 years but now Ive placed a sticker over the light and just ignore it! Right after the warranty ran out 40k miles, the transmission went out! Took to a transmission shop who said you cant haul with a front wheel drive auto! This is my 3rd transmission in 9 years and I poke along the road with my kids! Never, ever buying another Ford even if they give it to me!

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  Looking for something else - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Mom of 3 - July 12 - 11:43 am

  Having 3 kids, I thought I had to have a minivan. This Windstar was the most stylish in my opinion. Has had a strange clunking in the front end when going 55 mph or higher, no one seems to know what it is.

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  My Ford Nightmare - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Ron Melancon - July 9 - 1:00 am

  I bought a new 1999 Windstar and thank goodness I got the extended warranty. Because after 36,000 miles, every five months something has gone wrong. It has cost the warranty company over $18,000 dollars to date. It is so bad they did not offer to extend my coverage. Now the van has only 80,000 miles on it and my wife wants to get rid of it. Why in the world would anybody produce a car and have it break down so often? Here is some of what happened: 38,000 replaced transmission 42,000 replaced full rack and pinion steering 48,000 new head gasket 52,000 new left ball joint and strut, also checked weird thump on the driver side, did not find anything 58,000 new cold start valve.

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  I wont do this again! - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Bruce Heckman - July 4 - 3:36 pm

  Car has been an expensive nightmare -- head gasket repair, transmission repair, bad electrical system, swallowed a valve. We were initially pleased with this van, but it has been a non-stop money pit. The service at the Ford dealers has been the worst automotive experience of my life. Never again.

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  All FORD Acronyms Apply - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Ed Mann - June 30 - 11:56 am

  Bought new. Less than 50k in almost six years. Paint peeled after 3rd year, power steering rack and other components replaced at 13k AND 43k, front disc brake pads replaced at 25k AND 48k, two power door locks intermittent, stereo cuts out on one side, head gasket failed at 43k, rear brake lights constantly failed (replaced sockets), gas mileage under 20 MPG. Whats next? Will not buy another Ford product. I have had great success with Toyota products and will go back to them next time we are in the market for a vehicle.

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  Reliability is Horrible - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Patrick4 - June 29 - 6:23 pm

  We have a 2000 Windstar which we bought new. The transmission has gone out twice (60K and $70K miles). Everything breaks on it. The paint is peeling around all doors and on the roof, the electrical doors locks have broken, and the rear window water spray broke after about 3 months of ownership. My sister had a 2000 as well and the transmission went out on hers also. This is just the beginning of the problems.

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  feel like i was ripped off - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By never buy a ford - June 29 - 4:08 pm

  We bought the car new in 1999. In six years, we put only 50,000 miles on it and expected for it to last another four years to make it worth the money we paid. So far weve had to replace the steering rack, intake gaskets ($600), rod ends, brakes, and suffered with various unfixable noises and broken bits of interior plastic. Now the whole transmission has conked out the estimate is $2,700 to fix it, and we are done. We are not throwing good money after bad we walking away from our losses, giving the car to a mechanic for $1000. Ford has nothing to say, neither does the dealer. I am done with Ford I would never ever trust them again. Don’t buy a Windstar, youll regret it.