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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  STAY AWAY - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By JWM - June 29 - 3:44 pm

  Simply the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Bought with 38K and only have 50k now. I have replaced the front axle, rear shocks (twice), front shocks and struts, and sway bars and it still feels like we are surfing. I have also fixed the brake sensor (twice), rear brakes and rotors, power steering pump, various gaskets, and the transmission had to be rebuilt and left my family stranded on our vacation. Driving it home from having the transmission rebuilt, the check engine light came on again. The front seat belt doesnt work properly and the power switch for the front seat has been broken for about a year. Even with the extended, this van is costing us money. Please dont ever buy this van.

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  Buyer Beware! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By TheWizardOfAhhs - June 25 - 4:00 am

  We bought this van in 2000. Intermittent electrical problems from day one and they could never fix it. Got 4 years and 38,800 miles out of it before the TRANSMISSION WENT OUT! Warranty was 3 years or 36K miles so Ford would not help us with the repair. They didnt disclose this until AFTER milking us for another $250 for them to diagnose that the transmission was out. (The car was towed in). Dealer wanted nearly $5K to replace. Fat chance!. Heck the van is not worth much more than that on the used market. We are in the market for a sedan, but will never buy another Ford Product. if you buy this van, follow dealer maintenance religiously and buy extended warranty.

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  One Sweet Ride - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Woodbyrne - June 22 - 1:52 pm

  Purchased this vehicle used with 38,000 miles on it. Traded in my 04 Escape because we needed a bigger vehicle to haul the kids around. Never thought Id be driving a minivan, but this Windstar is perfect for us. Our 3-year old loves the VCR Entertainment System. Our 3-month old enjoys looking out the huge side windows. We were looking for something with enough room for a third child one day and something that was safe. Our Windstar is jet black with chrome trim. Reminds me of MTVs Pimp My Ride, which I think is a good thing. We knew the Honda and Toyota are rated higher, but they cost too much and would have come with tons of mileage. The Windstar is a great deal and is recommended.

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  FIX OR REPAIR DAILY (FORD) - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By maryann - June 20 - 1:24 pm

  I thought I was getting something that would be comfortable for my family and I BUT... This vehicle has been nothing but TROUBLE. After buying the vehicle I had to replace the speedometer that cost me $1700. Oh and that was only after I bought the car and owned it for 3 months. Ok, so a year goes by and guess where my car is at the dealership once again with a problem they dont know! I can no longer tell how fast I am going because that dont work and how many miles my vehicle has. Oh and the ABS light is on and the air conditioning is no longer working. Check engine light on and they say it is an O2 sensor Ford Motor has had lots of complaints and wont recall it

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  Windstar - Quality is Job none! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Parents of Three - June 17 - 4:19 pm

  Bought 2000 Windstar new. Day1, heard clunking transmission when shifting. Dealer said its fine. At 54k miles, transmission died. I had original complaint documented. They gave us a break - still cost me $800. 5 minutes later, transmission died again. Cost $100 deductible plus other $125 transmission problem they said not related. Yeah right! At 63k miles the front spring broke. Cost $925 for 2 springs, alignment, etc. Had that back 3 days and the ABS/Brakes lights went on. Took it back - $1157 quote for "Modules." No way Im paying them that. Dealer/Ford gave no other help. Please research before buying or get extended warranty. Im trading for Sienna or Odyssey this weekend. Should not have so many problems at 63k miles.

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  Dont do it - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Unhappy - June 16 - 4:03 am

  Needed new engine after 79000 miles. Thrown rod caused metal to punch holes in 2 places in engine, blew a hole in oil pan, perforated the starter...Cost ended up being more than van was worth. Replaced transmission at 50,000. Transmission needs work again. Roof rack bolts caused rust in roof and ruined paint due to bad seal. Head gasket, fuel tank, & other warranty repairs done. MULTIPLE tie rod jobs in front. All this despite excellent maintenance by owner. WILL NEVER buy a Ford again.

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  Its been good for us. - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Famof4 - June 9 - 12:21 am

  We bought our van new when 0.9% financing mattered with a growing family. It went through 5 recalls in 2 years and had a few minor things that were covered by warranty but so far, knock on wood, we have had no major problems. We have changed oil every 3000 miles and rotated tires every 7000. At 48,000 miles we replaced the battery and tires and did the brakes at 55,000 miles. All things I consider standard wear and tear. Its not a beauty to many but to us it has been a very reliable vehicle. I would not buy another one because of resale and like another reviewer pointed out, the drivers seat is not very comfortable and theres not much leg room if you have long legs as I do.

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  Never again Ford! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Never again Ford - June 6 - 10:24 pm

  Ive owned since new. They call it Windstar for a reason. You can hear all the wind and road noise! Noisy engine. Paint came off hood. Roof paint cracked and had to be repainted. It shakes and shutters when turning if you press the gas pedal. Continues to roll after putting it in park (scary). I have 75,000 miles on it with no major mechanical problems. But from what I heard, there will be a transmission in the future. Stay away.

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  My ownership experience - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By jwhclayton - June 5 - 1:33 am

  I purchased new in summer of 2004, it now has 75,000 miles on it. I have changed oil every 4,000 miles, replaced tires, replace brake pads on front, replace power steering fluid. It has only been in the dealership twice since it was new. No complaints.

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  Happy with my Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By bmurf - May 26 - 8:53 pm

  We bought a Windstar SEL new in 2000. The car currently has 22,000 miles and except for standard maintenance, and one problem with the tie-rod, the car performs great. I wish the gas mileage was better, we currently get about 16 mpg, mostly around town driving. This car has lots of utility, especially with kids, dog, etc. The entertainment system is a godsend for long trips. The removable seats let me load up lots of stuff on frequent trips to Home Depot. This is a really nice vehicle.