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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  nice van - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By fords rule - May 22 - 9:02 am

  Well we have had 2 1998 Windstars and both have been real good. The first was the base 3.0 with power group. We had it for 1 year and put 89,000 miles on it because we travel from Maine to Boston 2 times a moth. It was a good van on the interstate. The 2 was a 98 Northwoods full power and was a real good van to have too. Had no problems with it at all we have had ‘99 ’00 and ‘01 Windstars and all have been good to have.

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  Transmission Turmoil - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Bad Transmission 87K - May 19 - 6:42 pm

  I bought a 99 Windstar second hand. At 87,000 miles the transmission was replaced. Ford quoted me $2500. They ended up paying $700 of that due to my complaining. It is still jerking and snatching and I am too tired to take it back to the shop. As long as it gets me where I need to go, I will deal with it. Overall, Im disappointed! Im looking for a vehicle that is TOUGH and BUILT LIKE A ROCK! It was a roomy ride and my kids loved it, however, Im, ready to give this minivan the boot. Not to mention that the check engine light stayed on and no one could figure out how to get it to go off.

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  Worst Vehicle Ever Built - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By JConner - May 19 - 2:58 pm

  We bought it to accomodate our family outings, but it has been a constant problem. It has a constant miss, that to this date, we have been unable to find a mechanic that can fix it. Also has the issues of the door ajar alarm staying on, power windows work occasionally. This van has spent MONTHS in the shop and is still not fixed. Really gives Ford a bad name. Im sure I wont be buying anything else with Ford on it. I cant believe this entire vehicle hasnt been recalled for all the extreme problems they have.

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  pretty fly for a van - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By bigpimpin - May 13 - 10:00 am

  up until now it has been very reliable and powerful, i find myself racing some smaller inline 4 cylender cars and winning. great built quality except for a heating prob. other then that 106,000 miles without a sweat, also handles like a car

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  Dont Buy It - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Dave - May 5 - 12:33 pm

  At 35,800 miles my transmission went out while my family and I were on a trip. Ford fixed it, but it still never acted like it shifted correctly. Too many recalls. Front coil springs were recalled, of all things. Had multiple sensors go bad. Every garage we took it to warned us of the known transmission troubles. Sold it and bought a new Chrysler T & C.

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  Suits Me Fine - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By 2fords+ - May 2 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I got our Windstar from my dad when our family grew too big. Only had one problem which was covered by recall (blinking lights, gauges wouldnt work, warning noises on and off when we stepped on the brakes... all because of a missing seal in the rear of the van) and the work was done in two hours at our local dealer.

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  No Problems - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By DoubleL - May 1 - 6:26 pm

  I have just hit 150k in my Windstar and have had very few problems. A starter and my interior lights stayed on once (sensor problem) always drive sanely and take good care of it. Still looks and drives beautifully.

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  Unreliable - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By dsp - April 22 - 7:33 pm

  Bought off lease with 15,000 miles, ran fine until warranty ran out. Around 60,000 miles had constant check engine lights. Would replace one sensor and then the following week it would be another one. Power steering rack started going out and traded it for a Toyota Sienna. I hate to admit but I will never again buy another Ford product.

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  I Love My Van - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Martinezfam1126 - April 21 - 1:19 pm

  I purchased this van used and I love it. I get better mileage than I get with my husbands new Honda. My son loves climbing in and out of it. We have taken this van everywhere and it works perfect.

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  Many mechanical problems - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By f perez - April 19 - 2:00 am

  A year after purchasing my Windstar was in the shop for over a month ( 5 different occasions) Once they sell it to you it is your problem. I have purchased 5 fords (4 taurus before this lemmon) I will NEVER buy Ford again. They have gone back to the 1970s with built in obsolesence! When I went to return the car on a lease return, all the told me was that I should go into another lease because I did not want to own a car with 40k mi because it will most likely break-down. No Thanks. 3 yrs 36k is too little Ford does not stand behind their product. I am going to shop Honda Toyota tomorrow. If you are considering this van DONT!!!