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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  The Ford Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Andy - March 13 - 9:11 am

  This Windstar has 26,000 miles. She runs great! This is our second Windstar and they keep on getting better. The legroom and headroom is much better than the Freestars. I give this car a 10!

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  Not bad for a Ford! - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Rodgela - March 12 - 5:21 pm

  Its been a great vacation vehicle for us. There are a lot of storage cubbies to put a variety of camping items like flashlights, utensils, and other sundries. Theres a lot of space inside plenty for our family of four on a 2-3 day trip. It seats seven when were visiting friends and grandparents, aunts and uncles so that we can travel to our destination in one vehicle. We have not had to repair anything in the two years we have owned it. Were the second owner and we bought it from friends that did not have problems with it either.

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  grrr! - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By !@#$%^&* - March 11 - 8:52 pm

  This has to be one of the worst vehicles ever produced. In six years and 52000 miles, the transmission was rebuilt, courtesy of Carmax, after one month. It was replaced with a Ford rebuild at 62,000 miles. The head gasket and front end gasket were also replaced at this time, courtesy of an extended warranty I purchased. A month later, it left us stranded 1,000 miles from home, 13 hours into our vacation. Ford put in a rebuilt engine and gave me $125 towards a $700 bill to rent a small car to continue our vacation. The new engine runs worse than the first, stalling at the worst times and surging at others. The dome lights stay on when it’s damp out making for a fun time driving at night. Now the ABS and brake lights are on.

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  Good Van - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By rhinobrecht - March 3 - 2:19 pm

  The Windstar has been very reliable and enjoyable in general for us. The sliding doors tend to stick a little especially on cold mornings. The seats are very comfortable and the amenities are good for the money, I think. I believe the 02s only had the VHS (no DVD) available for the entertainment system so we opted not to get it. I wasnt overly impressed with the Chevy Venture in design or comfort for the same price (although they did have the DVD player). There have been minor problems, but overall its been reliable and a great van for the family.

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  Windstar = Happiness - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Vinb2k5 - March 2 - 9:44 pm

  Great van, ours has lasted 198,000 miles. Even when the engine developed a crack in the block it still ran, until the tags expired. Extremely reliable providing 8 years of service to our family. Definitely would buy another one.

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  What happened to Ford? - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Robert - February 27 - 7:28 pm

  This has to be one of the worst automobiles ever made.I once was a big Ford supporter but after owning this van I will never buy another Ford again. Transmission problems, front end problems just a terrible van.This is an automobile that is used for family outings. Stay away from Fords.

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  1999 Ford Windstar Van - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Jim - February 26 - 10:52 am

  We have had several problems with this vehicle. The paint started to flake off the roof at approximately 65,000K with Ford denying any widespread problems with paint. The electrical system has been problematic causing the dash to flicker and door locks to work erratically. The valves have made noise since we bought it, with Ford unable to find a problem. We have also had front suspension and power steering work. When called about the paint problems, the dealer said I would have to call Detroit...but claimed NOT to have Fords 800 number! I AM THROUGH WITH FORD PRODUCTS!

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  Good ride, overall satisfied - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Redleg - February 23 - 3:33 am

  I purchased this vehicle used, but in great condition, in the East Coast. I have since moved to Colorado and have been impressed with its ability to tackle the Rockies. I am overall satisfied with the performance of the Windstar, though Ive had to replace the speedometer and fuel pump. Otherwise, it is very reliable and comfortable. With a larger gas tank (25 gallons) than other minivans, I am able to travel further before filling up.

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  A Faithful Friend - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Mike Smith - February 22 - 7:27 pm

  This vehicle served its intended purpose well - it was a reliable, comfortable and overall fairly inexpensive means of transportation for my family. My wife used it to take my kids around and we used it for family trips. It never gave me any serious problems and got decent fuel mileage. The most important feature of this van was that it saved our lives when we crashed into the back end of a stopped Z-71 Pickup on Rt. 40 in Arkansas. Our van was totaled, the air bags popped, the belts tightened, etc. - the worst injury we had was a broken toe when I kicked the passenger side footwell just before the crash. Thank you Ford!

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  The last Ford - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By TJO - February 21 - 10:12 am

  Ive been driving Fords for 30 years, and this will be the last one. I only had one problem with this van in 96,000 miles. The transmission blew at 69,000 miles. I think this is inexcusable. I sent a letter to Ford and told them that if they did not chip in on the repair that this would be the last Ford I ever purchased. They did not respond. I thought the least they could do is send me a coupon for my next car. So my next car will not be a Ford, and this was their choice.