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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  this is funny - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Tony - February 12 - 11:20 pm

  This is funny. I see all these bad reviews for a GREAT vehicle. Dont let these affect your purchase. Ive put 130,000 miles on mine and only thing that went wrong was a rear wiper motor. The transmissions are fine as long as you service them correctly and arent pulling your boat behind it. I bet if i asked all these people with tranny probs if they were towing with it, theyd say yes. Its a MINIVAN. Not a workhorse.

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  Awesome Taurus Upgrade - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By jcd302 - February 12 - 12:09 am

  We just replaced our aged Taurus with this van. High mileage doesnt bother me because my last few Fords had 178k, 182k, the Taurus had 123k and my 94 Ranger has 146k and no problems. Ford did it right with the Windstar too bad I dont like the new Freestar, otherwise I would have bought one of those. The Windstar is supposed to be able to tow 3500#. We will see when we go camping with our 2000# pop-up camper this summer.

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  No more Fords 4 me - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By spring4888 - February 10 - 4:55 pm

  Had to replace intake manifold and tie rod ends at 45K miles, transmission at 62K, power steering rack& intake gaskets at 67K, power steering hose and fuel pump at 70K miles. In addition to the routine tires, brakes, flushes and numerous minor things like liftgate hydraulic, CD stuck in the player, sliding door that wont click closed, brakes and 2 alignments. We just cant afford keep this van any longer. The car has taken more "vacations" than we have! We just finished paying it off.

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  Ford Missed Again - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By dculin - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought off the lot based on price and Ford name. Big mistake.New transmission at 45k miles, front end noise that cannot be diagnosed, bouncing sensation at highway speeds, many minor repairs later, will never have another Ford in the driveway. I highly suggest TCO not price when buying a vehicle.

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  Beware! Faulty Transmission! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Lisa Brannon - February 5 - 2:42 pm

  Ive learned my lesson: DO YOUR HOMEWORK. If I had researched the Ford Windstar more thoroughly, I would have known about its history of transmission system failure due to poor design. Ford could not be more apathetic. Ive read numerous tales of enraged consumers who have appealed to Ford only to have Ford Customer Service reps turn a deaf ear. My 99 Windstar is curently no more than a lawn ornament. I cant afford to put a THIRD transmission in it. (Yes, I did say the transmission has already been replaced once, at 43,000 miles. It just conked out at 74,000 miles.) DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY!

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  Next van will not be a Ford. - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By payton - February 1 - 1:02 am

  Only reason for buying van was the low price I aquired it for & having 3 children. All kinds of things were replaced under warranty (previous owner). At 40,000 miles a valve spring broke! As of now, 5 yrs old engine light showing, rear side defroster not working, driver door lock not working electrically, passenger sliding door rattles & paint peeling! Glad I didnt purchase it new. Wish I had not of purchased it at all.

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  Transmission problems - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By andrea - January 31 - 11:44 am

  I bought this car used at 70K miles, six months later the transmission went up. I replace brakes once a year and the interior light/door ajar bell wont go off in the winter time. 2 yrs. later, transmission went up again at 120K. I will never buy another Ford! The only good thing about the van, comfy seats and easy to get our 2 small children in and out of. I am going to purchase a Toyota or Honda this weekend!

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  Not Without an Extended Warranty! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Joyce K. - January 27 - 9:33 pm

  This has been the least reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. Even with my low mileage it still has needed several major repairs. Thank goodness for the extended warranty! Never Ford Again!

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  Solid - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By jimmy463j - January 26 - 3:02 pm

  This vehicle has been one of the most dependable Ive ever owned. We have put over 100,000 miles on it and have only had to do normal maintenance and replace the door switches twice. Its performance for a minivan is above average, in my opinion. Ive driven Chrysler, GM, and Japanese minivans and none come close.

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  Ford doesnt back up product - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By gregvicwill - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This is our second(and last) Windstar minivan.Our vehicle has been plagued by a pervasive and enigmatic problem involving the complicated traction control and theft deterrent system. This problem causes the vehicle to fail to start up at random intervals leaving us stranded. Ford seems helpless to find or fix this problem despite over a month total time in the shop since purchase. Two Ford engineers have examined the vehicle,each in turn declared that the problem was found,reproduced and repaired,however the problem continues to this day. Trade in day! and not on a Ford product.