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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  Great Value - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Richard - January 13 - 8:27 pm

  90,000 miles, front brakes, power steering pump, set of Firestone Tires at 75K after the OEM Generals were retired. Do the math $1300.00 plus oil change and filter, tire rotation every 10,000 miles at $55.00. $1795.00 for 90,000 miles. 2 cents per mile. How can you beat it. About 22 miles per gallon at $2.00 in California is $8200 of fuel in two years and price paid of $22,405 OTD. $.36 per mile for two years. Value to move $6,000. $26,400 / 90,000 = .2933 cents per mile. FORD HAS A BETTER IDEA.

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  2000 SE Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By jjrwang - January 4 - 3:22 am

  Good basic people & everyday cargo hauler. Do not log too much miles annually, thus havent experienced all the problems that other owners have posted on discussion. But very leery about long term ownership. Will send it to truck heaven in the sky at the first sign of major problem. Have a series of little electrical and recall items since new. Currenty have check engine code P0171 & P0174 still to be resolved. Out of warranty, and very reluctant to send back to dealer. Knowledge and willingness to help you daunts me. Dealers themselves need to update themselves. The last time I need the Windstar to be reflashed, the had to "order" the flash cable!

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  terrible quality - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By mark - January 3 - 5:46 pm

  Bought this ‘99 Windstar new took it into the dealer at 1,500 miles for an oil change, and it came back with a new transmission (under warranty). Need I say more. Terrible quality. In most other ways, an average boxy minivan.

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  Dont Buy, Lemon, Lemon Sitting In My Yard - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By christ - December 30 - 3:15 pm

  3 transmissions, 2 engines, only one covered by Ford, another new head gasket for second engine,$1,500 in brakes, broken sway bar, locks lock and unlock while driving, and now only drivers side lock works. I canÂ’t open the back hatch or the light stays on and canÂ’t turn it off and then the battery dies. Antilock brake sensors in front have had to be replaced. The dealer didnt stand behind this van. I called about the transmission and no heat 31 days after I purchased it. I bought it from a Dodge dealer with an extended warranty for an extra $1,800 and they sold me a Dodge warranty, which no one would honor except a lot over one hour away. Ford didnÂ’t stand behind this van, I made many attempts. I have put on 31,000 in four years, cause it never runs.

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  Ford Windstar - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By ladd - December 30 - 10:00 am

  It sways too much during normal driving at safe speeds. There have been three recalls in three years which says a lot. No improvements in at least thirty years in the electrical system. Fords have problems with tail and stop/warning lights frequently burning out and the modular problems which I first incurred in my 1978 Mercury Colony Park to this day are not corrected. On steep inclines when shifting from park into gear, there is a loud clunk in the transmission yet Ford claims they do not know the cause.

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  FORD (Frequent Overhaul Repair Damage) - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Getting _Me_A_Honda - December 29 - 8:18 am

  Bought new - continuing trips to the dealership for repair from the first 100 miles (now have 70K miles) while under warranty and the problems described by other posts just escalated after warranty expired. Total cost of repairs to date: $5,000.00. NO MORE. Buying a Honda CR-V this week. Most unfriendly mechanics, but with a product this bad one should expect nothing but bad.

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  So-so - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Andrew Greenhill - December 24 - 10:00 am

  In the very beginning of owning the Windstar,I was very happy. My only complaints were that the interior was less roomy and not as nice as the Caravan and the transmission seemed to shift "hard". Roughly at 5K the interior lights started intermittently flashing. I brought it in for warrantee work but they were never able to solve the problem. With only 2500 miles left on warrantee the transmission blew. The Windstar was in the dealship for over a week. Would I buy another Windstar? Probably not due to many of the problems Ive seen (including 4 recalls)plus the fact the gas mileage is quite poor.

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  98 Windstar has been a great car - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By hartnj - December 23 - 12:41 am

  I bought this pretty basic model Windstar about 7 years and 100k miles ago and it still runs great - a bit scratched-up, but runs great. Loads of power and still a smooth ride.

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  Family Van - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Jean Otte - December 19 - 10:21 am

  Our Windstar has been a nice vehicle for our family. We had a Dodge before and I like this Windstar better. Would recommend it to anyone wanting a small van.

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  Piece of junk! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By calfano - December 14 - 6:18 pm

  We bought this as a 1 year old car. Got extended warrenty through 7/04. Three weeks later transmission went at 68,000 miles. Is in shop as we speak for the A/C problem. Constant alignment issues. Front end replaced. Back windows dont work. My dealership did pay for half of the transmission, but I was still out $1,200. My husband and I will NEVER own, drive or even ride in another Ford again. I dont care what kind it is. I have spent more than this is even worth! Ford, wake up and smell the coffee. Renaming it a "Freestar" doesnt fool anyone. The car is a piece of junk!