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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  Nomorefords - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Nofordnomore - December 9 - 4:27 pm

  I have owned two Windstars 95 & 97. Bought the 95 used. Engine blew. Bought a new 99 LX with 4 doors. Justification was the 99 was "redesigned". I learned "redesigned" does not mean "improved" it just means different. All of the same problems everyone else has had.The pinging started at mile 1 off the dealer lot. Blamed many times on bad gas in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex. Finally with 74K they replaced intake manifold - on my nickel. What a difference! First time it ran right. Now the tranny problems begin. At 94K traded for used Tahoe.

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  Great van - very practical - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By franz182 - December 8 - 10:41 pm

  Great utility and a little luxury go a long way - we have had no issues mechanically with the van. Only minor electrical problems (all under warranty) with the onboard VCR. We have 3 young kids - the remote sliding doors are a godsend. Easy to get in and out of - easy to load up and reasonable comfort and mileage. Great sound system and climate controls. Has stood up quite well for the abuse it has been given. Traction control works great on snowy days - very safe feeling dependable car. We leased it and elected to buy.

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  Happy Aloha with FORD! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By stevehawaii - December 7 - 3:29 am

  Ive had this van for over 4 years now (42K miles). Just a few problems, but nothing I would consider major. During third year sliding doors would open on their own or would not stay closed - found out that was due to needing a new battery. After replacing, no more problems with doors. At 36K, power windows went out (about 3 months between them, both front). Just after the warranty! Mechanically, has been sound. Love it. Love the entertainment center and the reverse sensing, both are must haves. Dual A/C is fabulous and still ice cold after being run every day for over 4 years in the hot Hawaiian sun. Split sound system is a godsend as well kids have video in back, we have music up front.

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  Outstanding - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By 4Brooks - December 2 - 1:03 am

  We bought it with 20,000 miles on it and it has been flawless! No major problems. Weve kept it maintained by a mechanic and its been great. Long road trips are enjoyable because of all the room, and the power is great. No fears when passing or climbing hills. Everything still works great, original tranny, water pump, etc. It now has 113,500 miles, and still runs great.

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  Wish Id Traded It Sooner - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By The Hooks - November 30 - 12:37 am

  We just spent $2,000 on a rebuilt transmission hoping to keep the car until the 12 month repair warranty ran out. Unfortunately two months in the head gasket blew and now were out of luck. We bought it with 38K miles and thank God we paid for the extended warranty. Still spent a lot over the years on brakes, electrical, etc. Ford did cover the head gaskets three years ago but now their extended warranty has expired. Cant figure out how Ford expects buyers to return in the face of such poor reliability and their unwillingness to stand behind the product.

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  PLEASE!!! Buy something else - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By TickedOff - November 28 - 1:45 am

  If this is Fords idea of "quality is job one" then these should be built in China. Bought brand new, and on drive home from dealers lot fuel line came off gas tank. 1 week later both rear shocks go out (wasnt hauling anything). Had passenger sliding door seal replaced twice, as water was getting in cabin. At 37000 miles entire front rack had to be replaced (out of warranty). Have had approximately 8 sensors replaced (at $200 each). And at 70000 miles manifold gasket went out. All the while dealer and Ford say sorry but dont offer any reasonable compensation or replacement. Been driving Fords for 20 yrs... wont ever buy a Ford again!

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  Frustrated - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Josephine - November 12 - 10:00 am

  Great car, if it would not break down all the time. Stalls at 50 mph after 2 trips to the shop

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  dont buy one - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By two4x4s - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Transmisson is awful, makes loud noise when you put it in gear and will roll a foot after you put it in gear and ford says it is fine. would be a great van but not worth the risk

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  Another unhappy owner - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Jimohio - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought this because of the safety issues, great dealership and good price. However, this has turned out to be one of the worst cars I have owned. It was in the shop so much that I started to wait on the minor things so that I could get several things fixed with one trip. It started with the power window controls, twice on the drivers side and once on the passenger side being replaced. Then came rotors, (3 sets), air conditioning controls, new transmission, new intake manifold, new tie rod ends, leak in the rear floor seat mounts, tailgate pistons, power steering pump. The interior lights and seat belt chime come on at will, muffler hanger and others.

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  I love my van - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By stempy - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I have only had my van for about a month now but so far, we LOVE it. No problems whatsoever