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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GL = Good Luck! - 1996 Ford Windstar
By mtalk - September 4 - 2:00 amNo wonder its got a good safety ratin: it never leaves the driveway. Check engine light goes on, only to go off a month later with no explanation from Ford. Door ajar bell keeps ringing and interior light stays on until 20 mph, so replaced the sensor. Then the big stuff. Cylinder went down at 100,000 ($1200). New engine at 112,000 ($3000). Just waiting for the tranny to drop now. We will be getting rid of this soon for something better and will never buy a Ford again.
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Run away as fast as you can! - 1998 Ford Windstar
By disgruntled consumer - August 29 - 2:00 amThis is by far the worst car we have every owned. Multiple brake jobs, sensor failure, door lock failure, tie- rod failure. I could go on and on. The transmission has failed 3 times 52,000, 84,000 and and 96,000. Each time slightly outside the warranty. I called for and they told me "There is no inherent problems with the Windstar transmissions." BALONY! Ford didnt even offer a discount as a goodwill gesture. Buying a new car next week... a HONDA!
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AWESOME - 2001 Ford Windstar
By Happy Happy - August 20 - 2:00 amBought this Van to haul the family around and couldnt be happier about the purchase. Lots of room for kids and luggage. Never had any issues with engine or doors. Great with the gas mileage, handles well in ALL conditions. Use the Windstar for daily commutes as well as long trips and it does both well, feels like Im sitting in my chair in the family room its so comfortable.
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Finally getting out from under this - 1998 Ford Windstar
By Jacki S - August 7 - 2:00 amHave had bad luck with this one. Replaced rear wiper motor, ball joints, tie rod ends, ignition relay, water pump, mass air flow sensor, and am on my fourth trip to the tranny shop at 103K miles. This van ditched our family of five twice driving from NY to SC for vacations. Owe more on it now than I can get in trade in, have to roll extra into new loan. I want to stay in an American made vehicle but am very disappointed with reliablity of this van. Typical problems with overhead lights/door ajar dummy lights, overall rattling, lost a hubcap, bad springs, excessive brake work, on and on.
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Just another flawed design - 2001 Ford Windstar
By Bill Wilson - August 3 - 2:00 amOver $1200.00 in repairs to figure out that Ford changed the valve covers causing oil to be sucked into the intake manifold and ruin all the seals and gaskets. Lots of electrical problems w/ lights that come on from short circuits. Very bad design flaws. Slider doors dont stay lined up. To many bad things to list... stuck with a worthless, badly designed lemon.
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DONT BOTHER WITH THE FORD - 2000 Ford Windstar
By rick welliver - August 2 - 2:00 amDont even bother looking. We have had countless recalls. Had to fix something at 38k right after warranty expired, dealership met us 1/2 way on a 900.00 bill. Squeeks everywhere, door leaks.. Car rolls SIGNIFICANLTY after it is placed in park DANGEROUS... ALso groans and moans when you turnt he wheel. I am told it might have a crack in the manifold, WHICH IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. I will never buy another Ford again.
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Its a Ford... - 1999 Ford Windstar
By AlonSeal - July 27 - 2:00 amIf you buy a Ford, get a extended warranty. For $800+, it covered these out of warranty repairs... 1. Transmission 2. A/C Compressor and Evaporator 3. Strut bushing 4. Radio 5. Air Blend door motor combine valued over $5000. No, I wont buy a Ford again. In warranty repairs included 2 sensors, and intake manifold gasket.
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Tranny gone @ 23,000 miles - 2001 Ford Windstar
By Thomasj - July 25 - 2:00 amWe purchased this vehicle in April 2001 for over $30,000. It was been recalled at least 5 times the first year we had it. There was a grinding noise that we asked our servicing dealer about at least 3 times and were told was normal. We were just stranded 200 miles from home returning from vacation because the transmission spewed out all its fluid at a stop light. 3 months out of warranty but only 23k miles. A $30k vehicle that lasts less than 4 years. Roadside assistance was a joke as well, offering to give me the name of a tow company but having to charge me $70. Third generation ford family will not replace this vehicle with another Ford. Honda next time.
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3.8L FWD - Ford Stinks - 1996 Ford Windstar
By ca2stay - July 18 - 2:00 amHad a 91 Taurus (3.8L FWD) tranny @ 25k & 54k miles. Traded in for 96 Windstar LX 3.8L FWD. Tranny started giving trouble slipping @ 50k and finally replaced @ 90k $3k, head gaskets @ 85k $2k and engine still runs poorly, radio/CD @ 50k. Fortunately w/tow package & 4W Disc Brakes so none of the brake pblms my frinds w/drum brakes had. Now CV joints and the rest of the steering and suspension. My wifes next vehicle will be Japanese.
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junk - 1999 Ford Windstar
By scott4353425 - July 16 - 2:00 amHead gasket and transmission both went. What else is there to say but dont buy one. I feel lucky, I got 84K on it before the tranny went.
