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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  Donalds windstar review - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Donald D. - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I, too am tired of spending so much time in the dealership. 37,000 miles are on the odometer and it has had 9 trips to the dealership. I once was an avid Ford fan. After this Ill never buy one again.

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  Very happy with the van - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By cycledan - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Much less money than competing imports. In 3 years and 36000 miles no problems other than a check engine light caused by a bad sensor (EGR flow P0401) and covered by warranty. Good acceleration for a van, lots of room especially with back bench folded down or pulled out. Feels safe and solid to go along with 5 star crash rating.

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  Love my Van - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By rachael - July 7 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE my Van I hear all these bad storys and I wonder what do you do with your vans! This is not the Indy 500 for Windstars. I have never had a problem. It has only broke down once when my husband was driving it. So dont let guys drive a mom car. Would buy another one when this one dies.

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  Love The Van! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By faceless1 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  It rides really smooth and quietly. We love the additional features and the flexibility. Love the van!

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  2000 Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By oneil53 - July 1 - 10:00 am

  The Windstar has been an exceptional value, with excellent gas mileage, road handling and comfort for long trips. I have driven it to Georgia with 5 people comfortably.

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  Even Ford cant figure out whats wrong - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By xFordMan - July 1 - 2:00 am

  Check engine light came on, fixed sensor for $150 at Ford dealer. Came on again in a week, had to pay for another diagnosis, but pointed again to sensor which was just repaced...dealer perplexed as to what could be worng said "its fine those lights always come on". Next ABS light and the red brake light came on together which according to the usre manual sidnals a fault in the ABS system...deal diagnosed again but could not figure out why those lights came on. This is a vehical with what could be nice features but it is not built to last. WE still owe $3600 on this beast and was hoping to have a few years w/o paymnets...I learned my lesson next time a Toyota.

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  Windstar 969 - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By richardkandi - June 27 - 2:00 am

  We like this van.It is a fun van to drive and lots of room. Solid built and nice looking.Our gas mileage is 20 MPG.

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  2000 forf windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By vikingone - June 24 - 2:00 am

  this van has been very relieable, comfotable to drive.inside outside very pleasing to eye.it been without any problems since i puchased it.very verisable too.Replaced tires at 50,000 still has oringinal brakes front/rear.pint is still very shiny.all around very good automobile

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  Windstar Reliability - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By CEPJ - June 20 - 2:00 am

  The reliability the 1998 Ford windstar has been poor over the last two years of ownership. At approxiately 98,000 miles we had a new certified Ford transmisson installed. Numerous tie rod ends problems have occured over the last three years. This vechicle was purchased new in August 1998 and has been a one owner family vechicle. Our latest problem has been the failure of a computer module.

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  Worked Great Until 60K - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By challenger867 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car offlease with 35K. I started having problems last year with the electrical system. I just replaced the intake manifold gasket including the bolts, the mass airflow sensor and just about every other sensor to finally get the check engine light off. The light is still off, but is not allright. It continues to have new electrical odd problems that cannot be easily diagnosed or fixed. Do not buy Windstars!