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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  5 Trannies - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Hoppity - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Just got rid of this thing. I bought it certified used with an extended warranty, with 47,000 miles on it. It now has 84,000 miles on it, and I had 4 transmissions put in it. CD player broke, all of the sensors started going out. Glad to get rid of it. Dont bother with Vista Ford of Oxnard if you have a problem. Go up the road a few miles to Mel Clayton in Santa Barbara.

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  Windstar been good to me... - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By tom patrick - June 18 - 2:00 am

  heard some horror stories but the 1999 Ford Windstar LX has been good to me... Just make sure to keep it well tuned and oil changed

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  Never will own a ford again - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Miserable w/ a Ford - June 18 - 2:00 am

  New Transmission at 50,000 miles--ford dealership was less then accomodating; sensor went bad that caused the van to constantly stall ; electrical problems with wire harness in drivers side door causes electric windows and door locks to malfunction; failed emissions test in Oct. 2002--must spend a minimum of $400 to fix; brake light stuck on when brakes depressessed had to replace brake light switch. I had an Expedition before this that was also full of problems. .

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  Nothing but trouble - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Zeiler - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Continual electrical problems, just like last Ford Windstar. Will buy someone elses minivan next time.

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  Never Again - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By AFZ - June 7 - 2:00 am

  This was 2nd Windstar - traded 1st one because of electrical problems. Nothings changed - dealer nor corporate engineers can fix. The way they get around the lemon law is to say its always a different part. I have already got rid of my Ford Explorer and will do same with Windstar and will NEVER buy Ford again. Ford is also a customer of my manufacturing plant – they are the slowest payers and every year they dictate a lower price for products than they agreed to in writing. Lawsuit against Ford? They have more $ and put more manufacturers out of business than all other car companies. I don’t even care if I loose them as a customer.

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  I am a soccer Mom! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By mpr0823 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a van that stands out from the rest of the ho hum dodge drivers! I am extremly happy with it, My kids love it! And with the highest front crash test rating, who can complain!

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  1999 Windstar SEL - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Dale Mann - May 22 - 9:23 am

  II leased this van in 1999. It was at Ford within the first week for repairs. The van has had a number of recalls and repairs. Tires and brakes had tto be replaced at about 25k. Gas mileage is bad, about 15mpg. This van iis expensive to own and operate. I finally stopped driving this van about a year ago and purchased a new car.

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  Trouble Free - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Kern - May 22 - 2:00 am

  We have had 46000 trouble free miles with our Windstar Limited. Wish the third seat folded flat and worry like others about whether the doors will stop before crushing a childs arm. Otherwise we find it comfortable, easy to drive and great for long trips. It is more comfortable but less powerful than my daughters Honda O. Will buy the Freestar this year.

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  Three Years Later - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By GeorgeB - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Overall this Van performed pretty much as expected. There was a rating ding about the side pannel blocking sight which is my only safety complaint. For a van the vehicle did quite well. However, it took three years to fix the right rear sliding door. Even though the warranty was up the company honored the repair work (labor and parts) because they never were able to fix the thing until this month. (My lease is up next month) Traction control system went bad about thwo months ago and it took $600 dollars and a long time to fix.

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  Can you afford to - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By ttudave - May 14 - 2:00 am

  "Buy American" I thought proudly. Two transmissions later Im replacing my Windstar with a Camry or an Accord. I cant afford to be patriotic if that means supporting unreliable vehicles like this Windstar. Dealers charge over $100 to diagnose mysterious trouble lights on the dash...three times already. The AC and power steering systems leak. Ford has a problem with their automatic transmissions. The service manager at the dealership advised me that transmissions were a known Ford weakness. Fords customer service was useless.