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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  Family Car - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By dkturnage - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Has been extremely nice on long trips. Very comfortable interior. I have two of four sons that are 6 ft 5 in and 6 ft 7 in and they could lean back in the captains chairs and sleep. Only problem was the transmission in which the dealer promptly fixed. Has been a very good reliable vehicle.

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  Be Cautious - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Date83R - April 20 - 2:00 am

  We bought ours new @ 60K. It was great until last year. When it hit 100K the fur hit the fan. We have put well over 3000 into it in the last 9 months. Everything from tie rods to all sorts of electrical problems. The problems just keep piling up though. Even the techs at the dealership were scratching their heads with the last one. Were trading it in for a Caravan tomorrow.

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  My Experience with the 2000 Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By SJohnson - April 18 - 2:00 am

  First of all, it has that noisy engine. Tapping of the valves. It will keep on running though. Very reliable even with the sounds. I have nearly 66000 on it now and it has no rattles inside. The kids are very comfortable in it. The sliding doors on both sides make it so nice for entering and exiting. It has great pick up as well as a good braking system.

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  estimate value - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By William L Carlson - April 16 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle for me I have made three trips cross country and no problems. I have it serviced between 3000 & 5000 miles interior clean and witout damage exterior in good condition

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  Never Again - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Never Againnn - April 14 - 2:00 am

  I should have turned in the lease when the Ford Dealer would not warranty to 7/70,000. They knew it was a crappy vehicle.

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  Sad Tale of My Windstar - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By the_five_js - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 95 Windstar 1 yr old with 15K mi. At first it ran well, great comfort and ride. Then came head gasket failure, resulting in engine rebuild. Ford recalled engines, a year after $4000 bill. Also replaced brake system (2x), trans, speedo head (3x @ $350 a pop). The door ajar chime always turned on/off at random. Towards the end cruise control and FI system failed. I got 140K miles out of this beast, but at WAY too high a cost of ownership. Just donated it to charity since repair estimates were greater than value. To anyone considering Windstars (any year but especially 95), be smart and look elsewhere -- no matter what the price!

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  Not Happy - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By ZEBRA - April 12 - 2:00 am

  This car was o k until I had to have the valve cover gaskets replaced $450.Ford put faulty gaskets on these engines.caused intake manifold to leak air.engine ping unaceptable. This will be my last Ford. now power steering is broken.whats to love about that??gas milege is bad.

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  Fix Or Repair Daily--ford 99 sel - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By danny z. - April 7 - 2:00 am

  purchased used at 36,000.needed intake manifold,starter,trans,battery,computer, side doors dont closed all the time [motors replaced,dashboard ratels,etc.. called ford and they can care less.van now has 54,00 onit and today the plastics gear changer that regulates the air flow to parts of the van is sounding like a bomb in the dash.Called ford another 4400 please.What a junk box...traded my honda for this !!!

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  Look A Windstar RUN! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By windstarhater - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This is the worst auto I have ever owned. It has been in the dealership shop at least once per month since I purchased it. The engine sounds like the valves are clattering all the time. its had 6 new pistons,The transmission rebuilt 3 times, the interior lights turn off and on by themselves. The lifters have been replaced 1 at a time for over 2 years. The doors leak. instrument panel went out and that controls the theft and ignition system. The intake manifold has been replaced 4 times this is normal for the intake to warp Im told. this is my first and last FORD.

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  Too much grief - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By mnmlst - April 4 - 3:00 am

  Bought new for $24,000 all up in May 99. Now has 54,000 miles. 4-door LX with dual a/c. Ended up at the dealer a lot that first year: cruise control (3 trips to fix), liftgate piston failed, battery died, cabin air vent mechanism came loose and stopped the HVAC, taillight came loose, rear wiper motor died, odometer is 4 percent off. Since that teething period its needed a manifold repair ($1100) and new front brake rotors. Cabin lights strobe, passenger side front seat is jammed in its track, upholstery wearing out quickly. Get a GOOD, extended warranty. Pay a lot for foreign and avoid the repair shop or pay less for domestic, then pay the repair shop. Six of one...