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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  The WIndstar - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By glhouk - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Windstar for about six years. It has proved to be a very good vehicle. Its ride is very comfortable and it is very quiet inside. It has most all the options I need and want and is very versitile. It has great cargo room when seats are removed. I have automatic lights and mirror which I appreciate and the electronic dash has all the information I want. I have driven many newer vans and still have not found one the equal of mine.

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  Lost My Shirt along with My Patience - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By dissappointed_buyer - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this van because of a growing family and its crash ratings. Fine for the first 3yrs/30K miles. At 35K: engine knock-$600 (warranty expired). At 38K: new transmission(dealership had bungled the Ford After Warranty Program that would have saved us $$)negotiated $1500, Ford Motor Co wouldnt talk to us. At 39.5K miles engine knock was back. Dealership est. $1300. Took it to a mechanic who spent 2 days - made "some" improvements for $300 and advised me to get rid of it. I did. Also had a few intermintant problems: cabin light flashing & warning signal sounding for no apparent reason. Good Ridence.

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  Some car dealer only wants to sell ! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By J Boniec - April 1 - 2:00 am

  The Brake Master cylinder had to be replaced during the first few months I drove the Van. The dealership I purchase the Van Could not do a sample rear mirror upgrade to my satisfaction so I never did return to Jordan Ford at San Antonio, Texas. I was told it would hold its value , after 16 months it is worth 45% of its purchase price. I will not buy another Ford product again.

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  Buy with caution - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By mario starr - March 29 - 2:00 am

  Paid too much for the van to benign with that was my fault. Let me begin by listing the numerous problems I’ve encounter as an owner of a “Quality” Ford product: Power steering pump, water pump gasket, lower intake gasket, popping noise from front end, A/C condensation leaked inside van, shifting cable, speedometer, door ajar caution light works intermittently, intake breaker valve ($200)... My local dealership has been very friendly to me while they have me over this barrel called Windstar.

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  Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Jeff G - March 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought it 3 yrs ago,vehicle was a year old with 15,000 miles.Beutiful van seemed to be a bargain at $17,700.Now it,s barely worth anything with 45,000 miles,the tranny clunks like it may fall out at any time.Front end alignment is needed every 3-4 months,alot of vibration in steering upon interstate driving.Also luggage rack paint falling off.We are tring despertly to get it traded in so I dont have to try and sell it myself.I am afraid I would give it away!

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  Harrison Ford Windstar - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Golferdavecan - March 27 - 2:00 am

  This is the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. We travel South from Alberta to Arizona, 2000 mile each way, twice per year for the last 6 years with NO PROBLEMS. Now that is dependability. Plus traveling to the mountains to ski at least every 2 weeks in the winter ( 500 miles ). What a great vehicle. I will keep it until it rusts out or 300,000 mile.

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  Ford is NOT quality - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By stevenoford - March 23 - 2:00 am

  The van itself has been fine. Few repairs over the past 7yrs. Now, we were expieriencing a leak of greenish- brown fluid (uh oh). $2200 for replacement of two gaskets. I hope ford comes through and pays for some of it. But, not likely to happen. First/last ford no matter if they pay for it. I mean come on.... seems like there is a problem w/this 3.8 engine. They should recall it vs. designing the engine for 70k miles (just out of warranty) Ford is where quality sucks.

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  Was good for a while, but... - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By smilingbrownbear - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought this program vehicle in 1997. Had 22,000 miles and now has 120,000. Was very good (although it had some irritating electrical problems) until it hit 100,000 miles. Needed a transmission - surprise! Got a remanufactued one for $2,400. New tranny is fine. Terrible electrical system now requires trips to the shop every few months. Also has some problems when just started and idling.

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  1999 Windstar LX - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By F.O.R.D. - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I have 83K. The front end has had problems since day one. I had bad pinging caused by leaky intake manifold gaskets ($1000). Rack & Pinion went bad ($600). Rear window leaks. Dealer installed remote keyless entry has never worked properly.

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  I will never own another Ford - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By fordhater1 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 99 Ford Windstar used from a reputable dealer. After having it for 10 months, the interior and exterior lights began to dim. The fan blower began to surge and the dome lights would flicker on and off at any given time. A days later the battery was dead. Something id draining the battery, but 3 Ford dealerships cannot find the root cause. The van has been in the shop for the last 6 months and counting. We my have driven it for 3 weeks out of the last 6 months. Never buy a Ford product.