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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  Fire caused by - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By B. S. Foust - May 12 - 5:07 pm

  I bought mine in February of 2010. A week ago it actually caught fire due to a speed control sensor that should have been replaced under recall. A Ford dealer fixed the wire harness for free but that area still smokes, I loose break fluid and am actually scared of death from this vehicle. The Ford deal refuses to admit the problem is still there even though I took it back the next day with it smoking horribly. At this point Im dealing with the Ford legal department on the issue because there was a fire and the dealership didnt alert Ford to the issue.

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  Still works well - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Joe - May 12 - 3:51 pm

  Bought this van new in 2000. Have maitained van according to manual (mostly). This van has been to FL from WI and back several times, to SD pulling a camper 2 times, KY and TN twice and is used daily around home. It currently has 201,600 + miles on it and is starting to show its age. We now have some electrical issues with the cruise control, ABS and gauges. Overall this van has been very reliable. No transmission problems eventhough we pull a pop-up camper with it and no other major issues. We have replaced struts, shocks, tierod ends, brakes and an alternator but I consider these items "maintence" because parts do wear out. Wife now has a 2002 Windstar and I plan on driving oldone

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  Windstar 2003 SE - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By marcovi48 - May 12 - 3:23 pm

  I have a 2003Windstar SE.I like this van a lot but I have a lot of electrical problems,the alternator change 3 times power locks after 4 months of haven this car stop working.transmition replace at 81000,abs light always on and now my rear axle broke in half,so can not say that this is a good car for the $32000 that I pay,

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  Great so far no issues - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Enrique Jr - May 6 - 11:04 pm

  Well lets see I have had this van for over a year now and other then the minor stuff that my cousin damaged i would say this van is great everyone complains about electrical I am a chevy man and this is the only ford I like so far and its going on a road trip from Florida to New York and back needs new paint but previous owner used it for delivery he did the heads on it I did work for the van but only thing is its a pain to do any thing to the speed sensor and the plugs to do them take off the wiper shroud trust me its easy that way also killer is shifts hard into 1st gotta figure it out but does not slip well past 280000 miles but speedo is broken sad for the others who complain.

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  01 Windstar SE - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By RZ - May 4 - 12:24 pm

  Bought it brand new. Various mechanical issues over the years - sliding door lock had to be replaced, fuel sensor fuse had to be replaced three times, power driver seat failed and its electronics had to be replaced. Luckily husband is an engineer and did all this work himself. Check engine and ABS lights go on and off at will for last 10K miles. On the plus side, mileage is great for such a roomy mini-van. At 132K miles now and still get 22+ highway, 18-20 in mixed use. Very comfortable ride, great for hauling kids, friends and equipment. Just started to rust in past 6 months, but still looks ok. Tranny just started to slip occasionally, but overall been a very solid vehicle.

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  Windstar 1996 for sale - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Forrest Jeffery - April 16 - 11:10 pm

  This has been a wonderful car to drive. I drove it to the east coast 3 times. It has new tires in the last 2 years, and a recent complete tuneup. It has air conditioning and it gives a smooth ride.

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  Fix Or Repair Daily - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By irishmafia - April 14 - 11:55 pm

  What a piece of junk cant begin to list all problems got it w 75k 3 months later new tranny which still had a problem that took months to fix whos the genius that came up with no locks on the passenger side? ABS light on since I bought it cant locate a problem, many emissions issues, heater broke,cruise broke, blows fuses when plugging GPS or cell phone in,driver seat needs to be replaced springs coming through I weigh 175, probably put 10k in car since I bought it!

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  Exceeds expectations - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Jay Connor - April 14 - 2:45 pm

  230,000 after 12 years & still going strong despite slight oil and radiator leaks. Very dependable 22mpg av. Drivers door damaged by 3rd party, $1,990 estimate to repair! Found complete salvaged door and professional paint job all for under $500. Easy to do. Four bolts and door is off, pull wiring harness out of body not door and unhook two snap connectors- interior trim comes off easily after extracting 4 screws, 3 on exterior last is visible when you extract control panel which snaps off. Had same dinging problem but in wet, caused by faulty sensors beside lock mechanisms. Highly recommend vehicle but you should change engine oil regularly, transmission oil and rear axle oil after 130,000

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  Too Many Repair Bills - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By springers - April 14 - 1:00 pm

  Admittedly bought this car "as is" from a used car lot, but seems like an awful lot in repair bills in one year for a vehicle with only about 110,000 miles: Head gasket $1,700. Alternator $560. Transmission $2,300. Already more in repairs than I paid for it. Which is frustrating as otherwise its comfortable to drive, and has the room I need to haul stuff around when the seats are taken out.

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  So far so good - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Lordgene - April 11 - 7:47 pm

  When I hear all the bad reviews about American cars, I am somewhat surprised. My 2002 Ford Windstar has been incredibly reliable. I learned a long time ago that doing regular maintenance like changing the oil and transmission fluids keeps most of the engine and transmission problems at bay. At 139,000 miles, I have put a total of $1200 in brakes. I have done regular maintenance and replaced one oxygen sensor.Once and while my interior lights will flash but then it goes away. I plan on driving to 200,000 miles. Will probably even more frequent maintenance in the future. Great vehicle. I highly recommend for a family.