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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  Problems with Two Fords so far - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By dawn - June 30 - 7:37 pm

  Our fam of 5, often drives from Denver to Spokane. We got the windstar after the trans on our explorer went out in the middle of WY, 100s of miles near nothing in the middle of the night. This week on the van we replaced the R&P, for DIYs this is inexpensive but difficult 100.00. And the power steering pump, a little difficult but inexpensive 60.00. The ABS light goes on and off for no reason. Dome lights dont always turn off, and door ajar stays on. Cruise control went out after it surged to 95, like the throddle got stuck. Shifts really hard. Lots of room for the kids, not much room for baggage in the back. You have to drop the engine to change plugs, wires

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  2000 Windstar SE - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By ken_swar - June 15 - 7:30 am

  Leased vehicle has 23000 miles. Been to dealer twice for factory recalls -- both fixed in a day as promised. Required one other trip to dealer for rear sliding door which was harder to close than the other. Dealer was able to successfully correct. Lease over in March of 03. I would be more interested in sticking with a Windstar if the 3rd seat were a little easier to manage.

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  Motor Fell Out At 86,000 Miles - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Bill Mack - April 27 - 2:11 pm

  I bought this Windstar van new & all went well till the Warrenty run out at 60,000 miles. Then the repairs started Power stering,brakes,engine seals,rack & pinion,warnig lights not going off , set belt light...But the big problem come at 86,000 mi. The engine fell out! All the mounts let loose! So much collaterial damage ,it was not worth the repairs...lost trade in value & charged 6.9% interest on replacement vehicle. NO not the 0% Ford pushes on TV.

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  engine light - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Eugene Stewart - April 21 - 9:17 pm

  Since i first had this van i loved it but know i just dont know? I had to replace the catatly conveter, manifold,oxygen sensor,all four of them witch is 200 a pieace,conveter was 800 maniford 120 and to put it on the machine and that was about 130 for a test yeah!!!! all n three month period all because the engine light keep coming on. i just cant win? plus it was time for and emmission test also .

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  Overall Good Vehicle - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By cretian - February 21 - 10:50 pm

  Bought new, garage kept. Very reliable vehicle. Safe driving, especially in bad weather. Like auto doors but theyve had bugs from the beginning. Very roomy & comfortable for adults & children & nice for long trips of 1000+ miles but very noisy on highway- outside noise and air noise while driving-you think windows are cracked open. Misc repairs during time owned- glad we got extended warranty. Now with 100,000 miles more stuff is breaking & in last 2 months traction bar rusted thru/cracked in half, sway bar links and engine gasket replaced- all normal? Interior leather still in great shape. Overall really like & will keep it for as many years as possible. Still looks good!

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  Warning lights and rust galore - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Benzing Family - February 9 - 2:56 pm

  We have owned this vehicle for 7 years and change the oil every 3,000 miles. We have had no major repairs. It has been very reliable. It has 163,000 miles on it and going strong. However, despite routine underbody flushes with a car wash, it is extremely rusty and it has eaten its way through completely under the driver side sliding door. Never mind the warning lights on the dash, it doesnt mean a thing. We have driven with the engine light, ABS light, and traction control light on for 3 years. When only the check engine light was on, the mechanic said "it shows its running lean". He said it would be reflecting in MPG.

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  Nice ride but lacks in quality - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Ronster - January 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a great family van. We have the two sliding doors with the captains chairs in the middle. Very comfortable even with 6 to 7 adults inside. Great for our family of five, with plenty of room. The main problem has been the reliability of the van. Transmission had to be replaced within 2 years and the new ones does not work perfect. Have takin it back but Ford says it is fine. Also, we have had two recalls on the vehicle which were fixed in one day. Sterio has had to be replaced (went bad) and seems to idle rough. Although it was a new van, both my wife and I do not think that it is a very reliable car. Ford should think more about building more reliable cars.

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  Good reliability - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By wirebender - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This has been a workhorse for me. We have traveled back and forth from Oregon to California to Arizona numerous times and have never had any trouble. Van now has over 90k miles and still going strong. Regular maintenance has been all that is needed. Highly recommend.

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  Loved my Windstar - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Beth - December 6 - 12:09 pm

  We bought our Windstar new off the showroom floor. It did not have lots of bells & whistles but we bought it for the 5 star safety rating. We were just starting our family. It never left us stranded at the side of the road & it always started. We would have driven it til the wheels fell off but a deer had other ideas (it had 73,800 miles on it). I am very sad to see it go.

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  Rolling Bar - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Dustlyman - September 29 - 9:21 pm

  Well this 02 is my 2nd Ford Windstar, my first one was a 00. Both were used from my wifes grandpa. So when they hit 50,000 he sold them to me. So I have been pimpin Windstars for the past 5 years. Got to say I love the space. I take out the middle seat and leave them out, leave in the back ones (no kids yet) friend/family say its like a limo. Just throw whatever I want in the middle, its great for groceries, trips to home Depot/Lowes. Also makes it easy to mix drinks out of. If you take out all of the seats you have a reg cab pick-up with a cover. As far as any problems, none got 88,500 on it now. Excellent in the snow. A/C, heater works great