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:

• 

  What a mistake! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Derron Winfrey - February 26 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been nothing but problems from the word go. At 25000 miles we were putting on new tie rods, then again by 50000. Which is right after we replaced the transmission at 45000. Wiper motor brakes at 60000 along with passenger door locks, power sterring making terrible griding noise and diver side power seat has been repaired 3 times. Spark plugs have been replaced twice. We have 65000 on this car and Im affraid to let my wife take it out of town. Thank God for the extended warranty!

• 

  Road Trip King - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Copper - February 26 - 2:00 am

  55,000 trouble free miles in under 2 years, only regular maintenance needed and still on same tires. Lots of long trips 1000+ miles, kids love the VCR. Gas mileage is fine, van cruises great, quiet at 75mph. Only problem has been a stereo changed under warranty. Leather and carpets wearing well, exterior finish is excellent and two tone gold paint looks great.

• 

  Dont Walk, Run From a 1999 Windstar - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By mroberts35 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 1999 Windstar used from a dealership. It had 36,000 miles when we bought it and we thought we were getting a good deal. The engine light went on befor we got it home from the dealer. Thank goodness for the extended warrenty we bought, and a good dealership, becasue the light went on 4 more time within the next 4,000 miles. I had read about all the problems others had had but we bought it anyway, figuring who writes in good reviews. Now I know why they were all bad. Dont buy this car..please!

• 

  How can Ford keep selling this junk? - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Bummed customer - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I thought maybe I was the exception and just had made a horrible mistake. After reading these reviews I realize I am in solid (and unfortunately miserable) company. It is hard to conceive of how Ford can keep selling this garbage with a straight face. When I talked to the "service supervisor" about how shocked I was that the tranny died at 50K miles, he nodded and said "yep, that really shouldnt happen." Then I had to be the jerk attorney I can be and threaten them with all kinds of bad stuff just to get a new tranny for $800. Never again. Buy foreign, you wont be sorry.

• 

  THIS VAN IS TERRIBLE - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By grayva - February 23 - 2:00 am

  This is my second rating...again, this van has cost me nearly $1,500 in the past six months and I have another 21 months to pay on this piece of junk. I spent over $500 on replacing some sensor that went bad and caused van to stall. Now check engine light is on and Im told some carbon buildup, leaking gasket allowing air and leaking manifold are causing the problem. Cost, a whopping $995 to fix. This is my first and last FORD! What junk!

• 

  Good van - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Homeless ministry - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This van is the easiest for my friend with the bad knees to get into and out of. That and the need for room for charity work is why I bought it. Plenty of power. Had a few problems when I first bought it, but has 56000 miles on it and has never in over a month left me stranded or had any kind of breakdown. OK ride, some people think it is quiet, but I think is a little noisy and my friends Town and Country is smoother and quieter, but not as peppy.

• 

  2003 Windstar - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By gburritt - February 19 - 2:00 am

  This is an okay car to purchase. The price makes it an attractive buy. However, weve had a Chevy Venture and notice that the leg room is much less in the Windstar than the Venture. Good pickup. Avg. MPG = city--> 14 Highway 18.

• 

  my 2 cents - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By lisas mama mobile - February 15 - 2:00 am

  minimal problems, car still kooks great . exterior paint still looks new. people often remark how well it handles the road & how its a nice quiet smooth drive, runs great !

• 

  My last ford ever - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Ernie Votava - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Problems: head gasket door chimes (all the time) wipers work sometimes check engine half the time seat belts broke in back HUGE cruise off button was easy to accidentally hit this was the first vehicle ever that I had to look at the radio to do anything with it. Volume, on/off, presets, every button was the same size and feel. F.O.R.D: Full Of Retarded Design.

• 

  comfortable ride - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By n2games - February 8 - 2:00 am

  As the driver of this car, I find it more comfortable than any of the other cars I drive for work. I drive about 50,000 miles a year total. I rent cars about 1/2 the time. The windstar has plenty of power and room in the driver seat to get comfortable.