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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  Piece of Junk! - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Kim Oleman - January 31 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Windstar with 30,000 miles. We have had it 6 months. The electric seat adjuster went out the next day. The locks went out 1 month after purchase. The right sliding door does not stay shut at times. And now the transmission went out at 53,000 miles. I have never been so unhappy with a vehicle.

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  Problems with 99 Windstar - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By mjrmc - January 30 - 2:00 am

  Liked this car initially, however, developed a "check engine" light problem that persisted for several months and about $1100+ dollars later. Also had suspension problems in front. Engine was stalling and running rough. Not Ok for me, this car has low mileage (65K) and shouldnt be like this. Can you say Toyota or Nissan??

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  Great Minivan - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Gerry B - January 26 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 1998 Windstar GL in early 1999 after being returned from a 1 year lease. I was impressed with the power, roominess, and gas mileage this minivan delivered (about 20-23 mpg). We had a couple of early service issues (replaced front "ball joints" and an early oxygen sensor failure), but otherwise the vehicle perfomed very well. We were sorry to lose this vehicle in a rear end collision, but are impressed enough with this Ford to consider replacing this with another Ford. This time with something smaller and with better gas mileage, with the recent sustained hike in gas prices.

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  Ones enough. - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By AD - January 25 - 2:00 am

  At 135,000 miles developed heat gasket problem and lost the transmission! The cost of repairing the two is more than the value of the vehicle. Im disppointed. This happened one month after finally paying of the vehicle. I was hoping Id see another year, at least, before having to worry about serious problems. Now, Ive got a real nice "looking" van that isnt worth $300! Rack-and-pinion steering has been bad also quoted $800+ to repair the steering!

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  better buy an extended warranty! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By familytruckster - January 20 - 2:00 am

  When its running right, it is very pleasant and does what its supposed to do. The 3.8 V6 is plenty for most. Pretty good visibility for a minivan. Looks great. Had it a little over a year and have had several problems. Window motor, some seals, guage lights flickering, paint chips too easily, sensors gone bad. Thankfully nothing like major engine and trans work. Just aggrevating little stuff. Without the extended warranty I bought, I would have had to shell out quite a bit of coin.

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  Works for us! - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By randt - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Got the car in 2001 with 32,000 miles on it. It now has 120,000 miles on it and knock wood, no major problems. Twice replaced the brakes, but considering the mileage, cant complain.The same with the tires, replaced all 4..and keep on top of the fluids. The engine light used to be on all the time, but there were no symptoms so the old addage applied..and eventually it went off. We live in a frigid climate, and the car starts each day without a hitch..we have no complaints..and to be honest, I was afraid to buy a Ford.

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  No More Windstars - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By DJL - January 18 - 2:00 am

  We had many problems with the automatic rear sliding doors not closing all the way. Too noisy when driving on the highway. Gas mileage is poor. Resale value is terrible.

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  Windstar Limited - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By rrboy - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive put 101,000 miles on my Windstar Limited and have really enjoyed it. It has all the bells and whistles that luxury cars have and enough leather to wrap them in. It has a powerful engine that has served me well - even on last minute runs from Mass to Fla and back.

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  never stranded again - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By rebnab - January 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle used at a reputable used car dealership with 30,000 miles on it. After 15 months of ownership I switched back to Chevrolet. The transmission blew at 32,000, major engine problems at 33,000, rack and pinion went out and needed replacing at 36,000, the engine just malfunctioned again and was down another 5 days. I soon as I got it back I traded it in. I usually sell my cars myself and get a decent price out of them, however with this one I could not honestly sell it to anyone. This is the first used car Ive bought from a dealership and bought the extended warranty which saved my bacon.

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  My Review - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By JennalynsMama - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehichle. Weve taken 3 long trips with it and been very comfortable each time.