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:
Showing 511 through 520 of 915.00-
GR8STAR - 1999 Ford Windstar
By MARK R. - January 9 - 2:00 amVEHICLE HAS BEEN GREAT. REPLACE INTAKE GASKET AT 75,000 FOR $190 AT AN ASE CERTIFIED SHOP. NOT $500 OR $1000 SOME PEOPLE DONT SHOP AROUND. FRONT BRAKES AT 60K MILES. NO OTHER PROBLEMS AT ALL. WE BOUGHT IT WITH 20K MILES AND HAVE LOVED IT. WOULD BUY AND REC. IT TO ANYONE.
-
Dont Buy One - 1996 Ford Windstar
By foxult - January 5 - 2:00 amSpeedometer went out at 49000 miles ($750 not covered by warrantee, of course). Transmission problems under 75000 miles (warrantee). Heater problems at 120000 miles ($1100). Final transmission problems at 124000 miles ($3000). Donated to Goodwill. This van has been nothing but an expensive problem.
-
Quality is NOT job one! - 1996 Ford Windstar
By Never again! - January 4 - 2:00 amford does not stand by its product. 3.8l eng. with head gasket leaks and trans. problems. (replaced twice) Even under warranty, ford refused to assist customer. You get the run around. Ask ford for help, they till you its the Dealer. Ask the Dealer for help, they say you have to ask ford. NEVER AGAIN!
-
Overall A Great Value - 1998 Ford Windstar
By twinsmomof3 - January 3 - 2:00 amWe bought our van used in 2000(52K miles). It now has 98K miles. We have had one major repair (@ approx. 85K miles)-a sensor on the motor had to be replaced because of hesitating--a few hundred dollars. No problems since then. My only complaints are wind noise from the driver side window and the engine sounds a little like a truck--somewhat noisy. I have three small children in booster seats, and we have PLENTY of room. The 3.8L engine has very adequate power. I have no problem picking up speed to merge into freeway traffic. Even after 98K miles it still performs as well as it did when I bought it--no pinging even with 87 octane gasoline.
-
Ford is not Quality - 1996 Ford Windstar
By Fred E - January 1 - 2:00 amLike most others that own a 96 windstar, at @ 68,000 miles headgasket went out costing $2,500. Ford fixed 95s and declared 96 cured so they told me that it was my problem. I was first in my family to buy Ford and Im doing my best to tell others in family and whoever else not to buy Ford. I have always bought domestic cars/trucks. This experience has taught me to look global. There is no quality or accountability at Ford
-
Quality Van - 2001 Ford Windstar
By jkak62 - January 1 - 2:00 amThe van has plenty of power to tow or load it up with kids and stuff.We have had 3 Windstar vans and they all have been very reliable.
-
Like our Windstar - 1998 Ford Windstar
By Claude Lafler - December 30 - 2:00 amWe purchased our van new & have only experienced two minor problems: power door lock malfunction and wiper motor failure. It has been a dependable transporter and family hauler. We have heard of transmission problems on this model so we have the trans serviced every 20k miles & have experienced no problems. A great vehicle with more than adequate power!
-
Its been a good vehicle - 1999 Ford Windstar
By rsknaub - December 30 - 2:00 amThis van has been very reliable and has only been in the shop twice for repairs in almost 100,000 miles. The first time was for a failed sensor which cost about $100. The second visit required a new intake manifold. That was a little more costly. However, it still runs great and Im ready to get my second 100,000 miles on it. The biggest surprise is that everything still works after 3&1/2 years.
-
Very Unreliable Vehical - 1995 Ford Windstar
By Zohaib - December 28 - 2:00 amI bought this car used one year old with 20,000 miles. It ran fine for the first two years. Then after that the car started costing. First the A/C compressor broke causing the entire A/C system to fail. That cost me $3,000 dollars. Then the transmition, that cost me another $2,500.Rack on pinion and power steering-$900. Head Gasket-$800. Water pump-$300. Power steering again-$250. axels, cb joint, etc. This list could go on forever. This vehical has cost me over $11,500 in repairs in a 5 year period.
-
Nervous Ford owner - 1998 Ford Windstar
By timulator - December 27 - 2:00 amThe vehicle has always had an annoying clunk in the front suspension. The power locks started failing at 60k miles and cost $500+ to repair and, 15k later, one of the repaired locks is acting up again. It has been very reliable and has plenty of power and is very comfortable overall. The back seat is a struggle to remove, being so heavy. Storage compartments are pathetic. Im not a big Ford fan, but I have liked this Windstar so far.
