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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  Screwed by Ford!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Ford Con Job - December 26 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the all time con jobs in automotive history! As many of you have found out, Ford knew it had an unreliable engine but did nothing as usual to fix the problem or help its customers. They also had faulty brake lines which they did nothing about until the government made them recall. There definetly should be a class action suit regarding this vehicle. Count me in if your interested! Going elsewhere for my next car but Im sure Ford wont care they never do! how many examples do we have to see, Pinto, Bad Tires, Blown Engines, Faulty Brake Lines, etc............................

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  1998 Ford Winstar - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By mike Lu - December 26 - 2:00 am

  Excellentperformance,Iwould highly recommend this vehicle. The only thing is not gas efficient.

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  These should all be recalled - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Ike-69 - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car used with about 28000 miles. Had no problems for a while, then it seemed like a new problem every week. Water pump, alternator, power steering pump, continues problem with brake lines/master cylinder, electrical problems such that it thinks a door is open, so it leaves the dome light on (have just removed this bulb permanently), radio goes out, and now the motor blew at 107,000 miles. I still like Ford, bur this model sucks!

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  No More Fords - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Windstar No More - December 23 - 2:00 am

  My 99 Windstar had problems from day one. It has been to the dealer more than 25 times for so many things. Heater died, power rear windows died,windshield leaked, passenger door had to be rehung, air conditioning problems, intake manifold replaced,power sliding door would not close, brake problems,for 2 years it has not run correctly, misses and no one can seem to get it right.It had 50K miles on it and I traded it in yesterday for a toyota, what a RELIEF!!!

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  Not too thrilled!! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By swyatt - December 22 - 2:00 am

  Owned a 96 Windstar and 00 Windstar. 96 developed Transmission problems around 65,000k. Wouldnt shift properly after transmission was hot. The 00 needed some maintenance when I bought it, but ran fine for awhile. The power steering creaks really badly and I am afraid to take it in. I see a $400+ bill in my future. Also, transmission clunks most of the time when placed into gear. Check engine light came on again last week. Too many recalls

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  Good car, especially with children - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Nicola - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a wonderful vehicle, I was in an accident not one week after having the vehicle. The other car was totaled and mine just sustained minor damage. It safety rating was put to the test right away and passed. It drives smoothly and is spacious for my kids and siblings.

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  Fire electrical engineers - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By KCMOWindstar - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought this Limited van in Dec 2002 and have had numerous electrical probs. Dead batteries, fuel sensors, blower switches, etc. Driver front door was hard to close and had to be re-fit but still has high closing effort. The electrical engineers for this program should be thrown out on their ear.

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  What problems? Do preventative maint.!!! - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By ezrider - December 16 - 2:00 am

  If you take car of this vehicle, it will not give you many problems. Its true the front driver side door sensor was a little bit of a pain, an alternator went (its pushing 80K) but so what! It still has its original FoMoCo battery after almost 6 years of dependable service! This vehicle is as solid and reliable as any foreign car I have owned (about 10 Hondas)

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  What A Nightmare - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By PO,D IN CT - December 16 - 2:00 am

  This car was great until the dreaded 36000 mile warranty cut off. At about 38000 miles all heck broke loose. 1st it was the heater ($1300), next the air intake thing ??,($900) then the bearings ($1400). $3600 later we traded it in for a real car (Honda). Through all the problems neither Ford nor the dealership wanted to even know us. In 1 yr. of owning the Windstar it cost us $3600 in repairs and $8000 in depreciation . After owning 4 other previous Fords I will never buy a Ford again!!!

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  GREAT VAN - WOULD BY ANOTHER - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By 100yrs-of-FORDS - December 12 - 2:00 am

  My 1996 windstar has 95K miles and I have NEVER had a problem or even have to get a tune-up!!! I have the 3.0L {I think it was/is better then the 3.8L} and a great motor! I bought this car new in 1996 at Hagerstown Ford and I must say it has been one of the BEST cars I have ever owned.