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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  Great van - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Brian Puck - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Overall government safety rating for crash worthiness really clinched this deal. Ride is great, comfort and sheer size is unbelievable. Fit & finish is super. Reliability is great too. Hertz car sales are perfect. Price is on the windshield, no hassles. After 1 year of use and 24K miles, they sold it for $8K below what new ones cost. We are very satisfied.

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  Garage queen - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By jefftp - December 11 - 2:00 am

  The van is decent, when it is running. Comfortable interior, good ride, fairly good power. The killer is reliability. Ours now has 79K miles, and we bought it at 55K miles. We have had to put in new alternator, rebuilt transmission ($$$$$). Interior lights wont go off, and dealer says cant be fixed at reasonable price. Power sliding door wont work, quoted $1,100 to fix. Check engine light is on & there seems to be a short in the electrical system somewhere. Symphony of loud rattles and squeaks comesfrom all corners of the van whenever moving. Decent van, when its running.

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  Ford Windstar - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Archie77 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Its a Ford, and lives up the the name. It has been in the shop 4 times in one year. Get this, when they sell you a extended warranty everything is covered. When you need repairs it covers nothing.

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  FORDS AC/HEATER - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By TOMP - December 9 - 2:00 am

  OVERALL WORTH THE $$ AS A USED VEHICLE, BUT HEATER BLEND DOOR FAILED LEAVING US WITH LITTLE HEAT OR DEFROSTER IN COLORADO. FORD WANTS $1000 TO REPLACE THE WHOLE HEATER UNIT TO REPAIR A $20 DOOR. THIS IS A DESIGN PROBLEM. FORD DOES NOT CARE ABOUT YOUR SAFETY. tHIS IS MY THIRD FORD BUT LIKELY LAST.

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  Dependable, Poor Quality - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By dynomo - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the van with 36,000 miles and still running good at 140,000. Runs good, drives good, comfortable, roomy, and great safety rating. Lots of little problems due to extremely poor quality: Speedometer, power locks, power windows, rear heat/ac, cruise control, brakes, check engine light and interior lighting.

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  Very pleased - a great van - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By edsunder - December 5 - 10:00 am

  The van has been a pleasure to drive since we got it. Its got lots of room and is comfortable for our family of 6.

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  Pretty Goode - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By brkluy - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had a 5 different windstars since 98. I get one for a company car and buy one for a personal car every few years. I have had very few problems. I currently own a 2000 and have a company van 2002. I put around 30K per year on my company van. I has never left me stranded. As far as my personal van, it has rarely been in the shop.

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  1995 Windstar my Family Wagon - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By cxdign04 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  This has been a good car. However, there are some specific problems with Head gaskets. Ford gave me an extended warrantee until 100,000 miles or 7 years. The head gaskets blew at 107,000 miles, resulting in a large bill ($2,500). I am fixing this car because I believe it will last many more years...I in spite of this problem this car has been good to me.

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  Runs and Drives like a new one! - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By cardawg29 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I reluctantly had to purchase a used van to accomodate the new addition to our family. I had a tight budget and had to find the best vehicle at the best deal. I acomplished both. This van is absolutely wonderfull! Extremely reliable, and the performance is surprising for a Mini van. We are very pleased. Ford built this one Tough!

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  Waste of money - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Unlucky - December 3 - 2:00 am

  We spent over $33,000 on this car new. It has had nothing but problems with the doors, stalling, horrible noises coming from stero speakers in the doors, steering has already gone as well as mulitple other problems. Brakes and rotors need replacing every 10,000-15,000 miles. Car died after pulling into traffic dealer couldnt reproduce the problem but I still paid a hefty fee for their diagnostic testing. Extended warranty we bought from Easy Care has covered nothing. Three years later, this cars resale value is only $9,000 what a waste of money! We will never, ever, ever purchase another Ford after our experience with this Windstar.