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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  Unless you like to throw money away... - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Mouferdog - December 2 - 2:00 am

  First, the speedometer needle flys all over the place, then the water pump needed to be replaced (this is the 2nd time). The electrical system is severly flawed (admitted by a Ford technician at the dealership) There is nothing quite like the sight and smell of your steering column smoking while all the dash lights dance on and off. Now the transmission needs to be replaced. I just want to thank Ford for knowing that this van is one big piece of junk and instead of proving their integrity by offering to fix problems that they have had a multitude of complaints about, they instead offer an open palm to accept our money to fix their junk!

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  its a mini van! - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By henry1971 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  its been good to me other than the tell tail head gasket going around the usual 100,000 mile mark, i did it myself and saved a bunch of money, i would not buy another older one though, it took me to freekin days to change the head gaskets, i would probably buy a newer one. gas hawg!

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  Expensive Mistake - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By 3 Dog Night - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This van has had one problem after another since within 30 days of my purchase! I am currently looking for a new vehicle and the top priorities will be reliability and customer service. I am so digusted with the Windstars reliability, that I will NEVER buy another Ford!

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  Buy a tow truck - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By mechanix - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle with 50k,got a "great"deal: at 52k replaced head gasket ,under extended warranty,at 62k replaced transmission,also under extended warranty. This vechicle takes more vacations than I do. 84k,Just got it out of the dealership for leaking trans,new tie rods,and motor mounts (Fixed), short in air bag circuit(on going problem).Hello Honda, GOODBYE Ford

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  Excellent - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Lenny Bouley - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Comfort, Reliability, Performance, Secure feeling, All these attributes are what we feel when driving through the White mountains of NewHampshire especially on a dark road far away from anywhere. The Windstar should rate far better then any other minivan on the road today. After repairing cars, vans and tracker trailers over the years and owning other mini vans, I have never felt this strong about any other automobile.

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  GREAT FAMILY CAR - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By CARMOM - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Cant beat it for family city and vacation driving! No major Problems. A lot of minor irritants, like an engine light that has stayed on for 3 years after being fixed many times.Paint peeling on outside-car looks much older. Door squeaks that come and go. Overall-highly recommend.

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  Windstar a Bust - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By michaeljtee - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle to give family of five (3 children) more room and comfort when travelling. Safety was important to me and this has proved to be a safe sturdy vehicle. Ask the deer that ran in front of the van last week! Minimum damage to van. However, at 16,000 miles transmission had to be replaced. Received 24 month/24,000 on new transmission. Well, 30,000 miles later (46,000 total) tranny # 2 is leaking and slipping. 25K..Never again!

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  Too Many Repairs! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Matt Nelson - November 21 - 2:00 am

  With small children we bought this car in part because it does well in the crash tests. It rides well but has had too many problems! The front end has been replaced, the transmission overhauled, gaskets blown, etc. It now has 80,000 miles on it and has cost several thousand more in repairs than my camry (which I sold at 230,000 miles) ever did.

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  I love my van! - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By twins4me2003 - November 18 - 2:00 am

  We only have the basic model, but I still love this van. We had to have a van with newborn twins!! This was the best for its value and space. One of my friends has a MVP and it is sooo cramped compared to my van.

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  stay away - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By nomorefords-25 - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought from local ford dealer with 30,000 miles on the odometer. He gave us Fords bmpr to bmpr warranty for 4yrs or 48,000 miles at cost...why? I now know-at 40,000 miles the tie rods went, at 50,000 miles the transmission went. Since new rear speakers work at their leasure and buy bulbs for the rear lights by the case, you will save $$ in the long run, they go every 3 months. Our van is loaded with 4drs, rear heat/ac, 10 disc changer,alloys,abs,etc- the van has depreciated $8,000+ in the last 14 months-there is a reason. Not worth the $$, there are better alternatives- find them.