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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  the last van you will ever need - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By andre hill - October 29 - 2:00 am

  My Windstar SEL has very bad transmition problems, it shifts very hard. thatis the only thing that i find worng with the Windstar SEL. Besides that it is a very nice van for a family of 4 or more.

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  A mistake I bought it - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By phlbill - October 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Windstar in April 2000. After a couple of weeks I knew it was a mistake. The drivers seat position is uncomfortable. There is no place to put your left foot while driving except on the hump for the front wheel. Gas milage is terrible. It strugles to get 20 mpg on the highway and 14 mpg in a mix of urban highway and city driving. Gas milage is almost as bad as a 68 Caddy I once had. But that had a 7.7 liter engine vs the Windstars 3.8. It has been for the most part a car that starts and gets me where I am going. I should bought a F150 Super Crew or a Caravan

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  best van ever - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By ford dude - October 26 - 1:00 am

  I,ve had dozens of cars and this is the best Ive ever had for service, comfort, reliablity and fun to dirve on the highway.

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  New transmission - 55k - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Staci - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Had to buy a new transmission for this POS at 55k miles. New water pump at 69k and new intake manifold at approx 62k. This car is great in design, if you want something to look pretty in your driveway while you drive a reliable car.

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  the best family vacation van - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By J.B.Moore - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Taking good care of this car means a lotalthough Ford engines are not the most reliable, using in my car synthetic oil 5W-30(as the manufacturer recommends),saved me from troubles. I also have to mention the oil change every 3000 mi.Transmission fluid was also replaced every 15000 mi.Altogether this is not a race car(do not push it beyond its limits), but which demands the same careful maintenance as being one.

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  Itll cost you. - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Nocdar - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Pluses: Ground clearance makes driving in snow a breeze, dual air- conditioners, 20-21 mpg. Minuses: Recalls, Coil springs broke, door ajar alarm comes on in damp weather, bushings in idler pulley for serpentine belt seized up while on highway (yikes),lots of tie rod ends replaced. Money spent on repairs would have gotten me into a much more reliable vehicle. Which in 1995 would have been the Toyota.

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  Wonderful - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Shayna - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I have owned two Windstars. The first is a 1995, and I still own it. It has 120,000+ miles on it, and she is still running like a champ. It is just as reliable today as it was the day I bought it. The second is the 2003. I wouldnt own anything else but a Ford vehicle. They are the only vehicles that I would ever trust enough to put my children in. Ford is a company that I can safely say truly knows what a growing family needs, RELIABILITY.

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  Do not buy a Ford Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By bcorgn - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Took care of my Ford Windstar with regular maintenance and oil changes. At 69,000 miles, mechanic now tells me I need to spend $1400 dollars on replacing the head gasket...a "common" problem, but Ford has issued no recalls. Cannot belive there is not a class action law suit yet on this common problem. Do yourself a favor and buy a Toyota or Honda.

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  lemon - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By mary542 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  The car has many electrical problems, my van was in and out of the shop. Buy another sel, Ford could not give me one free.

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  excellent - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By PONCE - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY MINIVAN