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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  00 Windstar Se - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By lionheart730 - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Have great acceleration compare with my 01 Taurus. Better space than my previous 95 Exploder. New tires and the vehicle starts shaking at high speeds especially at very low speed. Grille started peeling off. I hope to get lucky with this one like with my 95 Exploder. I sold it with over 214K mile in it and still running strong.

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  Never Agaiin! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Dandi58 - October 15 - 2:00 am

  After replacing a Grand Caravan with the Windstar, I have to say I am extremely disappointed with American minivans. In the last year, I have spent over $4000 on the Windstar (granted, some items were maintenance, like brakes). I am staring at a bill for $1300 to fix the heat (blendor broken) and plan to send Ford a heated letter. I had to replace the intake manifold gasket at 60,000 miles, a $500 job (Ford paid 1/2), have had several recalls on the transmission and have generally found this van to be unreliable and requiring a LOT of maintenance. Oh yes, the gas mileage is terrible as well. And the windnoise is unbelievable.

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  Great deal! - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By wagsk - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Great van for the money.Sticker was 30105.00 paid 22300.00 after 5500.00 in rebates and 2300.00 discount. You need to go to the Ford web site to find the extra 500.00 rebate.Plus mine came with a free VCR system.

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  Nice road vehicle - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By wilstjb - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Roomy, comfy, powerful. Feels safe and was rated that way. I bought it new in 1998 and it still looks neat. Dual AC handles hot weather nicely, even with dark green paint. 23 MPG average which I consider good for what it is. Great for long trips. Poor transmission, replaced at 55K. Good thing I had the extended warranty. Rear window motors were both replaced. Local dealer very poor, had to take it to another town to have it serviced and repaired.

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  NO PROBLEMS - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By andy77 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 1996 and have 122K on it and have not had any head gasket problem and it still has the original transmission. This thing is a tank. It has never stranded me and takes care of all of the stuff I have to carry around!

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  Great car - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By unknown2 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  It has 93k and never had a tune- up.Never let me down-would by another one

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  Love my Windstar - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By mal_racegal - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Smoothest riding vehicle Ive been in as far as a minivan goes. Love it!

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  I despise this car - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By KSimmons - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car when we lived overseas in Germany and we needed up upgrade from a sedan. It has been an almost constant source of disappointment. Weve had to replace the transmission sensor, rework the brakes twice (in one year), and countless other things. Who makes pistons out of plastic?! Im not a heavy braker, so Im not sure what the problem is. I also dislike the fact that the van will routinely stall. That makes me feel very unsafe. The mechanic at the dealer could find no cause for this problem. Im looking for a vehicle to replace this piece of garbage!

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  Its been good until now - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By boyer - October 6 - 2:00 am

  We have had our van for 8 years. We have not had to put any money into this van until now. On a road trip the transmission goes out. We had to put out $2300 to get a rebuilt trans. I have a feeling that this is not the last of the problems to come. Hopefully I can talk my husband into getting rid of this van before anything else happens. Check engine light wont go off. Scary!!!

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  This is a great minivan - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By happyconsumer - October 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a nice minivan. It got the best rating as far as safety is concerned which is a must for a family vehicle. Its 3.8 engine makes it tow a popup camper easily, even through the mountains. It is also a comfortable van with lots of options. It seats a family of six easily and still has room in the back for groceries (for a family of six, which is a lot of groceries). This is a great choice in a minivan.