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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  Windstar - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By askj - October 4 - 2:00 am

  It has been a reliable vehicle. It had a head gasket problem but Ford fixed that. Brakes every 40 - 50,000 miles. Nothing out of the ordinary. (except odd electrical problem, Ford wiring always seems to be an issue)

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  very reliable van - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By jthiel - October 3 - 2:00 am

  we are the second owner of this van. had 89000.mi on it when we bought it and it now has 123000. with no problems at all!! everything works good, its comfortable, roomy, easy to drive and always starts. we did put a battery in it and brakes but thats it for the 4years we had it. i really dont want to part with it but the miles are getting up there, even though it is in excellent condition, i think its time. the only thing that does not work in it is the passenger window recently decided not to work.

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  Id better buy a Kia or a Lafa - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Windstart victim - October 1 - 2:00 am

  An awful car, weve gotproblems with : - electric accessories - brakes - transmission - engine We bought this car last year with 80K miles and there is no week without a failure somewhere. We tryied to sell it, but it seems that now the Windstar is well known now for these problems. Nobody wants it :-(

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  125,000 trouble free miles - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By rrrust - September 30 - 2:00 am

  We bought it new and it has been the MOST reliable car we have ever owned (including Toyota Camry, Nissan Sentra, & Mercedes wagon). This was truly a reliable warhorse, hauling kids, pulling 1,500 lb boat/trailer, long trips or city commuting. The ONLY repair was replacement of failing brain controlling intermittant wipers. Van was totaled last week in 45 mph collision (no injuries thanks to airbags, despite teenage passenger NOT wearing seatbelt). Very sorry to see this one go.

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  Dont Buy - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Never again Ford - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Very poor reliability. Too many recalls.

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  tommy royce -ford windstar - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By tommyr - September 25 - 2:00 am

  great minivan.roomy and powerful

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  good - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By gonzolla - September 25 - 2:00 am

  the windstar is a great minivan, the 3.8l provides plenty of power a bigger motor than most, bigger is not always better but in this case its close, it also has the nicest rims you can get and 5 star crash test 9 years and runnin, theyre doing something right

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  1998 Windstar GL - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By afrazzano - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I like to maintain my automobiles myself. I change oil, antifreeze and transmission fluid on a regular maintanence schedule. After 80,000 miles, Ive had the car to a mechanic for two non-maintanence repairs. My wife drives it regularly and refused to allow me to upgrade it in 2000 when the lease was up. We have been very happy with it and find it inexpensive to own. We have been very happy with it.

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  A Ford for the Family - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By RRSimplex - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Great Van. Dont let some of the hype about reliability scare you. I am more comfortable sending my family out in the van than any we test drove. My wife loved it the first moment she pulled out on the highway. Its driver visabily is great.

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  Comfortable Drive and Expensive Repairs - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Don Tucci - September 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 1996 Ford Windstar GL in April of 1999 (28,500 miles). The car performed solidly to about 68,000 miles. At this point, the engine cooling gasket went bad and the entire engine needed replaced. Ford replaced the engine at a local dealer, but it still cost me about $1000.00. Now at 90, 000 Miles I am having a multitude of problems. Speedometer broken, re- winshield washer motor burnt out, wheel sensor failing, and transmission beginning to slip.