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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  Run away quickly! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By irishmafia - April 8 - 12:34 am

  Worst car ever FORD fix or repair daily very apt for this piece of junk. What hasnt been fixed? Transmission went at 100k and had it back for months (new not rebuilt trans) trying to find out why it kept slipping -dealer finally found broken part in the housing, all types of emission repairs, starter sounds like its going today, many unique repairs needed, blower motor gone heat/ac electronic temp control went winter without any heat lousy gas mileage drivers seat springs cushioning gone at 140k cruise control stopped working fuses blow regularly electric rear window broken ABS light on since I bought it cant find anything wrong with brakes some genius designed only one door w/key

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  Love the size of this van - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By DORIS WhITFIELD - April 5 - 10:09 pm

  Of course youll excited when you get a new car, but it was short lived, because the recall notices started coming. I think I actually took my car, about four or five different times. The last time i took it, they kept my car to long, causing me A big inconvenience. I loved the space of my car, and the fact that I could carry 9 to 12 passengers. Unfortunately at this time my car has so many problems, the thermostat with the running hot is a big problem.

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  It Has Been Great - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Annwyn - April 4 - 11:02 pm

  Bought the Windstar with 55,000 miles on it. Changed the oil and maintained it regularly but stopped going to Ford! Added 100000 miles of hard driving and lots of long trips. Brakes changed, transmission flushed on time, rotated tires regularly and would say this baby has been just what we needed. It has gone over dirt roads and been hit by a tree but has stood up to it all. Main problem? Rust around the bottom of the doors but then it was parked outside near the ocean and now in upstate NY. If the Blue Book didnt list the value under $400 I would put the $1300 in it that is recommended (including trans flush and new tire) and roll on.

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  Fix or repair daily ( ford ) - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By unhappy ford - April 1 - 8:37 pm

  How can a company like this possibly still be in business? Do they really think that after having a bad experience people are going to keep coming back? They build these vehicles to fall apart so that we will pay them to fix them. I took care of this van and things had to be replaced over and over. Transmission at 110,000 km on its way out again at 124,000 km engine light stays on and I cant even insure it because our aircare program wont test vehicles with an illuminated engine light. Tires wear out quickly. Poor gas mileage. I think the only reason it got a 5 star safety rating is because it spends more time in the shop then it does on the road. I will never buy a Ford again!

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  Time to sell it before too late - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By G W - March 18 - 5:28 pm

  We bought it used w/ @ 33,000 mi on it. The drivers side window motor went right away but the dealer fixed it under warranty. Now have @ 77,000 mi on it. Rear vent windows work & then dont, interior lights also flash on for no reason, now the head gasket is leaking- a seemingly common issue. I owned a 96 & it also was plagued w/ electrical glitches. Im very nervous about the multiple listings of tranny failure as it has never seemed well mated to this engine - lots of downshifting when going up just moderate grades, not like the 96 but then Ford made this model @ 1000 lbs heavier. Think its time to sell.

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  Bad Van! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Jamies - March 5 - 10:28 pm

  My husband and I bought a 2000 Windstar SEL before the birth of our 2nd child in 06 and have had nothing but trouble with it. Had to replace something with the cruise control and brake fluid which Im told now is a recall, a new transmission, the doors sometimes dont close right, it makes a creaking noise when I turn left or right and now it is making a knocking noise and the check engine light is on. My husband liked the looks of it but I now tell him looks arent everything!

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  great van - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By AMAZING VAN - March 4 - 8:36 pm

  Bought this van back in 2001 and it has ran like a champ since then. It has had no problems in all the years I have owned it. The transmission is very strong I once was going down a hill and bumped it into reverse it shut of the engine but restated and kept on driving. I have put on 50,000 miles since then.

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  Great Van - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By thundercloud - March 3 - 8:58 am

  I bought mine used it already had 99,000 miles on it. It drives like a new one. So far the only mechanical issues I have had with it are the ones you would expect at that mileage such as brakes and belts. I am a tall, overwieght, disabled man. Its like whoever designed this van had people like me in mind. I have plenty of room and it is not a chore to drive it. In fact it has improved my mobility so much that last summer I lost 80 pounds. Now this van itself did not do that but it is one of the factors involved in my weight loss. To lose that amount of weight you have to be up and moving and this van helped me do that.

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  Workhorse - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Banjo - February 16 - 10:15 am

  We bought this baby after it had been on the dealers lot for a long time and got a good deal on it. We had to replace the tranny at around 100K but otherwise its been a total workhorse. its got 150K on it and going strong. Its a bit banged up so we dont worry about throwing just about anything in it. A mechanic told us the 3.0 V6 is the best engine option and its been good getting around 20 mpg. We hope to get another couple of years out of it.

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  check engine light - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By reggie - February 13 - 3:22 pm

  i have had this car for 10 yrs and have put only 68,000 miles on it. Have had numerous issues since day 1. Weve had 2 computer unit recall, 1 rear a/c recall, and recently the cruise controll recall. We had to spend close to $1,000 on new tires and struts and shocks after only 18,000 miles. Ford nor the dealership would repair those two problems because it was past the 3 yr warranty period, though it was under 36k miles. At around 40k miles, it started to get a p0174 lean code (check engine light). I took it to several ford specialty mechanics and they all say the same: intake manifold gasket was faulty because it was made of cheap plastic. It would cost around $600 to repair.