Overview & Reviews

Ford boosted output on the 3.8-liter V6 from 155 to 200 horsepower. Trim and equipment have been revised, and four-wheel disc brakes come with traction control or the tow package. A new integrated child safety seat has been added to the options list. Tune-ups happen every 100,000 miles. Traction control is now optional.

User Reviews:

Showing 51 through 60 of 102.00

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  Watch out - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By NCYankee - July 21 - 2:00 am

  As with many of these 3.8L models, my headgasket went out at about 78k, causing the connecting rod on #4 cylinder to break. Dealer wanted 4K to install rebuilt motor, so I fixed the original one for about $500 in parts and many hours of my labor. Running good again, but Im holding my breath. ABS light is comming on all the time now, but brakes seem to work fine.

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  Good for the long haul - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By happy driver - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle since May of 1996. It was the first vehicle I found that could pack all my kids stuff for college and still ride well enough that my wife did not get carsick during the 4 hour drive to college. During all the time we have owned it, it has always been available for duty and has only needed the routine maintenance. I did finally this spring put new brakes on the vehicle. I look forward to buying a Ford again.

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  It coulda shoulda been a better idea - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Mr. G - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I too had the trouble with Check Engine Light. Dealer told me at 80,000 that the #4 cylinder had a head gasket leak. PLug was carboned up they said and it was anti-freeze. Funny no antifreeze in the oil! They started to take it apart to replace head gasket and found the intake was all carboned up. Two cans of brake cleaner($3 ea,) and $350 bucks and it was fixed. They denied the head gasket was a problem anymore. Even Ford said it was fixed. Had the intake cleaned again at 100,000. Check Engine lite went out and then came back on and will not go off even when you disconnect neg terminal.

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  1996 3.8L Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By 22 yr old - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Get an extended warranty because its worth it. There were a few minor repairs and the transmission had to be rebuilt at 72K miles when the warranty ran out at 75K. At 94K there are some electrical problems popping up, but nothing too bad. The speedometer has been replaced once and its getting a bit shaky again. The right windows stopped operating, but my dad simply took the motors apart and put it back together and it just started working again. The door light started coming on even though all doors were closed. I cleaned the contacts where the doors close and now the light only stays on for an extra 5 seconds every now and then. Despite its problems, I like the van.

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  only burnt once... - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By mom of 3 kids in OH - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought Windstar based upon safety ratings at the time. Thought we had a great van- but the Check Engine light went on every time we drove on a trip over 200 miles. Ford dealer never could figure it out - or why we had rough cold starts. Now at 112,000 miles, already fixed the gaskets and now need a new transmission. Wish I had checked consumer reports before I had purchased. Going foreign, but only because they have forced me. Will never buy a Ford again!

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  Didnt Learn - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Unhappy in TX - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Weve had the Windstar 6.5 years only 55K miles. No major problems until 54,400 miles. Transmission disintegrated the internal differential came apart and spewed pieces all over the inside of the trans. A re-manufactured trans was installed. Thankfully, the $3600 bill was covered under a third party warranty. This van was not driven hard by any means. Had a 1988 Taurus wagon. Same engine (3.8 L), same trans, same result (trans died at 60K miles). I didnt learn. Im sure the head gasket is next. I have friends with similar stories about Windstars. No more Fords. Our other mini-van is a Venture.

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  Not as bad as it could have been - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By flower mom - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Well, the car is only OK. The head gasket problem, allegedly fixed by the 1996 model, is not fixed it will need replacement at about 80K miles - a surprisingly consistent benchmark. If you buy a used one, make sure its already been replaced. And the speedometer breaks. And the ABS. Luckily, the brakes themselves still work fine. Nuisance stuff.

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  Very Good So Far... - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By MadManMike - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought used in end of 1999, with the 3.8 Leter engine. Never had any major problems. First Van even owned and love it. But there are electrical problems galore but fortunately none have lead to a significant problem: Engine light comes on and stays for months - mechanic cant find anything wrong, thus resets. Interior lights frequently dont shut off after closing doors for up to 30 minutes at a time. Occasionally, the Door is open alarm does not shut off after the door is shut. Door is open light indicator seemingly always shows that one of the doors (or rear hatch) is open when, in fact, they are all closed and double checked.

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  Enjoyable Vehicle - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By barns - May 8 - 2:00 am

  We as a family have enjoyed driving this Windstar for 5 years, Lots of room for children, Adults and family pets.

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  GL Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By hagar - March 27 - 2:00 am

  Mechanical reliability is the worst Ive ever seen. Im 54 and between myself and my wife we have had MANY cars, trucks and vans