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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  MY FORD IS OK - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By MELISSA - August 19 - 2:00 am

  THIS WAS OUR FIRST NEW CAR PURCHASE AND OUR FIRST VAN PURCHASE. ALTHOUGH I HAVE MIXED FEELINGS TOWARDS THIS CAR, I WOULD PROBABLY BUY ANOTHER

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  New Windstar - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Marc Throop - August 17 - 2:00 am

  As a new Windstar owner, I find this the most comfortable and enjoyable ride of any past minivan that we have owned. The middle and rear seating areas have a large abundance of leg room and the driver area is also very spacious. Being taller than the average person, I am more than satisfied with the purchase of this vehicle.

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  Passable but not the best - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By rjh - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Head gasket leaked requiring complete re-do, fortunately at Fords expense as it happened one month before their extended warranty on this known problem would have expired. Dont buy this year unless this problem has been taken care of and then still be leary. Ride was ok and not unpleasant though not as good as my previous 1989 Dodge Grand Caravan. Brakes require more attention than on other vehicles Ive owned including losing brake fluid even after complete brake job. Shakes, leaks and noises of undetermined natures (probably suspension and engine) left me unsettled on the reliablity of the vehicle.

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  ford windstar out of this world - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By tommy .b - August 12 - 2:00 am

  nothing to say about it . its the perfect vecheial to have.i guarantee you will never have any problems.

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  best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By go go balls - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This mini van is the best thing on the road. I am so happy to own this car and I tell everyone I thats in the market. the quality is second to none.

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  its mine - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By greg b - August 10 - 2:00 am

  windstar is built better that the dodgecaravan.windstars int. dont look as cheap as the caravan...

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  tragedyinoregon - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By exxfiler - August 7 - 2:00 am

  My father bought it. Was decent but later began to have problems overheating, traction control disingaging Would bring it to Ford to have them fix it only for the problems to return within weeks They had terrible customer service and charged us every time He demanded they fix something that should have been fixed, they agreed When it was supposed to be ready one day he was told it wasnt. My father was forced to drive his 68 coug to work. On his way home was killed in an accident The police told us had he had an airbag he most likely would have lived Had ford cared about their customers, he might be alive. They finanly fixed it though.

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  WARRANTY WARRANTY WARRANTY - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Jim Kafantaris - August 7 - 2:00 am

  I would recommend buying an extended warranty with EVERY car you buy. I bought a warranty for my 99 Windstar and, at 50,000 miles, blew my engine. The dealership claimed it was a timing chain that destroyed the engine. Warranty covered it and I got a new engine--without the warranty, it would have cost me at least $3500.00!!

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  Too many trips to the fix it shop - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By nomo - August 5 - 2:00 am

  We thought we made a terrific purchase at a fantastic price. But what we did not pay up front on the price, we paid at the garage. It turned out to be a very expensive car. The head gasket blew at 104,000 miles and everything else went right after. We are trading it in and we will only get 2000 dollars for it...so sad. Fords explanation? It has 100,000 miles...that is all you get! Tell that to Toyota...thats what Ill be driving!

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  The worst piece of metal ever - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By EdCosta - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I got this vehicle brand new in July 1995. This is the WORST piece of metal mankind put together since the bronze age !!! With 70,000 miles the steering wheel has been replaced 3 times, the engine once, the transmission twice, 3 sets of tires, several ENGINE CHECK light problems, ABS light problems, air conditioning spraying gas in the drivers face, etc. etc. etc... I will never even be a passenger of another FORD during my lifetime. Thanks God I just got a new 2004 Sienna. GOOD BYE FORD !