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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  Fairly Good - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By First Ford Ever - August 3 - 2:00 am

  A great road cruiser and very comfortable on long trips. Safety ratings top which was important to us. Video a hit with the kids. Dealership is best Ive ever dealt with though, so making ownership experience tolerable. Road noise too much at this level.

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  This mini van is a lemon - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By denise gibson - August 3 - 2:00 am

  We bought our van in June 2003 and it has been in the shop 3 times now and at 800 it had to have a new motor put in it. And we just keep having problems with it. Popping noises in the rear and shortages in the passenager side. I would not recommend this van to anyone and this is the 8 Ford vehicle that we have owned.

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  4th windstar and counting - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Steve Bradley - August 3 - 2:00 am

  We started out with the 95 model, had a few problems that were quickly taken care of. Had a 96, no problems as well as the 98. This vehicle has been solid so far. Great on trips and around town.

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  More time in the SHOP than on the ROAD! - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By tony22r - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought NEW for $20K out-the-door. Since New: Service Engine Soon light ON. 5K Trim, Weatherstripping falling off 7K All doors rattling, squeeking 40K Blown Head Gaskets 50K Blown Transmission 55K (and 10 Recalls later) Sold for $3K Good riddance! I feel sorry for the Sap who bought it, and Im just glad that its not MY problem any more!

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  Fords Faulty Transmissions - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Fords victim - July 30 - 2:00 am

  At 50,000 mi the tranmission had to be replaced due to "neutraling out" at stops. At 36000 mi on the 2nd trans, a major leak of the pan gasket and the torque converter seal. If we hadnt bought the extended powertrain warranty, we would have paid out $2M to fix all the trans probs. Sensor problems repeatly with the doors. Wont ever buy another Ford product even though weve been longtime Ford owners. Fords cust. service motto must be:"Deny!Deny!Deny!". Just ask Firestone.

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  windstar - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By john zarlino - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car because they stopped making the villager. We love it and will be buying another van.

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  Never Again! - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Denney - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought our van with 40000 miles on it. At 50000 miles the tranny went out and then again at 100000 miles. I cant tell you how many times I have replaced the brakes. I will never buy another late model Ford in my life. We are going to trade it in on a Honda Pilot Next month.

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  My last Ford ever - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By enaj - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Cute van, we thought, but the problems with the electricals (faulty warning lights, seatbelt and key tones etc) were endless. I stopped fixing them when the warranty expired. In the last year we replaced transmission, alternator, head gasket, and the brakes have worn down to the metal every year. We now drive a Honda, and will never go back to Ford.

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  I told my best girlfriend not to buy one - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By the girlfriend - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I work at a Ford dealership, Stay away from all of them except for the Ford Trucks! They Rock! The 150s are Awesome The Windstars are sadly nothing but problems

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  Been had by Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Been had by Ford - July 25 - 2:00 am

  Transmission, Head and Engine Gasket failure and very expensive