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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  Great family van - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By DanielleNY - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Windstar for 4 months and weve already put almost 7k miles on it. I love the styling of it much better than the other mini-vans out there and it is very roomy inside. My kids love the video system and captains chairs. We bought a 6 yr 100,000k bumper to bumper warranty so Im not worried about a thing! We also have a 2001 Pathfinder which is a lot more fun to drive but doesnt fit all my car seats.

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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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  satisfied - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Dean - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Carry it to dealer for all work to be done. They have kept the car in top shape.

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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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  Windstar one of the worst minivans - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By minivanguy - July 15 - 2:00 am

  With exception to the Nissan, Kia, Mazda, and GM minivans, the Windstar is definitely the worst minivan on the market. The car has many electrical and mechanical problems, including: doors, engine parts, even the transmission having to be repaired or replaced. My friend who owns a heavily driven Chrysler T&C has no problems. As to Mr Cool, Chrysler have the #1 selling van on the market (Caravan), not Honda, who are way behind. I recommend a Chrysler most, then Honda, then Toyota.

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  1st American car and Last! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By bkatt1 - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Got this vehicle from the used car lot at Courtsey in Tampa and in hopes to be fair( to what I have read to be a fairly decent vehicle), I will never buy a car from that dealership again much less a Ford. Problems from the word go. And too many mechanicle challanges with this vehicle with only 48K miles.

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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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  better buy the extended warranty - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By hotmom - July 9 - 2:00 am

  we have 50 k miles on our van, heres what we have replaced: transmission at 35k, brake sensor, heater, power steering twice, fuel regulator, transmission sensor, tailgate lifter?, lots of little stuff, and big stuff. Our extended warranty has paid for itself. Has a hard time staying aligned. Our service center is really good and helpful-thank goodness since we see them every other month. buy a Honda

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  Will never buy a Ford again - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Regina63 - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I have always bought an import car, but took my chances on the Windstar. Right out of warranty (36,900 miles) I had to replace the manifold. 4 months later at 39,000 miles I had to get a new transmission. I have a friend who has the same vehicle as mine and she is basically having the same problems.

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  dont by this ford windstar - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By willow - July 4 - 2:00 am

  worst mistake made. two engines within two years.we had bad costumer service were we bought car at fairview ford san bernardino,and to moss brother ford colton.the 1st engine at 67,000 miles 2nd engine only lasted to 52,000 on the new engine so disappointed in ford . hundreds of people with same problem. took in for the 2nd time it was running the engine light was on after they took it apart without my permission atMOSS BROTHERS FORD, COLTON. THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME 4,000 A NEW ENGINE OR $1,800 TO THROW IT BACK TOGETHER. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED OUT . in the back was boxes of my engine they refused to put back together.