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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  1995.5 Ford Windstar GL minivan - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By beamingup - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this used and have gotten 110,000 miles from it. Comfortable ride, roomy - adding a fourth door on newer models definitely an improvement. Electrical problems, mostly with interior lights, warning bells, passenger window, have been numerous. I am now in need of a head gasket (last one was installed 2 years ago). Transmission still good. A/C and heating have been powerful, reliable.

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  windstar - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By himilaya - May 16 - 2:00 am

  oCar drives ok. Came with lots of extra features like rear sensor, heated mirrors, vhs entertainment system.

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  I Love My Windstar - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By jak - May 15 - 2:00 am

  People love to knock the Windstar. Before I bought one, I talked to a Ford mechanic I knew and to a salesman who drove one constantly. The salesman said that you can drive 800 miles in the Windstar and it feels like 250 miles. I found this to be true. It rides well on long trips. The mechanic said that since it has a T-Bird engine, it runs hot and needs some repairs at 60K I havent found that out yet, but I bought the extended engine/transmission warranty so I wouldnt worry. This car has been great. Ive driven a friends Odyssey on trips - Ill take the Windstar (and so will he) any day.

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  Never by Ford again! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By THARRY - May 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought the van because of size and safety rating. It always has problems. The power doors work intermittently, the automatic headlights dont work, rattles. Best of all, I have to use premium to keep the pinging down.

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  2000 Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By alias1 - May 13 - 2:00 am

  Transmission just blew at less than 3 years and 43,000 miles. Blind spots due to headrests

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  Good Car - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By jmore - May 13 - 2:00 am

  Here in Puerto Rico is one of the best priced minivans

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  owner of two - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Carl1 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  This a good car for children and for the dealer. I have 120k on the car and have had all the major problems: transmissions @ 40k and 110k, head gasket leak @ 60k, warning lights, abs problems, etc. Fortunately, the car has never been found on the road dead. Also own 2000 model no problems yet @ 30k

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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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  Bad Experience - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Nelly - May 7 - 2:00 am

  We had a head gasket blow soon after we purchased this vehicle used. Four years later weve just recently had to have the transmission rebuilt and the head gasket has blown again. In addition to this there are minor problems all over the vehicle - inaccurate open door warnings, interior lights that wont turn off, seat adjustment knobs that work only sporadically, pieces of interior that have easily broken. Constant maintenance needed on brakes and drums.

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  Bad Experience - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By nelly - May 7 - 2:00 am

  We had a head gasket blow soon after we purchased this vehicle used. Four years later weve just recently had to have the transmission rebuilt and the head gasket has blown again. In addition to this there are minor problems all over the vehicle - inaccurate open door warnings, interior lights that wont turn off, seat adjustment knobs that work only sporadically, pieces of interior that have easily broken. Constant maintenance needed on brakes and drums.