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:
Showing 681 through 690 of 915.00-
GM AGAIN - 1995 Ford Windstar
By GM AGAIN - May 6 - 2:00 amFirst and last FORD"Found On Road Dead" term has come true. Constant engine problems, mostly head gaskets, on second engine and second rebuild. In shop now again for lack of power. Transmission rebuilt at 65,000, going bad again, AC worked on several times...I get hot about this marvel from FORD. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER ONE because the dealer / FORD does not want to fix it, they try to get me to buy another...no thanks, they dont get it!
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Very Reliable - 1995 Ford Windstar
By fredericksburg - May 2 - 2:00 amOur Windstar has been the most reliable new car weve owned weve also owned Honda and Volvo. The only warranty item was a loose drivers seat rack, which they replaced. Since then, weve replaced some front suspension pieces at pretty low cost no other problems. Very comfortable on long trips.
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Lemon Aide - 1999 Ford Windstar
By dukee - May 2 - 2:00 amTransmission shifts hard into gear. Has been replaced once by dealer,
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"Breaking Wind"-star - 1999 Ford Windstar
By Thirty Something - May 1 - 2:00 amToday is emancipation day from my Windstar - truely an occasion for celebration! Never have I had the displeasure of owning a vehicle with more recalls, problems and strange quirks than this poor van. After reading the other reviews, I realized we would probably be considered one of the fortunate ones since our first major money repair didnt occur until @ 35,000 miles. Since then, Its been downhill. Believe me, I will shed no tears as I hand the dealer the keys once and for all to this "mystery machine".
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Imsorry - 2001 Ford Windstar
By Joe consumer - May 1 - 2:00 amThe dealership replaced exhaust sensors rear hatch switches, engine sensors, reah hatch plungers, door open switches, transmission ( lost reverse & overdrive)all 4 tires went bad (broken belts)with in 2 weeks. Brake light comes on when stopping or when hand brake is released but they can not fix. Noisey ride (wind noise)
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dead again - 1999 Ford Windstar
By rayovac - April 30 - 2:00 amWith 25,000 miles and regular maintenance our Windstar Had the engine replaced at the dealer. At 28,000 miles the transmission needed to be rebuilt.
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Dog hauler - 1995 Ford Windstar
By JEMhounds - April 29 - 2:00 amChemelon Blue ran to FL, to CA, to WA to MN to carry show dogs. Has Never needed anything but tires and front brakes and normal maintenance. Looking for a new one now with RH & LH sliding doors. Will keeep Blue for a daily driver.
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Dont by a Windstar - 2001 Ford Windstar
By Most Unhappy - April 29 - 2:00 amReplaced bad sensors, bearings, switches, body side panels, transmission, window motor
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Solid Mini-Van - 2001 Ford Windstar
By Ben Whitehead - April 28 - 2:00 amNo problems whatsoever in the time weve owned it. Very strong 3.8 V6, with all the passing power I need. Quiet, comfortable. Its a mini-van, what more do you want?
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I love Fords! (NOT!) - 2000 Ford Windstar
By MEG - April 25 - 2:00 amHows this for FORD quality? Battery shorts out @ 1000 miles- Slider doors creak in wet weather. Dealer fix is to lube weather strip. This has been done 6 times now! CD/Radio died Liftgate latch broke at 2000 miles Transmission replaced at 18K miles Power steering pump, and rack & pinion replaced @ 22K miles. (Thankfully the vehicle was still under warranty) The depreciation on the vehicle is a killer. In 3 years, the car is now only worth $10K (with only 27K miles) This is my first and last Ford.
