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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Road Trip King - 2002 Ford Windstar
By Copper - February 26 - 2:00 am55,000 trouble free miles in under 2 years, only regular maintenance needed and still on same tires. Lots of long trips 1000+ miles, kids love the VCR. Gas mileage is fine, van cruises great, quiet at 75mph. Only problem has been a stereo changed under warranty. Leather and carpets wearing well, exterior finish is excellent and two tone gold paint looks great.
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my 2 cents - 1998 Ford Windstar
By lisas mama mobile - February 15 - 2:00 amminimal problems, car still kooks great . exterior paint still looks new. people often remark how well it handles the road & how its a nice quiet smooth drive, runs great !
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Great Minivan - 1998 Ford Windstar
By Gerry B - January 26 - 2:00 amWe bought our 1998 Windstar GL in early 1999 after being returned from a 1 year lease. I was impressed with the power, roominess, and gas mileage this minivan delivered (about 20-23 mpg). We had a couple of early service issues (replaced front "ball joints" and an early oxygen sensor failure), but otherwise the vehicle perfomed very well. We were sorry to lose this vehicle in a rear end collision, but are impressed enough with this Ford to consider replacing this with another Ford. This time with something smaller and with better gas mileage, with the recent sustained hike in gas prices.
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Works for us! - 1998 Ford Windstar
By randt - January 19 - 2:00 amGot the car in 2001 with 32,000 miles on it. It now has 120,000 miles on it and knock wood, no major problems. Twice replaced the brakes, but considering the mileage, cant complain.The same with the tires, replaced all 4..and keep on top of the fluids. The engine light used to be on all the time, but there were no symptoms so the old addage applied..and eventually it went off. We live in a frigid climate, and the car starts each day without a hitch..we have no complaints..and to be honest, I was afraid to buy a Ford.
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My Review - 2003 Ford Windstar
By JennalynsMama - January 16 - 2:00 amThis is a great vehichle. Weve taken 3 long trips with it and been very comfortable each time.
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GR8STAR - 1999 Ford Windstar
By MARK R. - January 9 - 2:00 amVEHICLE HAS BEEN GREAT. REPLACE INTAKE GASKET AT 75,000 FOR $190 AT AN ASE CERTIFIED SHOP. NOT $500 OR $1000 SOME PEOPLE DONT SHOP AROUND. FRONT BRAKES AT 60K MILES. NO OTHER PROBLEMS AT ALL. WE BOUGHT IT WITH 20K MILES AND HAVE LOVED IT. WOULD BUY AND REC. IT TO ANYONE.
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Quality Van - 2001 Ford Windstar
By jkak62 - January 1 - 2:00 amThe van has plenty of power to tow or load it up with kids and stuff.We have had 3 Windstar vans and they all have been very reliable.
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1998 Ford Winstar - 1998 Ford Windstar
By mike Lu - December 26 - 2:00 amExcellentperformance,Iwould highly recommend this vehicle. The only thing is not gas efficient.
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Good car, especially with children - 2003 Ford Windstar
By Nicola - December 20 - 2:00 amThis is a wonderful vehicle, I was in an accident not one week after having the vehicle. The other car was totaled and mine just sustained minor damage. It safety rating was put to the test right away and passed. It drives smoothly and is spacious for my kids and siblings.
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GREAT VAN - WOULD BY ANOTHER - 1996 Ford Windstar
By 100yrs-of-FORDS - December 12 - 2:00 amMy 1996 windstar has 95K miles and I have NEVER had a problem or even have to get a tune-up!!! I have the 3.0L {I think it was/is better then the 3.8L} and a great motor! I bought this car new in 1996 at Hagerstown Ford and I must say it has been one of the BEST cars I have ever owned.
