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 691 through 700 of 915.00-
It is ok - 2003 Ford Windstar
By phrap - April 19 - 2:00 amGood paint and seats electrical snafus and crummy tires
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Fords Confusion - 1998 Ford Windstar
By SLM98 - April 16 - 2:00 amI bought this van from a family friend who sells cars. Little did I know it would cost me $3000 a year in repairs to keep it going. I foolishly bought it because it looked good and I thought Ford meant quality. It seems 50,000 miles is about as long as atransmission will last. My coworkers soon informed me of numerous expensive problems they had, head gaskets blown, steering racks going, springs breaking, air conditioning controls breaking, etc....etc. And Ford standing there saying we stand behind our product. Aw shucks cant help its past warrenty. Stay away even if its a freebie.
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worst transmissions - 1998 Ford Windstar
By jdk01 - April 15 - 2:00 amthe transmission in this vehicle is the worst i have ever seen. It has been replaced twice and it still shimmers when shifting. beware!
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No More FORDS for me! - 2000 Ford Windstar
By DeltaPDave - April 11 - 2:00 amIve had 3 Fords in 10 years and each vehicle was worse, culminating in the Windstar. Car "chimes" for no reason due to an electrical "gremlin". It also stranded my wife at work refusing to start. Dealer shrugged his shoulders. Transmission #2 at 20,000 miles and the thing still lurches and groans. The front bumper began to deteriorate as a crack developed and began spreading. Dealer says I hit something, but vehicle has NEVER come in contact with anything. Rear bumper has crack too. (I must have backed into a water buffalo without noticing!) The dealer has been worthless only surpassed by Ford Regional Management.
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no star in my wind - 1999 Ford Windstar
By sco - April 8 - 2:00 amAt 20,000 miles tranny goes , on christmas day. engine light came on at least a dozen times in the past year . went through 3 sets of tires.ford tells me this normal,my van has 58,000 miles and im DONE.
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This is the last Ford I will buy! - 1998 Ford Windstar
By Brian Teflen - April 3 - 2:00 amI bought this as a relatively new vehicle with only 46,000 miles on it thinking I would be free from repairs. Was I mistaken! We have replaced the transmission and engine, and continue to have transmission problems $6,000 later. We love the size and the comfort, but cannot afford the repairs. We have never been able to relax with this vehicle as it seems there is always a new noise, rattle, or shake.
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Just say No - 1995 Ford Windstar
By iounothing - April 2 - 2:00 amI should have known Id be in for trouble when I went to the Ford dealership and they were bragging that they had the busiest service dept. in town. Despite needing repairs throughout each year, it always needed several repairs to pass inspection - numerous tie rods, brakes replaced several times, "check engine" light comes and stays on every time it is driven over 50 miles on the highway due to something else giving way. Now when I go to the dealership for yet another repair, the sales staff look desperate for a sale.
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Excellent purchase, until... - 1995 Ford Windstar
By Ephus - April 2 - 2:00 amOur Windstar ran flawlessly for 5 years, since then the transmission was replaced twice and the engine once. After the engine was replaced it has been impossible to keep the A/C charged and running well. Otherwise, the past 2- 3 years have been relatively problem free. Its my wifes car. Now she says: No more Fords.
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Quality is NOT Job 1 - 1995 Ford Windstar
By MountainMan - March 31 - 2:00 amAfter months of research, sold after 8 yrs(intended to keep much longer) and got a Honda Odyssey. US made engines look like 90yr old cardiac arrest patients on life support. Hondas is more like art work. We never expierenced the head gasket problem but after the research felt the odds were to great(esp if used for vactions/long trips). We were having trans problems. When it comes to head gasket&trans reliability, Id say its not a matter of if they develop, but when. I feel Ford cut corners to save a few bucks that end up costing consumers hunderds, even thousands. After owning 4 Fords, I suspect it extremely unlikely that I will ever own another.
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The Great Limited - 2003 Ford Windstar
By Limited03 - March 31 - 2:00 amI love Windstars! I had a 96, although it was a lemon. I traded that in for a new 98 and has that for 5 years and 70,000 trouble free miles. I got rid of that and now I have my 03 Windstar Limited. I love it. It has been majorly improved from my 98. Its quieter inside and the interior is of a higher quality. I Love it!
