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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  Not Worth It! - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Brannon - March 16 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I reallyw wanted a minivan, but I wish I had known what I was getting myself into. This thing sucks up the gas around town and I feel like Im driving a barge as compared to an automobile. Parking is a nightmare and getting around in heavy traffic is more stress than its worth.

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  unbelievably unreliable - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By CBrady - March 9 - 2:00 am

  When I was pregnant with our second child we needed a reliable family vehicle. So we decided on a van. I have always driven Ford so we naturally looked to the Windstar. This car has not only been unreliable (requiring numerous trips to the mechanic as soon as a month after we purchased it) it has at times been unsafe to drive. We recently had to replace the transmission and to tell you the truth this space is not large enough to list all the mechanical difficulties weve had. Do yourself a favor dont buy a Windstar.

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  98 Ford Windstar - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Tony D - March 9 - 2:00 am

  I have had no mechanical problems with this van over the last six years. I have driven it coss country twice, and in miserable bumper to bumper commutes. It handles easily, and brakes are more than adequate for the size and type of vehicle. I average 19mpg in mixed driving. Ive gotten up to 26 on the open road. Minor problems have included noisey suspension, side view mirror broken, cigarette lighter broken, etc Dealer support has been good.

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  The Crew Hauler - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By DaLokC - March 4 - 2:00 am

  I am a married man with 5 children. The Windstar was our first choice for safety above anything else. We decided to pay a little extra for some extra equipment, but the cost have been well worth it. We dont hear the kids complaining of being uncomfortable, and most of the time they are asleep before we even get out of town!!!!

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  Be careful - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By owner of new and old - March 3 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle since 30,000. It is now at 80,000 I can relate to all of the problems. Tran started slipping around 50,000 in 1st gear, now have leak in timing valve gasket, estimated 800 repair, check engine light on all the time, runs rough at idle, has always made a "popping" noise from the front suspension.

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  DONT BUY A WINDSTAR - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Ford Sucks! - February 28 - 2:00 am

  The Windstar stayed in the shop for Trans. problems, electrical problems, pwr sliding doors would malfunction, Keyless entry wouldnt work, CD player ate CDs and Check Engine light would come on all the time. Broke down 3 times. The dealership denied all problems, said that there was nothing wrong with the car. When we were in a car accident none of the airbags went off when they were supposed to. The dealership said there was malfunction in the airbag sensors. I will never buy another Ford Van, and I will never buy another vehicle from Berglund In Salem, VA.

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  Its a Keeper - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By cwnow - February 27 - 2:00 am

  This van has been wonderfull. It is reliable and fun to drive. I use it daily for business, then hope in for weekends on trips with the family. I have had fairly minor problems with the vehicle over time. The only real gripe I have is that the paint job has begun to fade, but being red and in the Florida Sun this was to be expected.

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  The little things dont count - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By mhpe - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Dependable, powerful, economical but annoying. Windshield wiper pockets collect ice and make wipers useless in the snow. Door sensors dont work in cold or wet weather and keeps dome lights on so you cant see for the glare, and it runs battery down. Has had loud but unidentified engine compartment rattle for 80,000 miles. Brake problems. So-so seat comfort. The Windstar has the highest load capacity in its class but needs it just to carry around the removable seats. Dont try to remove them by yourself unless you want a hernia.

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  Windstar Review -Jmmcoolebay@hotmail.com - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By Jordan M - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This minivan is great. Has Great power, aceleration is very good, you can roast the tires in this very very good. Gas Milege is also good

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  Designed to fail - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By AlexV - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Had this one for a few years. Too bad I was not looking through the reviews. It was fun while under warranty. Was well taken care of, right by the book. Have 3.8l engine. At 68K engine light went off. Took to the dealer. Dealer said that a tunup is needed. Manufacturer said at 100k. Dealer replaced spark plugs etc. Light went off. At 70 K sprung a leak somwhere between heater core and the back of the engine $2k repair(needed to take half the car apart). At 73K engine knocking, water in the oil. Estimate $2.8k to replace the engine. Thanks Ford. That is the last Ford made car my family bought in about 3 generations and hopefully more.