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 731 through 740 of 915.00-
Top of mtn @ 70000 - 1998 Ford Windstar
By coolgolfer21 - January 25 - 2:00 amPurchased used w/17000, beautiful easy enjoyable ride until 70000 miles, then problems. Rebuilt tranny, dozen trips for "service engine lite". All that finally fix (at my cost) and now smooth sailing again. Never fails otherwise, trading for another but four doors this time.
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Jack Nasser ruined Ford in only 10 years - 1997 Ford Windstar
By Compaq_Dude - January 21 - 2:00 amVan has had nothing but problems wince purchased. What a "pile"! Transmission is about to go, at 76K. Fought the door sensor thing like sooo many other "lucky" Windstar owners. Now ABS computer has died. $1300.00 to repair. After yelling at the dealer, they knocked 2/3rds off the cost. This tells me that they have that much markup to work with from the beginning. One month ago it was the steering rack,and fluids leaking, $1200.00. This thing is falling apart. I have driven Fords my entire life, but Jack Nasser made himself rich, and trashed the Ford name! I will NEVER buy a F-ound O-n R-oad D-ead again!!!!
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98s safer than new windstar - 1998 Ford Windstar
By Windstar - January 21 - 2:00 amWe love our WindStar and if you check out the Insurance Institute for Highway safety page you will wonder why anyone drives some of the other vans out there. With the Windstars safety, front and rear Air-Heat controls powerfull 200hp engine and great driveablity its the perfect vehicle. The only negitive Uniroyal self seal tires were Hydroplaneing so bad at 40000 mile we had to replace them.
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Bills Windstar SE Review - 2001 Ford Windstar
By Bill Hughes - January 21 - 2:00 amThe Windstar is a very utilitarian vehicle. It has a great safety rating and seems to be a very solidly built vehicle. The motor is quite powerful with the 3.8 V-6, however the transmission/ shifting seems to be a little rough at times. I got the 0% financing for 60 months - that helped close the deal. I am also a Ford man. I dont like most GM vehicles and I dont trust Chrysler/ Dodge reliability. (Caravans used to have a reputation for early transmission failures.)
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Dont be a sucker. - 2003 Ford Windstar
By kiddyvan - January 20 - 2:00 amTested Windstar v. Gr Caravan. Windstar steering was sloppy pedals awkward steering wheel blocked panel, seats were uncomfortable. Tight around middle bench seat. Van small-approx 35 cu.ft. cargo space smaller than GC. Lots of neat gadgets - dont be sucked in by bells & whistles. Interior gadgets seem cheap. GC is the way to go. Smooth as can be! VERY comfortable. Superior design & handling. Dodge has it hands down! If youre making a purchase drive the Windstar first, then go get a GC!
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Nice Van - 2002 Ford Windstar
By SecondWindstar - January 17 - 2:00 amWe only have 6,500 miles on the van so far and no problems other then dirt building up in the manual sliding door tracks which I just clean out (twice) and I also had to spray WD40 on the sliding doors to stop some squeaks but they work perfect now. Also, tail light was kind of hanging out a little so I loosened two screws and clicked it back in, no big deal. Van rides very nice and runs perfect. Transmission shifts perfect and drive train operates flawlessly with food power.
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windstar review - 1996 Ford Windstar
By joe driver - January 15 - 2:00 amI would rate this car higher if there was a ford dealer within a twenty mile radius that would actually give good customer service,. I will never buy another ford product because of their poor attempts at fixing my ford vehicles.
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Know When to Foldem - 1996 Ford Windstar
By Ken B - January 13 - 2:00 amIts a Minivan. Hoping it was made to carry family, reliably, economically, we bought it. Initial Quality: poor (4- 6 repairs in first weeks). Electrical problems and a leaking window were eventually repaired. Once de-bugged, car performed well for about 3 years (reg maint only). Many costly repairs after 3 yrs. The engine, everything attached to it, traction control, suspension, door locks & sensors started failing. Suggest selling vehicle after first non-maint repair. Ensuing repairs doubled, and doubled again, and doubled again.
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Windstar what a true american whould luv - 1998 Ford Windstar
By Adnan - January 11 - 2:00 amonce i was in the inside of a 2002 Grand caravan sport(fully equipped) and belive me the windstar was more attractive to costumers at that place
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no go in the snow - 2002 Ford Windstar
By no go - January 11 - 2:00 amOur van will not go in as little as 2 inches of snow.We needed to purchase the side signal MIRRORmirror $40 which is the only part needed, but with signal mirrors you need to purchase the whole assembly for $225 + paint to match. Engine noise is VERY noticeable.A few times now when started, there is a grinding noise in the starting system. Sound system is not what we expected for the price.Gas mileage is also a concern(highway 18 mpg, city 15mpg)On the other hand, the exterior is beautiful with black paint (except for a few flaws in the workmanship on the roof).The entertainment sytem is great for the kids.The driver center is a plus.
