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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  1996 Windstar 3.8 V6 GL - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By ziggy - January 10 - 2:00 am

  When I bought it new...... it was the most inexpensive among its competitors, not bad for a mini van, very comfortable ride, good gas mileage average 18 to 20 a gallon, I must of got lucky I didnt have much maintenance cost until I got to 75,000 miles I guess it wasnt built on a Monday or Friday.

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  bad car, avoid - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By hadit - January 5 - 2:00 am

  This pig has been back for repairs regularly since we bought it new. Front end parts, interior pieces break, engine problems. Just replaced tranny, power steering unit, rack and pinion unit, starter, at 64000 miles. Electrical shorts abound with this car. I am fighting with Ford now. They know they have a loser in this one. Avoid at all costs. On my way to get a Honda or Toyota, US automakers do not care or build in quality.

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  I love it - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Nancy K. - January 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in June of 2002 and it has been wonderful ever since. The car has a great sound system and all of the diffrent features are amazing and wonderful. The engine is powerful and it does much better in snow and ice than my 1999 Windstar. I love the 17" rims as supposed to the 15" hubcaps. It seats many people and is also very comfortable. The video system is also good to have in case you are going on a long trip. The picture quality is beautiful! This car is the best I have ever owned! I dont know why everyone else hates it!

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  My last Ford vehicle - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Call me stupid - December 25 - 2:00 am

  BLOWN HEAD GASKETS at 67,749 - 78,330 - 116,731 miles. Note that the two repairs failed to last as long as the original (which was an acknowledged design or manufacture defect). Each time the dealer claimed the problem has been resolved and now Ford has refused to extend their arbitrary 7 year 100,000 mile program. There is no reason to expect a "factory trained technician" is any more qualified to fix these problems than an independent mechanic. Yes, I had the TRANSMISSION BUILT too.

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  1996 Windstar 3.8 L - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By boxinbox - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Lots of power. What a amazing engine!! very comfortable to drive. Smoth and easy to park. Did I say how fun 200 HP on a small van is??

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  Worst Vehicle Ive ever owned - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By DNR - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a used 2000 with 28,000mi. This vehicle has been in the shop 3 times in 6mo. Ive had both CV joints replaced. The most recent repair was for a blown TRANSMISSION! Dealer was horrible and rude. In addition to the major problems, the cassette deck doesnt work and much of the insde and outside trim work is constantly falling off. Im going back to a Japanese-made car, they still seem to care about quality.

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  Dont buy it - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By JodiN - December 22 - 2:00 am

  In short, 10 things went wrong with it in 12 months. I bought the Limited version, loaded, everything went wrong including transmission going out at 16000 miles. Major electrical problems. Uncomfortable second row seating. Pain to remove the third row seat when necessary. For the price, its a rip off.

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  What a piece of $*%(!! - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By wondrme - December 18 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 96 Windstar GL. Bought it last year because it was a great price and only had 42K miles on it. Took it on several road trips and each time the check engine light came on. If I did not put a CERTAIN brand of premium gas in it, it would sputter and drive like a deisel. The transmission shifted strange, the ABS light was on when I got rid of it, the power steering was eating it (hissing whenever I turned), the steering felt mushy. Oh, and it ate up batteries like candy. I was CONSTANTLY having to jump it!!! I would _NOT_ recommend this van. Mine had 64k on it when I traded it and it drove like it was on the verge of a breakdown.

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  7 Factory Recalls - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By tony22r - December 13 - 2:00 am

  7(!) Factory Recalls! -blown head gaskets, twice -2 transmissions, failed plungers -"Check Engine" light has been constantly ON since new. -weatherstripping falling off -trim, interior falling apart -had a defective, leaky RIM since new! -Electrical problems -Has been towed more times than we can Count! Do NOT buy a Ford Windstar!

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  Ticking Bomb Windstar - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Slee - December 10 - 2:00 am

  My first impressions were overall good though the fit and finish of the car when new bothered me a bit cause it was kind of shoddy from the carpet to plastic mouldings all around in the interior. Had to replace front brakes at 29,000 miles. The electrical system from the interior lights, doors and ignition have been problematic since the beginning and the transmission kinda of thumpy. I feel since am just out of warranty very vulnerable to the historical tranny problems and weighing my options. Overall quality and relability issues experienced first hand want me to sell ASAP and reduce losses.