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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  Ford Windstar 1996 - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Raj K Pai - December 7 - 2:00 am

  After the van crossed 60000 miles I have had nothing but problems. The van needs to have repairs every 30-60 days.

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  Best car weve ever owned - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By drb67 - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Around town and coast to coast, always comfortable and reliable. Excellent for long trips. Have NEVER had to repair anything! Changed oil and filter on schedule, and replaced self-sealing tires at 50,000 miles. Otherwise, expense-free!

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  Top 5 problems of a 96 Ford Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By rjf - December 6 - 2:00 am

  5-Electrical problems. 4-Speedometer fails. 3-Front suspension wore out. 2-Antifreeze leaking. 1-Oil leaking. Good bye Windstar. Hello Honda.

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  Dont get a windstar - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By bellcurve - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 97 Windstar. It was functional and did what it was intended to do - hull people. Then chose the basic 02 Windstar - and what difference. 1. Outside noise 2. Cheep and flimsy material (inside and out) 3. Annoying seat belt beeper 4. Inside lights shorted out 5. Feels like the wind could push the van over. 6. Poor excelleration, rough ride. 7. Visionless. It seems like they took an old formula and then simply tried to make money by cheepening all of the parts. The only revisions you get with newer models is price cuts in production with little in the way of new amenities. Very poor van. Will never get another one.

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  Will never buy a Ford again - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By acer111 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  It has had a new lower engine. Then replaced Head Gaskets, Then the whole engine, then ABS sensors, then front rotors, then continuous engine check lites, then Airbag light, then speedometer goes haywire. IT DOESNT STOP. Rear windows stopped closing. Power locks stoppped working. NEVER GET ANOTHER FORD.

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  Unjust Ratings??? - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By ABE - November 29 - 2:00 am

  We are the original owners of a Ford Windstar. In just the last month, in researching things for an additional minivan, I was surprised to find the 95 Windstar so poorly rated. Thru our 52,000 miles, Id say our ownership experience as been supurb overall. Part of that was a fine dealer that took care of the few, annoying minor bugs quickly and at no cost. They were: 1) A missing storage tray under the passenger seat upon delivery, 2) The ABS brake light turning on recall and, 3) The head gasket recall. Other than these things, our experience has been supurb.

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  Runs Well at 78K Miles - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By WIN STAR - November 28 - 2:00 am

  Weve owned our Windstar for 5+ years now. I know that people have had problems with them. Our only major one was the tailgate lock failing and having to be replaced. Bought it with 29K miles from a local dealer. The faux leather interior, sound system, All-Trac and load level features continue to make this a pleasure to drive.

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  2002 Ford Windstar - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By chubren - November 26 - 2:00 am

  We have only had it one year and my wife loves it. It has run well, so far. The only problems have been a strut that went bad after only a couple months and the poor quality of the interior. Our last Windstar had very comfortable seats. The metal supports in this van have come up through the padding on the seats and the headrest. The speaker volume cuts out in one of the sliding doors. The only other negative aspect is the pick up. It takes a few seconds of hitting the gas, before it really takes off.

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  The last Ford we will ever own - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By rgkyncl@eathlink.net - November 25 - 2:00 am

  Transmission blew at 60,000 well maintained hiway miles. Engine blew from Ford admitted manufacuturer defect 1500 miles past recall. Ford corporate office actually has a phone bank of professionally trained people who will take 30 minutes to tell you to go to hell in the nicest way you have ever experienced. To bad such a beautifully designed vehicle has Ford garbage for guts. Our Toyotas go 200000+ miles. Guess what we bought to replace this?

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  Dont Buy Ford - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By FarsideJohn - November 23 - 2:00 am

  An average vehicle at best, this POS has been sitting in my garage for 5 weeks because it has a leaking head gasket (3.8 liter engine) at 64,000 miles. Although there are hundreds of identical complaints on the NHTSA.gov web site due to Fords bad engine design, Ford refuses to make good on the $3,000 of repairs that are required to make this vehicle driveable again. If I am reincarnated, I will never, never, never buy another Ford product.