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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  1995 Ford Winstar - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Connie Engle - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Has a new motor with less then 50,000 miles. New transmission. Maintained well. New tie rod end, New tires and just had a frontline alignment. With new spacers, cam .

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  ss garbage scow - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By hospitalmike - November 23 - 2:00 am

  bought dealer used 30k w/ extended warranty...all usual problems: tie rods, rear wheel cyl, slider door switch, ac switch covered all before 75k. ignition block, alternator, steering rack, 2 sets pads & rotors, 2nd set rear wheel cyl & drums & shoes. front sub frame rewelded. ABS error code front axle. Rear wiper motor. All repairs by aftermarket(pepboys) or self. Constant maintenance: (belts, hoses, brakes, tires, alignments, wheel balance & rotate, tran fluid & filter, fuel filter, plugs & wires)- all have made van mostely reliable. No head leaks, tranny problems, fuel-water-steering pumps, NO EXHAUST OR RUST PROBLEMS TO DATE 130K!

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  Blown engine - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By steverob - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Head gasket failed and destroyed the engine (3.8). Only has 77,000 and Ford will offer no assistance. We will never buy another Ford product.

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  no more fords - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Jim no fords - November 20 - 2:00 am

  If you are thinking about buying a Windstar, DONT. While the van was still under warranty, a computer chip went bad. It would have been several thousand dollars to fix if not for the warranty. The at 60,000 miles the transmission went. I dont know where all the radiator fluid goes that I put in. The dealer swears its not the head gasket. We have three friends that own Windstars from various model years and they ALL have transmission problems.

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  We still like our Windstar - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By smithmga - November 19 - 2:00 am

  1998 3.8 Windstar - 5 years and 117K miles so far. Oil changed every 5K and the complete evac of trans fluid every 25-30K. New parts: master cylinder and brake booster at 115K (dont know if they were bad but the brakes were still spongy after new pads and shoes and bleeding did not help), four air filters, one fuel filter, one battery, two power steering pumps, three serpentine belts and one tensioner and two radiator flushes. Overall, the van has been excellent. Its powerful, smooth, and roomy. Its great on long trips. Ive read a bunch of horror stories about the Windstar, but so far, its the best car/van out of 20 Ive owned.

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  Beware - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Riv - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Very poor reliability. Radio has been a major problem. Very expensive to repair/replace (suggest replacement with after market radio). Major problems with motor after 45,000 miles. Service engine light comes on all the time. Continue to take to dealer and its something different each time. Vacuum hoses, oxygen sensors, gasket replacements, front steering suspension problems and recalls. Basically a money pit. Timing Head Cover Gasket and Upper Intake Gasket latest repair, $1,400.

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  Mini Junk - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By riveramike - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Poor radio reliability, Poor overall interior workmanship and fit. Poor overal body fit and finish. Extremely poor reliability of motor. Numerous major problems with motor. Dealer continues to patch work repairs. Now that vehicle is out of warranty the timing head gasget cover and upper intake gasget need to be replaced at a cost of $1,400.

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  Transmisson needs to be FIX - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Samantha Smith - November 15 - 2:00 am

  well i bought one and i had only had it 2 month at 17000 miles on it and the trans mission went out i have had a ford van before and every time i take a trip with it the transmission gose out..so right now i am driving a rental car because my new VAN is in the place at 17000 miles getting a new transmission and the rental car thats a ford even sounds like it trasnmission is about to go out... Thank you

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  Windstar needs CPR - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By R. Hardy - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Ford has droped the ball on this vehicle. I own a 1996 Windstar that was OK up to 50,000 miles. After 50,000 the van had no life left in it. It started with the transmission at 50,000 miles and as ended with a head gasket at 129,000. In between 50,000 and 129,000 miles there has been many problems and a lot of money spent. I will never buy a Ford Windstar again. The whole Windstar line needs CPR.

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  Crappy vehicle - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By khuri - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Terrible can. Unreliable, poorly built.