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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  Once they fixed the throttle sensor.. - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By David - November 13 - 1:38 pm

  I really like this van. Unfortunately, I had a high idling problem that went on for about 70,000 miles. Unexpectedly, it was diagnosed it as a bad throttle sensor. Once they replaced that, its like a new car. I love it again. Ive had a few "electricals." The driver side window motor had to be replaced. The "Check AdvanceTrac" comes on occasionally, but nothing is found to be wrong. Mileage is as stated, 18 to 24. I can live with that. I wish the seats were stow n go, but thats not a show stopper. Theyre heavy as heck, though. Ive got 111,000 on it now and hope to get another 50-75,000. Bottom line, once the high idling was fixed, its an nice car.

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  35k in 2 yrs; so far so good - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By jiminjax - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive put 35k on the Windstar in just under 2 years with only 2 minor problems, a failed mass air sensor and failed liftgate struts, both replaced under warranty. Its built like a tank; when a Toyota Avalon bounced off the left front fender and wiped itself out, I had to look to find the damage. Ive read about all the problems in earlier models, but I think they got it together by the 2000 model year.

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  Bought used, 75K miles later - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Tim - September 19 - 1:52 pm

  Our 2003 Windstar Limited has been a very reliable van. We have put >75K miles on in less than 4 years of ownership. The only problems we have had is occasional flickering interior lights and the in dash CD changer that sometimes does not want to eject that we deal with. The Winstar was the last van with a removable 3rd seat rather than fold flat. This is the one thing that I dislike about the van. The rear seat is heavy and bulky to move in and out. The VCP rather than DVD based entertainment system is another drawback. Our limited is very quiet and comfortable to drive, although our typical gas mileage of 20 MPG is a little lower than what we had hoped for

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  Lots of problem but will get over it. - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Phil - September 18 - 11:33 pm

  Bought it in 1999, since then problem after problem. Head gasket, transmission, front end, wonder if there are anymore of the service lights at dashboard which is not turn on... but the van has 300K km now and done a lot of towing (pop up trailer) this van is our family pleasure since we have it.

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  Pleasantly surprised! - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By cashewfeni - August 23 - 11:29 pm

  This has been our first American car. We bought 2 years ago When it had >100K miles. We have had only minor annoyances but no major problems. The engine runs strong, we got good gas mileage, the ride is comfortable, the braking is good...it has been an awesome buy! The biggest issue is that it has just 3 doors. This is bad for a family with 2 small kids as it is really difficult to place an infant/toddler behind the driver. Considering the fact that a minivan is supposed to be a family car, I find a 3-door design just absurd. Sometimes, the car wrongly thinks that a door is open and the interior lights stay on - there is no way to manually turn them off!

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  No Problems - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By No problem - August 21 - 8:46 pm

  Bought it new in early 2001. Wifes car shes a lead foot. Very few problems, no engine or tranmission problems. Sliding doors need adjusting very couple years. We put 107500 miles in 6.5 years. Never broke down, if they still made them Id buy another. We never missed an oil change or other service.

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  Still driving the Mom Mobile - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Mfranck - August 8 - 6:02 pm

  Until this week, I never had a single problem with my Windstar. I cant wait to get it back from the dealership (lets hope the extended warranty covers the ABS failure). At 74,000 miles this car has held up and drives beautifully. In the snow when the SUVs cant make it up our hill, my Windstar out performs them all. Two kids, five dogs and the interior still looks new. I truly cannot say a bad thing about this car except that since my kids are older it isnt cool to drive.

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  Quick - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By macspec - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Excessive road noise from tires and suspension Something needed to make rear door easier to maneuver.

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  2003 Windstar - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By w. sick - July 18 - 7:53 am

  This has been a reliable and totally trouble free vehicle with lots of both passenger and load carrying capacity.

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  Whatever - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Familyman - June 3 - 1:58 am

  Has 80,000mi now. Owned since it had 35,000. A lifter spring broke at idle in a drive through at about 45,000. Gets 13.6mpg in town. Paint flaking off and cracking on its own, terrible. Had the recalls fixed. Both auto front door locks need a new actuator. Engine was pinging with eng light on so had to have intake pulled and cleaned due to clogged egr passages thanks to poor valve cover design in which I also had to buy the new type. Rear side defogger quit working. Interior lights used to come on on thier own. Replaced rear shocks. For the money I cant complain as all vehicles have their problems. Who knows what the previous owners put it through. Id still drive it cross country if need be.