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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  Great van - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Brian Puck - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Overall government safety rating for crash worthiness really clinched this deal. Ride is great, comfort and sheer size is unbelievable. Fit & finish is super. Reliability is great too. Hertz car sales are perfect. Price is on the windshield, no hassles. After 1 year of use and 24K miles, they sold it for $8K below what new ones cost. We are very satisfied.

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  Runs and Drives like a new one! - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By cardawg29 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I reluctantly had to purchase a used van to accomodate the new addition to our family. I had a tight budget and had to find the best vehicle at the best deal. I acomplished both. This van is absolutely wonderfull! Extremely reliable, and the performance is surprising for a Mini van. We are very pleased. Ford built this one Tough!

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  Excellent - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Lenny Bouley - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Comfort, Reliability, Performance, Secure feeling, All these attributes are what we feel when driving through the White mountains of NewHampshire especially on a dark road far away from anywhere. The Windstar should rate far better then any other minivan on the road today. After repairing cars, vans and tracker trailers over the years and owning other mini vans, I have never felt this strong about any other automobile.

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  I love my van! - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By twins4me2003 - November 18 - 2:00 am

  We only have the basic model, but I still love this van. We had to have a van with newborn twins!! This was the best for its value and space. One of my friends has a MVP and it is sooo cramped compared to my van.

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  Family Fun..... and room to grow :) - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By TaxiMom - November 7 - 2:00 am

  It was a BIG mental step, being in my mid 30s and not wanting to be a labeled over the hill. But it was the best thing for me and my family. Room for everybody, smooth ride, easy in and out. Great gas milage & quite ride. I wasnt hip on having a TV in the van, but the split sound system and VCR have been very helpful for times when one child is in an appointment or class to keep the others entertained.

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  The best van - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By bob denver - November 7 - 2:00 am

  This van has everything a family needs. It has a very strong V6 engine that generates 200 hp and 240 lb. ft. of tourqe . The interior is nice and comfortable and most vans dosent let u adjust the middle and rear seats for leg room , the windstar does!My fanily just went on a fishing trip and we took the family , all their stuff and a 3500 pound boat . Again , this van has alot to offer , use it.

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  My 2001 Windsatr - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By 65mustangken - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Lots of room and plenty of power.

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  Family car - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Mela - November 3 - 2:00 am

  Great family car. It has all the features we looked for, without spending too much. Very convenient for us that have two babies using car seats.

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  Best vehicle so far - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Steve from Alberta - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Best vehicle we have ever owned. Bought in 98 with 25,000km in perfect condition. Now have almost 150,000km and have only done tires and brakes (once at 110,000km). Pulls our trailer (albeit a smaller one) and our 16ft boat with ease. Only knock we can come up with is a faulty speedometer (at 40,000km approx). Ford said this was normal and within the tolerances of manufacturing ($800 to fix). If the Windstar had a higher towing rating we would definitely buy another.

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  the best family vacation van - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By J.B.Moore - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Taking good care of this car means a lotalthough Ford engines are not the most reliable, using in my car synthetic oil 5W-30(as the manufacturer recommends),saved me from troubles. I also have to mention the oil change every 3000 mi.Transmission fluid was also replaced every 15000 mi.Altogether this is not a race car(do not push it beyond its limits), but which demands the same careful maintenance as being one.