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:
Showing 791 through 800 of 915.00-
Not a bad van - 1996 Ford Windstar
By ed - September 17 - 2:00 amMy Windstar has been very dependable up to 50k miles. It has the 200hp engine so its got some get up and go. The ride is comfortable and handles well. The oil pan had a leak that had to be fixed twice under warranty. The CD player wont eject half the time. I almost bought a Explorer sport, the van was so much nicer.
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Big mistake - 1995 Ford Windstar
By flower - September 13 - 2:00 amWe bought our van so we could have more room. We had the van only 4 days before the transmission gave out. I cannot believe that ford does not recall these transmissions. We are so sorry we ever bought this van. It is going to cost us $2,100 to fix it. We use to have a dodge caravan which we loved but was not as roomy as the windstar.
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Never buy a Ford again! - 1999 Ford Windstar
By tominVA - September 10 - 2:00 amBottom line...LEMON! Just had the Transmission repaired for $1,060 on a 4 yr old vehicle w/ 71,000 miles! Mechanic said they dont this kind of failure on cars with 140000 miles! Spent the holidays driving the 1988 Camry I gave to my Dad when I bought this van (it has 150000 miles!) Have expierenced multiple little problems with the electrical system, doors, and idler control motor. All of which dealers say they find no problems. Have been religious with maintenance/tune ups expecting this car would last 7-8 yrs. Im unloading this quickly and going back to a Toyota!
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last ford ever - 1995 Ford Windstar
By lastford - September 8 - 2:00 ama large comfort van. Mechanicaly the worst ever made!! 62000 miles the engine blew. At 130000 the engine blew again!!. 65000 the trans blew. At 80000 the trans blew again! At 105000 the trans blew a third time !!! at 120000 the main computer blew !!! Ford knew about all these defects well in advance and tried their best to ignore them. Ford does not care about its costomers and I have learned a very expensive lesson and will never buy another one.
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Power Steering issue? - 2002 Ford Windstar
By lcwa1212 - September 4 - 2:00 amAfter taking the van home with only 35 miles, I felt that steering gave me a strange feeling as if the gears are binding and front end is loose. The same symptons appears in another review.
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Ford Loser - 1996 Ford Windstar
By FordLoser - September 3 - 2:00 amDont by a Ford unless you have DEEP POCKETS! The repairs on Ford vehilcles will suck your wallet DRY! Headgasket, Timing Gasket,Main Engine Bearings, Brakes, Speedometer, ALL DEFECTIVE! OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES!And no more than 100,000 miles. Ford "customer service" is well versed in "Im sorry but, we wont help you"
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Dont do it! - 1998 Ford Windstar
By walsh03 - September 3 - 2:00 amWe bought this van for more room for my wife and the kids that she looks after. Unfortunately, it has been a problem since we got it. It doesnt run well, its loud, we already replaced the transmission amoung other things. Very poor cheap plastics in the construction. Buy a Chrysler, they say the reliability is not that great but it cannot be any worse than this van and at least you get a ride that is a million times better.
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Under-engineered - 1995 Ford Windstar
By Nocdar - September 2 - 2:00 amLots of recalls. The door ajar alarm switches are continually a problem, which render the alarm system useless. The whole front end is under- engineered. Im running on my fourth set of tierod ends. The front torsion bar broke in half about 3 years ago. Last year, the left front coil spring broke on the highway taking out the tire and brake line. This vehicle gets regular highway usage, not bumpy backroads. Ive kept the vehicle this long because when there is rain or snow on the ground, it handles very good for what it is. Ground clearance to go through snow or disperse water and slush is great.
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NEVER BUY THIS THING - 1995 Ford Windstar
By M DAWG - September 1 - 2:00 amTHIS IS THE WORST VAN IN THE WHOLE WORLD, IT HAS GIVEN ME SO MANY PROBLEMS AND I CANT EVEN NAME THEM ALL.AT 50,000 I HAVE HAD A NEW ENGINE REPLACED ALREADY. THATS JUST ONE OF THE MANY PROBLEMS. PLEASE TAKE MY ADVICE AND DONT GET THS SO CALLED WINDSTAR. YOU WILL SPEND SO MUCH MONEY MANTIANING THIS THING THAT YOU CAN BUY YOURSELF ANOTHER VAN.
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whoops, did I buy that? - 1995 Ford Windstar
By not so lucky - August 31 - 2:00 amWe bought the van with about 70000 miles. It was clean and looked pretty well taken care of. We were looking forward to Fords big step at making a solid, well build, and safe van. It might be safe in crash tests, but not so safe if you are stranded. Our head gasket went out. Our entire transmission has been replaced twice by reputable companies. The cd player doesnt engage correctly half of the time, replaced many sensors, and brakes and tie rods by 115,000. Other than reliability, it is very comfortable and a likeable vehicle. I wont be buying another one soon.
