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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  never again - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Ford= unreliable - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is the worst car i have ever owned.

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  Close, But No Good-car - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By JWR in Millersville - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Basically a comfortable van that has performed well with the exception of several major problems. The transmission failed at 108,000 miles ($2000 rebuild). Also, without warning, such as water vapor in the exhaust, etc.) the head gaskets failed at 118,000 miles. We were traveling at 55 mph and by the time we could pull over, the engine had seized ($3400 repair). I was previously burned with a 1989 Chevrolet ASTRO and now with this Ford. Will not buy a car from either manufacturer in the future. Looking now at a Honda Odyssey or Pilot, a Toyota Sienna or Sequoia, or Suzuki XL-7.

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  FORD OR FIX OR REPAIR DAILEY - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By LARRY HAGAR - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car to drive but at 120,000 miles the transmission went out and a hole was busted out of the casing. I have owned all kinds of vehicles without ant transmission problems and Ford will not be on my list when I buy another vehicle.

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  Winnie Rocks !!! - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By evines - August 23 - 2:00 am

  "Winnie" has been the family workhorse for five-plus years without a problem. Strict preventative maintenance has proven to be sucessful during the past 50K+ miles. Hope same will avoid head gasket and transmission issues during the next 50K miles... Did buy an extended warranty in case problems arise to the 100K mark... Wife hauls kids, plants, small trees, even a tent trailer with ease. Plenty of guts when power is needed.

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  Bad apple, but I still like Ford - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By Fatherkey - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought this van at the dealership I worked at. Sold a few of them before I bought mine and everyone said that it was great and no problems. Bought mine and have had nothing but headaches. In the 26 months that I have had it, it has spent at least 6 of them in the shop. Pretty much every system of the vehicle has had work done to it, repairs totalling about $15,000. Fortunately I bought the extended warranty that covered all of it. When it runs it runs great, but it wont last more than a month or so before something else happens.

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  Beautiful Dangerous Lemon - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By chipmcd - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive had numerous problems with this van. Engine/Trans noises and clunking. What scares me about this is the doors come open when driving and then when you pull over they will not let you shut them. This has been worked on 7 times including the final repair under the lemon law. Many reports of this have been reported to NHTSA. Im now suig Ford for replacement under the law.

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  No Fan of this Van - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By HWB - August 14 - 2:00 am

  Went the head gasket blew my Windstar was less than five years old, but at 100,500 miles (501 more than the max. for factory paid repair.) Even after the efforts of the local Ford dealership to request that Ford pay to repair my head gasket, Ford refused ($1,000 down the hole). Now my transmission is going and the rebuild isnt a lot less than the trade in value. I am not even going into the poor gas mileage. Ford should have made recalls on the headgasket and the transmission. If Honda can produce vehicles that go 200,000 miles and more without significant problems, then we should be able expect as much from Ford.

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  Windstart GL - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By lhm - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Can pack 4 adults and 2 kids, with tons of "stuff" and travel fairly comfortably, good cargo space. Has been very reliabale, given the punishment we put it through.

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  Windy in Indy - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By OurlivesforHim - August 11 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 2001 Sport SE used, and it has been great in the past year. We have put 12,000 miles on it. Only in the shop once for a day on a recall. No charge. I have an Accord, and have had many Hondas. The Oddy is nice, but the ride is much harsher, the engine works harder too. For a good of USA rig, this Windstar is well built, and running well at 26,000.

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  Great purchase - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Monte - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have been extremely pleased with the purchase of our windstar. Gas mileage, while traveling with my family(2 adults,3 kids), has never been below 20 mpg unless I accelerated "heavily", or I was bucking some good ole midwestern winds! I have enjoyed my life traveling with this vehicle. We have had no mechanical problems during our time with this vehicle. We have had plenty of space for our family and cargo(presents, camping equip, etc) while on our trip. It is extemely powerful when needing the extra get up and go when needed.