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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  so far, so good - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By happywithit - August 6 - 2:00 am

  The head gasket blew, but was covered under warranty. Otherwise, no repairs to speak of. It has fit our family nicely, and we have enjoyed the utility and versitility. Cant be too positive about the styling (I mean, its a mini-van, not a corvette) but it has done everything that we have wanted, from around town carriage to long distance touring. I would consider it again.

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  Super transportation - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By jpbass77 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable drive. Haul kids take out seats easily, haul the bicycles (one recumbent, one wedgie) help move in- laws. Does everything I expected, with minimum mechanical. Now @ 105K miles. Rear a/c gone out -- electrical switch needs replacement. Great car to teach kids how to drive.

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  my piece of junk - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By kill me now - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This van is a piece of junk,gasket problems,brakes,3 sets no less,speedometer busted,tires trashed way to much,transmission is a concern now.Run dont walk from this van. The really sad thing is that we still owe money on this piece of crap.

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  Crappy Transmission as always.... - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By k1124 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I worked for a company that gave me a free company car every year (20 in all). In 2001 I was laid off and needed a car quickly so I purchsed my company car at 26M. Now at 45M the transmission shutters from 3-4th gear. Every Winstar I ever had (6 in total) had a shuttering transmission. I thought by now they would have fixed it. Other than that its been reliable.

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  Not a bad little van at all - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Mrsnspectr - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in 2001 and have put about 11,000 miles on it with no problems. I was worried because I had read that many Windstars, mostly other years, were bad for blowing head gaskets, but we havent had a bit of trouble out of it, and we have made several out of state trips. We also have a DJ/Karaoke business, and when we remove the rear seat, our equipment fits perfectly.

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  Good Van - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By windstarok - July 29 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Windstar new in 96. Just before the 36K mile warranty ran out, I had 2 minor items fixed (tailgate struts and a side-view mirror) I had the transmission fluid and filter replaced at the dealer and the trans checked out a-ok. About 2 months later (after the warranty ran out) the transmission failed. Upon reviewing my case and service records Ford readily paid 90%. This was the only problem until 85K miles(EGR and Oxygen sensor) and at 90K with a cracked engine sub-frame (odd). Ive spent $900 in repairs (except routine maintenance)& 3 weeks in the shop for 6 years and 90K+ miles on a van that I saved $4,000 off a Honda or Toyota.

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  Never again - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By PPenuela - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Very dissapointed. Engine problems at 72.000 miles ($900). At 75.000 the Engine light is on again. It was fixed for $1100. Just this week at 75.200 miles, problems with the steering wheel, another $400. My first American car and the last one. I am going back to Japanese cars.

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  Windstar: More Strengths or Weaknesses? - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By johnpetson - July 29 - 2:00 am

  The Windstar is overall pretty average. The excellent crash test scores, and the standard powerful engine, are all big and important advantages. However, the Windstar has many fairly important and annoying disadvantages, like the noisy engine, poor handling and components, and slightly-too-frequent trips to the dealer, which make it fairly better than average. What makes it perfectly average is the lack of the cruise control option on the Base LX I spent about $3000 to upgrade to the Standard LX just for this, since the other extra features are pretty useless. I feel that it is cheap of Ford to do this, and perhaps it makes them lose customers.

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  Head Gasket and Trans. nightmares - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By nevr by a ford again - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Head Gasket went out at 55,000 miles. Transmission died at 90,000. Speedometer died at 110,000, All 4 ABS sensors went out by 45,000, Rear AC works on occasion. Loud and rough shifts before and after trans was replaced. Alternator, fuel pump, and battery all were prematurely replaced. I BEG ANYONE WHO WOULD EVER CONSIDER BUYING A FORD PRODUCT TO JUST REVIEW THE COMMENTS OF WINDSTAR OWNERS.

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  Disappointed by Ford - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Disappointed by Ford - July 25 - 2:00 am

  I was previously a happy 1994 Ford Ranger. So I thought that the same good experience was in store when I bought the Windstar. Wrong!!! It left us stranded on 4 occassions. I replaced the transmission for $2K, the A/C system for $1.1K, and the computer and other ignition components for about another $1k. Why did Ford allow this wreck to leave the factory? I will never trust Ford again! Sorry, you only get one chance and you had your one chance twice. The Ranger gave you another "one chance." The Windstar was your last chance. Hello Toyota, so long Ford.