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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  Sorry in Seattle - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By May - July 22 - 2:00 am

  We have owned the vehicle for 9 months and it has been in the shop 7 times. Suspension problems (A mysterious clunking noise in the front suspension that the dealership cannot seem to hear or find) have plagued us from the beginning. In addition, a wheel bearing and front strut has failed, we have experienced a broken parking brake handle, and now for the grand finale - transmission problems at 14,000 miles. This is by far the poorest new vehicle that I have ever owned.

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  Works good for me! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Bigol - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Windstar offers alot of bang for the buck! Although it is not the hottest selling minivan on the market, my family and I enjoy it! This is our second Windstar! No problems with either van but a minor recall on the drivers side floor mat hinge.

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  Solid Performance - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By galott - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I like the Windstars interior and the van is great for our 3 kids. The only down side I have found so far is the van could use a bigger engine. Only has 190 hp.

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  Should I, or Shouldnt I??? - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Now I Find Out - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Now I find out, just purchased this car three weeks ago. With 98,000 miles seems to be doing good. After reading all these reviews, maybe I should sell while I have the chance. Like so many of you have stated, the head gasket has been replaced on this 95 also, i was told. Anybody like nice clean van????

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  anxious - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By kool - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I havent driven this vehicle yet so i dont know much about it. Owner says it is in excellent condition.

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  Good for big guys - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By jakesmastr - July 14 - 2:00 am

  We tried all the makes of mini-vans but this was the only (affordable) one that I fit in. Power is good. Roomy enough for the basic family & pets to go on an extended trip. Lots of cargo space. All around a very practical and sensible vehicle.

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  its a piece of junk - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By ford sucks - July 13 - 2:00 am

  sinc i bought this car ,, its been a real pain.. transmission broke 3 times ,, and its still slippery speedometer is shaking again even though i fixed it last year,, mileage gage is also broken ,, it goes up by top 2 digits . plus check engine signs comes on every 5 minute. ignition works badly that car wont start on the first ignition. this is my second ford vehicle and there wont be any ford vehicles in my garage in the future

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  windstar lx - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By rdj - July 13 - 2:00 am

  drives like small auto, but rides like a luxury sedan...interior quad seating cozy...separate a/c nice comfort...ford has the best a/c on market, down right chilly... good travel vehicle, rear space and roof rack if you should need it. mirrored tinted windows a plus.24 mpg on the road.loaded w/ family running the a/c full blast. good buy wife loves it, so do the dogs....

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  windstar - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By dlb - July 11 - 2:00 am

  The doors sensors act up every so offend. On our past vacation the door ajar light would come on an the interior lights would stay on. While out of the van the light would just come on so we had to take out the fuse which by the way so work the power windows. When we got home, I was told to spray all door latches with WD40. It seemed to have worked

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  vacation van - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By cmp253 - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I took the van on a 1000 mile vacation the next day after purchasing the van. I was pleased with the performance and the interior room. My 4 and 1 year old kids loved the VCR.