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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  Very satisfied - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Velani - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had very ggod luck with Windstar LX vans. I have been using them for the past 4 years.

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  The van that sucked. - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By The Money Pit - July 3 - 2:00 am

  This is the absolute worst vehicle I have ever owned. Check engine light is on constantly. We have had to replace oxygen sensors multiple times. The transmission completely overhauled at 78,000 miles. The last draw was when the tranmission failed again at 88,000 miles. Shame on Ford for manufacturing such a piece of crap.

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  Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By tigger - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Call me an idiot but I bought another 3.8 engine. I have a Ford Thunderbird with 3.8 engine and had the head gaskets replaced and now Im changing the head gaskets on a 96 Windstar. Neither case has ford offered to help. I find it very funny that they say it is because of maintenance. I do my own maintenance. I changed the oil every 2,000 miles on the Thunderbird and followed the maintenance manual for flush and fills of the anti-freeze. My advice to anyone is stay away from Fords. If you do buy a Ford stay away from the 3.8 engine.

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  Thank god we bought this van! - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Chris Fordfan - June 28 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I traded my 2000 F-150 (std 2wd, 5 spd sport truck...bought 2 weeks before my wife became pregnant w/ our FIRST daughter...worthless for kids)and we traded our 96 Taurus LX w/ the 24v motor and duals, leather, etc. The dealer paid off our trades, and we paid 17,500 for a 2001 w/ 20k. Dealer was honest, fair, and easy to deal with. Van has great fit and finish inside, except passenger side sliding door rattles over bumps. Van feels solid and safe, and for once I got a Ford with a smooth shifting tranny.

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  Feel the power - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Calman - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy the features offered. The only thing that I do not like is the seatbelt configuration. If you remove the rear seat, you lose the use of the seatbelts for the center two seats.

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  scared - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By LARS - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I am scared stiff of this van. It smells anti freeze and I have read nothing but bad news on the head gaskets and tranny. ck engine light and brake light s are on constantly. stay away from 95,96,97 w stars

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  HELP - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By kl - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems since I purchased this van. My check engine light has been on for atleast 1 yr. I have put LOTS of money into this van and still there is no end. They tell me it is the ega ports are clogged and of course FORD does not see why they should have to fix it. In the 96 and 97 models the ega ports were to small and in the 98 models they have made them larger. Any help?

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  The worst car ever built - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By edcosta - June 18 - 2:00 am

  My Windstar has ONLY 60,000 miles... The first engine last 37,500 miles... The second engine, is costing me $650.00 to replace the camshaft sensor due to ENGINE CHECK light. FORD should buy back this junk and compensate all owners.

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  Be Wary - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By BoDerek - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Repeatedly in dealership for "Check Engine" light. Meticulously well maintained car blew head gasket at 88K miles. Ford resonse: "Sorry, 1995 3.8L Windstars are covered for head gasket problem..." However Ford maintains they "corrected it in 96 and later models..." so too bad if you are having trouble. Local mechanic says 3.8L head gasket woes are a Ford trait, not unique to Windstar, but all 3.8- powered Fords with 60-90K miles. Also clunky transmission makes me very nervous about its future. Lots of interior room though. Soft, quiet ride. Rear seat too heavy--needs two people to remove.

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  Bad Star - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Amiga - June 16 - 2:00 am

  We have had to replace the transmission and engine ALREADY! Brakes 4 times!