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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  faulty engineering - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By sparkyie - June 13 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle is a piece of crap. If you are thinking about buying a Ford van... dont. After only 83k mi. there is water in the oil and oil in the radiator. And the transmission has always been a problem. Dont expect any help from most of the dealers... they almost always deny that they no nothing of any technical service bulliten. Lies and deciet

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  Million Dollar Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By drive alot - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Have put in over 3000 in repairs in over a year.

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  Green on the outside - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Avalanche - June 4 - 2:00 am

  My Windstar is green on the outside, but a lemon on the inside. In the first 75,000 miles it has had the transmission replaced, 2X - brake system replaced, wiper motor replaced 2X, power window motor replaced, the head gasket blew, it goes through tires about every 25,000 miles. The saving grace is that all but the tires were covered by warrantee, which Ford extended to 75,000 miles because of all of the difficulty we had with the car.

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  Never Again - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By JJackson - June 4 - 2:00 am

  After 5 years and thousands of dollars in repair, we have finally traded in our 95 Ford Windstar. The brakes had to be replaced every 6 months, the head gasket needed replacing twice, and more! Some of the flaws have been improved in more recent models, but I will never trust a Ford product again. This was a new model year & definitely one to be avoided.

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  Our New SE - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Davidb - June 4 - 2:00 am

  What a great Van. We we adament against buying a mini-van until testing drive this van. This model far outshings the Honda/Madza/Dodge competing models we test drove/rented.

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  The Money Pit - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Cathleen - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Three months after we purchased this van, the engine blew. Fortunately, Ford paid for the new engine due to a recall, but one year later the same thing happened (head gaskets blew) causing another $1500 in damage. Six months later, it appears to be happening again. For what weve paid in repairs ( plus the initial cost), we could have bought a brand new Honda Odessey or Toyota Sienna. Whenever I see a Windstar owner in a parking lot, I love to ask them how many engines THEYVE put in. We all appear to be in the same boat. The transmission is about ready to blow, too.

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  head gasket - again? - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By kgreen - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This van has undersized barkes which mean that they need to be replaced more often then they should. The head gasket blew 1, 2 now 3 times, and we are working on transmission #2. Not reliable. rear heat and air dont have temp control - on & off only.

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  Happy SE Owner - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By jonl - May 30 - 2:00 am

  After 7000 miles, we have no complaints about our SE van.

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  95 Windstar - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By DSJ - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Lots of trips to the dealer for repair. Not the wisest purchase weve made. Very weak brakes have made for some scary times. Rides well, though, and the kids love the space.

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  Good minivan - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By hate cavalier - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Overall had a pleasant experience with this van.