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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  Trans & Brake Problems - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Speedy - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Windstar is a nicely designed vehicle and should be a pleasure to drive, but the vehicle has serious problems with brakes, transmission and head gaskets. I get so tired of replacing brakes and components. Transmission shifts awkwardly and causes Check Engine light to come on, on long trips. Have had the head gasket replaced. I am not happy with the car mechanically and will be careful before buying another Ford. Consumers demand dependability and a vehicle that doesnt plague you with problems at 100K miles.

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  Van is Junk Ford has No Integrity - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By ihateford - May 21 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has blown its head gaskets five times! Three times after Ford Dealer installed an engine remanufactured by Ford. The transmission also failed at 40k miles. Ford not only been extremely reluctant to fix this piece of junk they seem to be incapable of doing so. If anyone tries to sell or even give you one of these things RUN AWAY AS FAST AS YOU CAN!!!!

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  Dont even think about it - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By ARGGGGGGG - May 14 - 2:00 am

  This van is TERRIBLE. Consumer Reports warns to avoid this van. Weve had to replace head gaskets, ac, transmission, computer chip that tells car when to shift (1,200), the hood flew off, etc.

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  Never Again - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By FormerFordFan - May 11 - 2:00 am

  It has been 20 years since I bought a car other than a Ford. My 95 Windstar, despite excellent maintenance and conservative driving has been a reliability nightmare: timining cover gasket, $700 Mass air sensor, twice electrical problems, continual now the transmission. Ford ignored my request for relief, now I am ignoring Ford products.

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  What can I say? - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Sunbelt - May 7 - 2:00 am

  If you could replace the mechanicals you would have an outstanding minivan. Its big, and handles better than any other its size. Weve had it on several long trips, and it was quite comfortable. But weve paid for it! Second transmission baulky--well stick it out til it goes entirely, thank you. We nursed the engine 110000 miles before the head gasket went. That was a mistake! The brakes are headed for their fifth repair. On the other hand, it never left us stranded--always struggled home. I would estimate this car cost Ford almost as much consumer loyalty as their suicide SUV.

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  Oh My Gosh! (Oh Henry! Where Art Thou?) - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Stan The Man - May 6 - 2:00 am

  I cant believe how my opinion of Ford products has changed. I currently own two Ford products. (A 2000 Lincoln LS Sport, 2001 Windstar SEL). This is the worst any vehicles have ever performed for me. The van has been recalled 5 times so far, and the check engine light is on now at only 11,000 miles and regular service. The van rides well, is not as noisy as some would say, but has proven very unreliable thus far. I never thought I would feel this way. Oh why in the name of Henry Ford has this happened?

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  Dont waste your money!!! - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By anderson brown - May 3 - 2:00 am

  Transmission promblems always present!!

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  Lemon - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By UnHappy Ford Owner - May 3 - 2:00 am

  Since we drove it off the lot, it has been a bad experience and Ford has been difficult to deal with. While it was under warrenty, we had everything electrial and the air fixed. As soon as it was out of warrenty, the transmission went out. We asked Ford for assistance and they refused to help us. Now it has 75,000 miles and we have the head gasket problem. s. I been talking with three dealerships about the TSB Ford has out to replace head gaskets if the car is less than 7 years old and 100,000 miles. Non of the dealers are aware of this TSB. I will never buy another Ford. .

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  After 70K Watch out - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By bowwowWindstar - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this with 48K on it from an individual who had done all the scheduled maintenance. At around 70K the problems started occurring including, but not limited to: Transmission and A\C compressor. Other problems include a multitude of minor problems which have all added up, including but not limited to: Cracked gas tank - We didnt hit anything Rear wiper motor went out rear vent window motor went out CD player spits out 90% of CDs without playing Both cigarette lighters wont charge Alarm system goes off for no reason Ill be trading this in soon, so id advise against anyone in Austin against buying a used one. It might be this one.

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  Why Ill NEVER own another FORD - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Jennifer - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Transmition failed at 20,000 miles. ENGINE failed at 53,000 miles (yes, after the warrantee expired). A $4,500 repair. Evidently the engine block cracked and caused a rod to break. I am only keeping the car after this repair as a driving billboard against FORD. "Top-of-the-line" stereo replaced at 25,000 miles. Driver side seat pan failed at about 25,000 miles. Misc. interior trim replacements have been a yearly occurrence. FORD service department always keeps the car overnight even with an appointment.