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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  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.

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  be careful - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By lemon - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Head Gaskets! we are on 3rd motor.

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  Stinks on workmanship - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By xolo90 - April 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my second windstar. It sucks big time. everything is falling apart @ 14.8k miles. Windows dont close right. radio had to be replaced. The a two sliding doors did work for a while. Ford need to stop allowing workers beer breaks some the job.

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  piece of junk - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By never_buy_ford_again - April 17 - 2:00 am

  2 head gaskets, an entire new cooling system, lots of electrical problems and a trans rebuild later, i dont think i would feel comfortable selling this car to osama bin laden. at least ford will fix the head gasket for you till 100k but that fix wont last long. the trans is as big a problem as the head, the aluminum part that they replace with a steel one is as good as an admission of guilt in my book, but ford wont pay for that. never never never buy a windstar. i grew up in a ford family, but my kids will grow up in a honda family, so long henry

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  Great Van - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Kenneth - April 15 - 2:00 am

  We have had great success with our Windstar. Very reliable. Weve only had to perform routine maintenance (oil, tires, brakes). Engine and transmission still respond well even after 90K miles. I will definately buy another Ford.

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  Windstars Blow Their Head Gaskets - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By James Muecke - April 15 - 2:00 am

  There are NINE factory recalls for this Windstar. An internet search can lead to graphs showing the EXTREME rate of Head Gasket failure for the Windstar. The 3.8 is the worst engine by several magnitudes of failure over all other engines. This engine will blow its head gaskets because of the interaction of THREE design failures. Repaired engines will blow their head gaskets again. When replacing the head gaskets most techs will opt to drop the engine to avoid damaging the air conditioning. This car also blows its transmission because of a design failure using an aluminum hydraulic piston that cracks. I deeply regret having bought this van.

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  terrible - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By breanna - April 14 - 2:00 am

  i own a 1995 ford windstar,and it is the worst van i have ever owned. the transmission went out 6months after i bought it. 4 month after that i replaced the engine. the starter has been replaced,the tie rods the cylinder was replaced, the brakes twice(8 months apart)the heater is shot and needs to be replaced,right along with the crank shaft pully and theres a noise still underneith. i also replaced the rack and pinions. now the head gasket is out again. its only got 16,000miles on this engine and 2 months past the warrenty. ford refuses to help in any way or stand behind this windstar. stay away from these or youll be very sorry, i know i am

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  disgrunteld owner - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By james skaggs - April 13 - 2:00 am

  There are rattles,all over noisy engine poor paint quality. Over all it is just so overpriced

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  I LOVE mine!!! - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By kylemommy - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Granted I just bought it and bought it used (low miles), and I LOVE it. I test drove most all of the vans out there and this one has the best pick-up by far. It has a nice big engine in it which I was really looking for, is a safe vehicle and I like the exterior design of not having to see those awful looking sliding door tracks in the middle of the back panel. It was by far the biggest van inside and I find the legroom fine in the back. I love driving this vehicle and cant wait to take my next trip in it!

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  If this isnt crap, I dont know what is - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By CoolpersonNot - April 11 - 2:00 am

  The worst van on the market? Definitely. After having this pos in the shop 4 times for the same problem and now suing the dealer under the lemon law, I am totally fed up. Im taking the money from the settlement and do what I should have done to begin with - buy an Odyssey.