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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  Run! Run! Run! - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By VeryVeryUnhappy - March 18 - 11:52 am

  Blown head gasket at 60K and now Trans slipping bad at 115K. I cant affort to own this van.

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  WINDSTAR SE - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By BILL - March 14 - 10:58 pm

  TRADED 1999 CHEVY ASTRO FOR 2000 WINDSTAR SE. MUCH BETTER RIDE AND COMFORT.

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  96 Ford Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By kmcculloh - March 13 - 2:44 pm

  I bought this van new in 1996 at a very good price. It has been a good vehicle overall, with just a few minor problems at this point, 60K miles. I plan on keeping it for at least another 60K miles, even if I have to pit some money into it for repairs it will still be cheaper than buying a new one.

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  SE Sport Wins!! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Ray - March 12 - 12:48 pm

  I have the SE Sport in Black, and both young and old stop to tell me how nice my van looks. It has the entertainment package and with that the kids are always behaving. The van has plenty of power and the interior in just as sporty as the outside. Overall I dont care for the looks of the windstar, but the sports package and spoiler gives it a look that no other van has. The only down side is Ive had to take it several times for recalls.

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  Took another chance - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By jeff - March 8 - 4:00 pm

  Had leased a 1999 Windstar - glad we did not buy - as we went through two transmissions - and were on our noisy third. Got an "Early Bird Termination" letter from Ford and got rid of the 1999 lemon after only 28 months of the 36 month lease and leased a new 2001 Leased another one - 2001 Windstar SE - for under $400 per month - fully loaded with leather, power sliding doors, and entertainment center.

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  1996 Ford Windstar GL - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Dale - March 3 - 8:29 pm

  Blew a head gasket at 92500 miles. Rusting out on passenger side rear fender. Air conditioning system needs to be replaced. Check engine light is on most of the time.

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  windstar woes - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By cruise00 - March 3 - 2:31 am

  Car is still under warranty but has been repaired more than 5 times!! Very faulty transmission, exceptionally noisy engine, and unreliable wiring. May be unique to this car but has been the poorest vehicle purchase I have ever made!

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  Windstar - if you cant get the oddessey - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By adpin - February 28 - 8:27 pm

  The only reason I leased the Windstar was the fact that I couldnt get the Honda Odessey. The lease on the Windstar similar to the Odessey since the residual is so much better on the Honda. The Windstar has been in the shop 4 times now for recalls. The steering fluid pump had to be replaced, as well as the ignition control module. The Windstar might be safe, but not very good. Im glad I dont own it. The rear bench is very heavy, and should really be removed with 2 people.

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  disagree with edmonds review.please rere - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By tony - February 27 - 9:59 am

  i first looked up reviews.but i disagree with what was stated.i havent heard all the sounds(roars).also the 3.8 engine is strong and dependable.i dont know who drives and rates these vehicles but i believe they must have been having a bad day or they just dislike ford.i love my van.it handles great looks great.i suggest they hire some new reviewers,then re review this vehicle.

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  well satisfied in wisconsin - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By lee - February 17 - 9:31 am

  having had the van for 2 months,to this point i am very satisfied. it handles well & gets decent gas mileage (24gpm) has been the best on the open road.driving it in the winter i am pleased with the heater & the relatively short time to heat the space.overall i think its fine vehicle.