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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  Not bad - could be better - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Howard - May 21 - 1:46 pm

  Bought this car used in 2001. Have had only minor repair issues. Engine is powerful even when fully loaded and has been flawless. Great for hauling people, not stuff. Back seats dont fold down for additional storage room. They just sit there like lumps on a log. Not the nimblest at handling either.

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  Great family van - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Sherri - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I love my mini. I have owned it for over two years now and have never experienced any problems. I love to pack my family in for fun times. Its roomy hatch area is great for groceries. I find it great on gas and quite reliable. A good choice.

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  2000 Windstar SEL - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By nystockpicker - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle overall...Poor gas mileage.

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  Ford Let Us Down. - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Martha - April 23 - 6:24 pm

  I love the body of this minivan. It is comfortable and has plenty of room! It is a great car to drive. Now that said mechanically it stinks. Ford knows all about this vehicles problems, O ring failure, transmission failure, O2 sensors failure, door sensor failure, driver side door lock failure and on and on. If we knew then what we know now we would never have bought this car. Fortunately we bought it used and still have not spent up to the new price. We put over $5,000 in repairs into this car over 6 years. I will think twice before I risk another Ford purchase.

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  It beats the bus - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By big-b - April 22 - 1:24 am

  I went from a 1998 to a 2003. I like everything about it except that the engine is very noisy at low speeds. The dashboard display is a it distracting too.

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  Never buy a Ford! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Disgusted - April 17 - 3:54 pm

  Nice vehicle in terms of looks, comfort, safety and driveability. But it has been costly to maintain. Needed new tie rods, intake manifold developed a leak, new rotors, AC/heater control failed, blown head gasket. Over $8000 in repairs with 66000 miles. I have owned three Fords and all had major mechanical problems. Thats three strikes in my book. I will never buy another Ford. I looked at an Odyssey but wanted to buy American. Its a national disgrace that they cant build a better vehicle.

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  10 years and still going - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Mark - April 9 - 8:51 pm

  We purchased our Windstar new almost 10 years ago. It has been almost trouble free the whole time. We pull a 3,500 pound camper with it and it pulls great. We went from WI to Montana 2 years ago with camper fully loaded 80 to 85 MPH all day with temperature outside in the 90s. It ran great. The mileage averages about 18 MPG, which isnt that good but it has never had any major problems. Have heard a lot of bad things about engine and transmission problems, but we have not had any. I use synthetic oil and flush the transmission every 30 to 40K miles. Very comfortable front seats. Great for those long rides.

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  4 years and Running - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By jesfam - March 29 - 9:23 pm

  I like everything about this van. After 4 years the style is still current with other van designs.

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  Mechanical design flaws - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Norma - February 22 - 7:52 pm

  There are design flaws in the oil pump that cause engine failure and the transmission is weak. Both had to be replaced BEFORE 100K miles.

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  honesty. - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Shayne - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I like my Ford Windstar, however we have had nothing but minor problems with this or that since the get go... over all i would have to say that these problems have been quite... frustrating... Ford should pay more attention to the details.