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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  Wonderful - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Shayna - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I have owned two Windstars. The first is a 1995, and I still own it. It has 120,000+ miles on it, and she is still running like a champ. It is just as reliable today as it was the day I bought it. The second is the 2003. I wouldnt own anything else but a Ford vehicle. They are the only vehicles that I would ever trust enough to put my children in. Ford is a company that I can safely say truly knows what a growing family needs, RELIABILITY.

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  excellent - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By PONCE - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY MINIVAN

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  Great car - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By unknown2 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  It has 93k and never had a tune- up.Never let me down-would by another one

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  Love my Windstar - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By mal_racegal - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Smoothest riding vehicle Ive been in as far as a minivan goes. Love it!

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  This is a great minivan - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By happyconsumer - October 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a nice minivan. It got the best rating as far as safety is concerned which is a must for a family vehicle. Its 3.8 engine makes it tow a popup camper easily, even through the mountains. It is also a comfortable van with lots of options. It seats a family of six easily and still has room in the back for groceries (for a family of six, which is a lot of groceries). This is a great choice in a minivan.

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  125,000 trouble free miles - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By rrrust - September 30 - 2:00 am

  We bought it new and it has been the MOST reliable car we have ever owned (including Toyota Camry, Nissan Sentra, & Mercedes wagon). This was truly a reliable warhorse, hauling kids, pulling 1,500 lb boat/trailer, long trips or city commuting. The ONLY repair was replacement of failing brain controlling intermittant wipers. Van was totaled last week in 45 mph collision (no injuries thanks to airbags, despite teenage passenger NOT wearing seatbelt). Very sorry to see this one go.

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  tommy royce -ford windstar - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By tommyr - September 25 - 2:00 am

  great minivan.roomy and powerful

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  good - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By gonzolla - September 25 - 2:00 am

  the windstar is a great minivan, the 3.8l provides plenty of power a bigger motor than most, bigger is not always better but in this case its close, it also has the nicest rims you can get and 5 star crash test 9 years and runnin, theyre doing something right

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  I love my windstar! - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By mommyofone - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I really love this car - weve had no problems at all with it. Its very comfortable, great for long trips. Great headroom - my husbands 65", and hes able to comfortably sit in his seat, doesnt have to tilt the seat back at all. Id recommend this van to anyone. Great crash rating.

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  2003 windstar - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By jgth - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Very pleased with my vehicle. Would like better gas milage. It is very comfortable with 4 captian seats.