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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  Avoid Ford -- especially this one - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By fixed_or_repaired - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Were 3 months from end of 3 year lease and want to return it now; 38000 mi, leased at 15000/year. Broke again last week. $2 spark plug, $167 fix; took vehicle into leasing dealership every scheduled maintainence. Ford replaced entire transmission; leaving a parking lot, transmission died. mechanics found lots of "ground up metal"; theyve replaced steering column twice, most of the front suspension twice, plus an innumerable HOST of "minor" problems (rear heater control died, mechanic said "due to some bare wires"). The rear window has a low frequency rattle; the steering now has a dead spot after they "fixed" it twice. After 35 years, Ive bought my last Ford.

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  Great Minivan!!! - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By TexMorgan - May 10 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our van new and have owned it for 4 years now. This is a great driving vehicle! Plenty of power and a very smooth ride with decent handling. Good quality materials inside and out. We have had very few maintenance issues other than normal wear/tear items (brake pads/rotors turned twice). Purchased an extended warranty after mfg warranty expired just in case. (Would recommend for anyone buying used) You get alot of vehicle for the money in my opinion. Highly recommend!!

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  Buy something different - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Lee Vines - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I will not buy another Windstar unless I read reviews that tell me otherwise. We have spent too much repairing this used vehicle since purchasing less than one yr. ago. Intake system ( $600). Rack and Pinion???($650.) Vacuum lines ($150.) Now the passenger window will not roll up and and it acts like it is going to cut out while idling. Same symptoms as when we spent money on intake system.

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  Windstar from hell - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By purrsn - April 22 - 2:00 am

  So far I have replaced: Intake manifold at 50000 miles, transmission at 60000, both front anti-lock brake systems. Non covered by Ford. At least its comfortable while you wit for tow.

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  Reliability is poor - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By E Texas - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Performs well. Hauls family well. But the reliability is very poor. Had to have the front end rebuilt at 60K. Didnt even get it home from that trip when the transmission went out. Both items were covered under the extended warranty. If you are going to own one of these, the extended warranty is a must.