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 at All Cost!! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By slbenz - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Purchased new in 4/99 and in the three years I have owned it, the van have been in the dealership four times for power doors that would not close all the way shut. The drivers door handle internals broke and at 29.5K miles, the transmission failed and had to be rebuilt. Gas mileage is poor, it was advertised to be 19 city 23 highway but in reality is closer to 15 city 20 highway and that is not with a full load. Handling and drivability is on par with the best. Also, there is too much wind and road noise that enters the cabin. Wont buy a Ford again.

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  There are better minivans - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By JimBeam - January 5 - 7:17 am

  I inherited this vehicle from my father-in-law, who purchased this as a former "dealer car" in 2003. Its a good people mover, but was dated when new and is even worse now. We have had no major issues, but lots of minor ones. We have had all sorts of problems with electrical sensors going bad, each of which cost several hundred dollars to fix. We had the mysterious flickering interior lights problem (its a bad door sensor, if you are wondering) a tire pressure light that comes on for no reason, and a very expensive check engine light. I think Ford cut every corner they could think of when building this van and it shows.

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  Ford - Stick to Trucks - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By nofordvans4meagain - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 6 Fords now. Never again will I own a non-truck Ford. My Winstar SEL has had major steering and transmission problems. I had a manifold problem too. Also, the interior had several items fall off. Transmission is still horrible. The new 2002 are no better. We tried one. Stay away from these vans. You will be happy you did.

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  Minor problems - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Safaa - November 12 - 10:08 am

  Bought it little over 4 years ago with 108k miles. Now has 139k. Prior owner kept it up very well. But now we noticed that it was in a wreck since clear coat is peeling and overspray found on pass door weatherstrip. We had no problems with the transmission or prior owner had it replaced. Check engine light came on back in 07 and we bought manifold gasket and bolts and we replaced all in our garage for $80 otherwise dealer wanted $400. Last week we replaced rack and pinion due to noise from turning and paid $650 to have it repalced along with fuel filter, coolant and trany fluid flush. We also replaced all four tires last summer for $250. Will keep our Windstar for another 3 yrs or so.

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  Run As Fast As You Can! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Angry Dad - November 8 - 12:08 pm

  Bought used in 2003 with 54k on it. I have paid double for this van. In five years I have rebuilt the entire steering system, including springs and struts. The tranny went out at 105K. The intake seals had to be redone. Every time I get my annual inspection it costs me $500-$700. The cost of inspection is only $65. Parts are expensive and do not last. This van has no battery or alternator lamps. Van will just die if you have an electrical problem. Left me stranded on vacation with my 3 kids on the highway. Now at 8 years old, the rocker panels and doors are rusted out. The side of my van looks like swiss cheese. I was advised to just drive it til it dies. Not worth repairing.

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  transmission failure at 50 k miles! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Billy-Bob - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle provides quite a bit of utility. Less "mini" than some of other vans on the market which means more space,but tighter turning, parking, etc. Lots of wind noise with this van. Been reliable until transmission completely failed at 49,000 (21 mos.). No warranty relief and massive repair bill.

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  One bad minivan - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Unhappy Dad - October 7 - 2:00 am

  the 1999 edition is HORRIBLE! Our first Windstar was wonderful- no problems and 75k miles. This one was the WORST car we have ever owned- engine was replaced at 30k; transmission broke at 52k; electric was always having problems; battery died monthly. A LEMON is a nice name for this vehicle. FORD= Fix Or Repair Daily (at least monthly)

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  Great Car - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By 2windstar50 - August 6 - 8:29 am

  I bought this car new because the last Windstar my family and I had, a 1995, blew a head gasket (first major problem). We loved it. This Windstar is excellent and there has only been one problem in 62,000 miles: the front passenger door lock doesnt work. This car is luxurious and one of the best.

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  Had many Fords before but..... - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Party of 4 - July 22 - 3:03 pm

  We bought it used with 71K miles. As we drove off the lot the engine light came on. The dealership we bought it from fixed it-twice. Little things such as sliding door sticking/not unlocking, passenger door lock sticking, & the rubber between the doors come off. Now we took a vacation 700 mies away & on the way back the tranny at 82k miles literally dropped when driving up major mountains in Southern OR. Ive always been happy with Ford, but not too happy on this one. Will but will buy again

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  What a lemon - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Pstoff - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Ill be embarassed to recommend this car. Its just have so many mechanical problems and whats so maddening is that Ford minivans have these same problems for a decade and it has not improved or resolved them. The car was delivered with alignment problem; tires have to be changed after less than 10k miles. After 1.5 yrs, the transmission broke down. After 2.5 yrs, the intake manifold broke down resulting in a $2k repair job.