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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  Ok, Its a Van - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Muddman - June 20 - 9:53 am

  Bought this Windstar back in 2000 and have driven about 167000 miles with it. Only once did we have a tranny replaced, but I dont remember the mileage. Also had an incident when it refused to shift coming back from a ski trip in WV. Nursed it back, to find that it was a faulty computer chip. Have taken numerous trips to MI (about 1000 mile each way) and has always been solid. The only real issue with my van is that, in the summer it "bings" at you when the driver side door is open and continues to "bing" until you reach 15 mph. The whole time the interior lights will stay on, and the door ajar light stays on. Have had this problem twice. Aparently its a harness in the steering colum.

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  Could have bought better - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Kim - June 4 - 4:29 pm

  Overall I guess its an OK van. Have had to do a lot of repairs the first year I had it, thank god for warranties. Mine has 133,000 miles on it now and its still going. But in the last year, Ive replaced: the abs sensor, 2 windshields, 2 sets of brakes, shocks and struts, spark plugs twice in 6 months time, t-clamp, camshaft sensor, belt, 2 water pumps, alternator, intake manifold, timing cover gasket, all the needed oil changes, and a transmission flush and fill. And it still had the vibrating start it has had since I bought it with no answer as to whats causing it. The passenger doors auto locks work when they want to. And the door ajar light is on more than its off. Stinks to tow a pop-up with!.

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  Still have hope - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By MB - May 16 - 10:46 am

  20 K miles into this model I have had the intake manifold replaced, a wiring harness replaced, the vehicle does shift hard down into 2nd and after an oil change there is a burning oil smell that comes out of the air vents when the vehicle for about a month.I have 15K left on the warranty and I do have a extended power train warranty, but I just want a defect free van. It rides nice, is great for kids but with only 21K miles I am certainly questioning the decision not to go with the Odyssey.

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  Good for only 90,000 - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By mike - May 1 - 9:01 pm

  Do you notice some trends in these reviews. Mine is bad valve blowing oil and coolant everywhere. Expert Tire says it will take $680 to fix and flush refill fluids and clean it all up. Then they say the manifold and also tell me ford doesnt have parts. I will be checking this out. Why fix it? Look at all the review that follow up valve problems with blown transmissions! I have a hard time believing garage didnt see the manifold problem! Look at your price carefully! Consider these vans are great until about 90,000 and then a money pit. Expect tire and ford both rip you off! next time a Honda or Toyota it cant be any worse!

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  Poor quality - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Ford - never again - April 21 - 3:01 pm

  Seems like this car knew it had passed the 3 year / 36,000 mile mark and started to disintegrate. Catalog of problems, many electrical: in-dash CD changer wont eject, rear windows open & close when they feel like it, electric sliding doors: one opens occasionally & the other wont close completetly, steerng motor howls like a werewolf.

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  comfortable but undependable - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Tony - April 14 - 1:16 pm

  Bought van with a little over 26,000 miles. I also purchased the extended warranty from Ford to cover for 5 yrs. Or 75k miles. I had to use warranty multiple times for head gasket, intake manifold leak, a/c, and other smaller issues. After the warranty ran out I have had Major brake problems and another manifold leak and now it is in the shop with Major transmission problems at 109,000 miles. I would not recommend this product to my worst enemy. I also think Ford has lost any future business of mine this is the fourth product from them that I have had to put out more money on than any other type of vehicles I have owned.

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  Last Word - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By grrover - March 19 - 12:04 pm

  Well I after reading these reviews before I bought the car I thought gee everyone is pretty positive. I bought the car I was happy for about three years great van and I have owned three Caravans before. The Ford was lot more comfortable on the highway and lot more preppy. But whoa! When it hit the fourth year the thing just started to fall apart! I have spent over $ 5000 on repairs in the last year! $2,500 in one month alone. My mechanic says hey its cheaper than buying a new car! Sure its lining his pockets. The he tells me that my engine shaking is a a minor engine overhaul for replacing the head gaskets a mere $1,200. I decided to trade it in on a new Outback this week.

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  Dissapointed owner - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Estella Delgado - March 19 - 11:42 am

  We purchansed and have enjoyed this vehicle until recently when the van with only 70,000 miles on it broke down and we are told that it needs a new transmission. We cannot believe this has happened. It is now sitting in the garage because of the economy we cannot afford to dish out over $1,500 for the repair.

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  Do NOT Depend on Ford - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Great Family Van NOT - March 17 - 1:59 pm

  The first 2 yrs were great, no problems (even posted here in 08-2005). However, since early 2006 we have had the interior lights flashing, dealer can not fix and many many compliant logged with no known TSB or fix. (Replaced: light swithc 2x both sliding doors and rear gate sensors) -- Now the intake manifold must be replaced due to a PLASTIC seal used that melts around 50- 70K miles. *We have 55K now. $100 part and 3 hrs of labor at your dealer of choice @ $120= total $460 before taxes. My dealer stated 4-6 vans a day must have this done, and Ford will not issue a recall as this is not a Safety issue. Just causes the van to suck more gas and fail emmissions.

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  Good bye, Ford - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Steve - March 15 - 8:49 am

  Purchased new. Even though it only has 100,000 miles, its on its 4th set of tires. Its noisy, the front end clanks, and has since new. The door ajar problem has existed since it ran out of warranty, along with various and sundry check engine lights. The transmission is on its way out now, so its time to get rid of the thing. The passenger seats are nice. The front buckets are terrible. Im glad to see it go away.