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 in the long haul - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Jeff - December 19 - 9:41 pm

  Bought LX with 52K on it. Experienced numerous small issues at around 70K such as tie rod ends, oil seals, EEC sensors, paint pealing on door trim and broken cheap interior parts. After 80K never another issue. Serviced regularly including tranny. Just sold with 142k on it and it is still running strong. Mileage was 18- 21. Alwyas cupped front tires no matter what.

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  Bad job, Ford - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Karl - December 2 - 7:41 am

  Ongoing problems with this van, which now has about 70,000 miles. Have owned since new, with about $7,000 in unscheduled maintenance in 8 years. List of problems: driver seat motor, rear window motor, cooling system leak (despite regular maintenance), air conditioning, cruise control (twice), engine pings loudly, electric rear doors unreliable, rear stereo speaker connections bad. Have decided never to buy a Ford vehicle again.

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  Familys nightmare minivan - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By soretincho - November 23 - 12:06 pm

  Head gasket blew at 105,000 miles Ford recall covered up to 100.000 mi had to pay 1,200 to fix. Transmission rebuilt twice, minivan very unreliable. Will never buy from Ford again.

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  Never again will I buy a Ford - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Sthebkrman - November 12 - 2:00 am

  The first thing that broke was the rack and pinion power steering system. I paid a $50 deductable for about a $1300 repair job. Then the transmission started shifting very roughly between 1st and 2nd gears. Ford said they replaced something but there would always be a little shutter when it shifts. They said this would have cost me around $2400 without the warranty. The whole van still shakes profusely when it shifts. Now the front heater temp. valve is broken and the engine light is always on. The right side elec. sliding door has never closed correctly. It comes unlatched after it closes. I have to close it manually. Chucks of plastic chrome coating have fallen off of the grill.

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  Over 5,000 in repairs. - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Larry Smith - October 26 - 9:13 pm

  Purchased this van new, at less than 50,000 miles, 3 engine seals had to be replaced due to leaking, also the torque converter had to be replaced and the A/C compressor had to be replaced. Today at 85,000 miles the transmission failed and the cost is estimated at over $2,500. I am retired on a fixed income and Ford is killing me.

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  It is not good choice for a long run - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By proAm - October 20 - 5:46 am

  4 and 1/2 yrs old and only 57k miles. I bought it for value. Dont like it for poor quality. Brake makes noises from day one. The 1st issue, the car died immediate after start. The 2nd air-condition. Both are covered under warranty within 3 years. Since then, power steering made noises and the car shakes at cold start some time. I added in a little steering fluid help a little. Yesterday the engine light on for vacuum leak at isolator bolts in intake manifold. It costs over $500 to fix it. It seems more troubles ahead. Now the car lost 2/3 value after 4 yrs. I did my part for maintain (3000 miles oil change, transmission fluid and filter change once. Air filter twice.) Ford not.

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  Out of my pocket!! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Jeanine - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Wouldnt you know it, at 44,000 miles and less then three years just 8,000 miles after my warranty ended my power steering pump broke internally sending "shrap metal" into the power steering rack thus destorying that also. $1,130 out of my pocket. NEXT at 55,000 miles my transmission "died" on a on ramp. Aamco said oil shaft pump broke which killed torque converter. $2,170 out of my pocket. Calls to ford headheadquaters in detroit yelled no help or sympathy. Wouldnt buy another ford again if they where the last cars on earth!!!

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  Transmission bucks when shifting gears - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Felicia - June 15 - 11:40 am

  I dont recommend a Ford windstar van, at least not a 1998. When I first got the vehicle the transmission was bucking and when I went to have it replaced with a new trainny, it did the same thing, and they told me this was normal for 98 Windstar vans. Visiblilty is not great on highway. I had to replace the whole ABS system costing me over $1100 and nearly everything else except the engine has had to be replaced. On a more positive, it is a very comfortable car to drive, and it rides very smooth with a quiet engine. Safe car to drive if you do well with poor visibility on the highway. I would not get a Ford Windstar van again, and may not even get a Ford again.

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  Poor quality and poor company - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Brad - April 20 - 10:43 pm

  This car is a good idea but poor execution. Transmission failed at 90k and is a known problem with this van. The check engine light comes on because of clogged EGR circiut . A/C blend louvers break, known problem. The worst thing is that you may have to get these fixed over and over again.

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  Two lemons to make sour lemonade - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Gary - March 28 - 7:15 pm

  The Windstar SEL was well equipped and it offered some means of comfort and style. The exterior looks very appealing, stylish and a real head turn kind of vehicle. Truly an amazing color and great color coordination plum and gray in color. Adequate power for a minivan and very responsive. But the transmission stinks! I went through two Windstars, both gave me transmission problems. The first Windstar was an SE version and it was rather roomy, as a matter of fact the 1995 SE was roomier than the 2000 SEL though it was an army green and gray I got used to it. The 95 SE was a joke as far as handling and power. Since the Windstar had such a great safety rating I bough another big mistake.