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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  Quality is job....what? - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By txarmadillo - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 99 Windstar used in Dec. 99 with 13000 miles on it and have loved it. I currently have 51300 miles on it with numerous problems. My check engine light came on so I took it to Honolulu Ford and spent $150 so they could tell me that my repairs will cost over $1100. The intake has to be fixed, one of my valve covers has to be replaced, 2 injectors are bad, spark plugs apparently need to be replaced, vacuum leaks, my right front wheel bearings are just about shot, and my tranny is acting funny. It has been in a few times for recalls. Other than that, the van has been good to us. I am so thankful I bought an extended warranty with my van.

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  Ford Windstar - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By nyjetsus - March 4 - 6:47 pm

  Low mechanical quality makes this vehicle the worst Ford I have ever owned. Once factory warranty expired, the trouble began. Multiple breakdowns, including AC and transmission.

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  Ford is terrible - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By David - February 27 - 8:47 pm

  Original transmission replaced at 38,000 miles, replacement transmission had to be replaced at 43,000 miles, then motor broke at 92,000 miles. I will now be junking vehicle, not worth $3,800 repair estimate. Maintenance was performed regularly.

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  Minor problems but do not recommend - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Jozsef - February 17 - 2:59 pm

  We did not have any major problems but generally not happy. I just had the second front break replacement at 35000 miles and the front tires a few months ago. Has very bad fuel efficiency in city driving for short distances. Last year, when we drive to Disneyland, the engine lights were coming on and off like an xmas tree. Even now, the service engine light comes and goes.

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  Transmission, O2 sensor, doors, problems - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Mikeeeee - January 23 - 2:39 pm

  Overall, an attractive, comfortable van. Gas consumption is ok for a van. Some nice options available. Has plenty of power, compared to other small vans.

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  Done With Fords - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Towers - November 18 - 3:07 pm

  I needed a minivan because we were having twins. It was a great vehicle while the kids were infants. Easy to get babies into and out of the vehicle,and was roomy enough for everything. Too many problems were shared between me and another Windstar owner: both had idling problems in the morning both have a transmission that slips both have a stuck temp. control switch and both have a check engine light due to a vacuum leak. Its a safe vehicle that is great on road trips, but its time for a more reliable vehicle for me.

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  Not a happy camper - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Not A happy camper - November 12 - 6:54 am

  New transmission at 37,000 miles this was a nightmare since the new transmission still slips. New rack at 38,000. At 99,000 I am installing a newer used motor due to the loss of the original motor. I would drive this van off a cliff but cant find one high enough around here. I now have a new Toyota Tundra in the driveway.

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  New Transmission at 36,000! - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Ken - September 7 - 10:32 am

  We got this van because of the great safety rating and our growing family. However, it needed a new transmission at 36,000 miles...just after the warranty ran out. The Ford dealership and national Ford office were no help at all. This is the LAST Ford I will ever buy! Even though Im very patriotic, Im looking to the Japanese car companies now, as their quality and reliability are so much better. American Car companies need to get with the program and make some quality cars!

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  ford quality????? - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By daniel lipps - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchases my 2002 windstar this year and found what i thought was a simple defect. I soon discovered that Ford takes responibility for its mistakes! If one looks at the 2002 windstars back right wheelwell there is no covering or protection to the elements. the other three are covered with a plastic sheld and rust preventive. i found that ford will make no effort to fix the factory defect and will insted let my $30,000 van rust!!!! I find Ford utterly noncompliant with my service needs and dismissed my concerns as understated.

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  No More Windstars - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Glembi - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Minivan started off great. At 10,000, both automatic doors stopped closing. Got constant engine knock. Lots of minor things happend but all covered under warrenty. At 40,000 miles, things really started to happen. CD player ate a CD and would not give it back. $300 to fix. $400 to replace. Upper manifold gasket went. Another $500. At 50,000, six seals around the bolts that attached the lower manifold to the engine went. Another $500. This week, the heating system deflector door went. $300 to get behind the dash. Another $350 to replace the part. Never have I owned a car that had as many problems at less that 60k miles.