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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  Its O.K. - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By jdc690 - August 8 - 8:14 pm

  Im not a van lover but bought the Windstar so our son and his family could all fit in for short trips. Former owner obviously was not much interested in washing, waxing or vacuuming but it cleaned up pretty good and since I paid a pretty reasonable price Im happy with it so far. Big gas hog (16 mpg) but so was the pick-up it replaced. The grandkids love the video player and after I bought headphones for them its O.K. for us too. Still not a big fan of vans but I like this one as well as Id like any. Ive always had my best luck with Ford products.

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  Good machine - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By Bill - July 22 - 2:34 pm

  This has been a very good van. Hauls a goodly load, pulls the boat, and have had no maintenance issues at all. Bought it used for $7,500 in 2003 at a cheapo used car dealer and it has taken us on many a trip. Now has 139,000 miles. This has been one of the best car values I have ever owned. Reading some of the other reviews I see some real disappointments in this very auto. It seems Detroits big problem is being consistently good, not hit-or-miss in quality. The engine has always been noisy in the cabin, and that would be my only complaint.

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  I like it so far - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By kbarno - July 18 - 9:48 pm

  I used to own a 1995 Ford Aerostar with 220,000 miles & sold it to a friend. He has done minimal work to it and its still running. So I bought a Windstar. The washer fluid sprayer on the back window doesnt work, and Ive had to replace a windshield due to a rock ding. It needs the plugs done but thats expected at 112,000 miles other than that Im happy. The clunky noise in the tranny seems to be a normal Ford thing. The Aerostar sounded like that for years and at the mileage it had, the tranny still ran strong. Overall I hope to have the same luck with the Windstar, because at this time Im happy with it.

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  Bad Transmission - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By lou - June 19 - 10:26 am

  This is our first minivan and we loved it.We bought it new as I hoped that fact would keep us out of the shop and trouble free. The automatic transmission failed at 36,095 miles. The dealer says its out of warranty, but good news... it will only cost me $200.00 plus the cost of the tow. Well I thought that was a break, and I am thankful but, this is a major problem that should not happen at all yet this soon. Ive owned five Fords in all. Im not sure about the next.

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  50 years of Fords and this is the last - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By My Last Ford - June 16 - 9:33 am

  Im 8,000 miles into the 3th transmission in 115,000 miles and Im now getting "check transmission" errors. The original transmission died at 40,000, the second at 60,000 and number 3 at 112,000. The only other problems have been tie rod ends at 50k and a couple of engine modules at about 70,000. Ford paid for tranny #2 under their 36,000 replacement part warranty. The new error (the previous trannys died while pulling out into traffic with no warning) is likely to be a computer module that isnt part of the warrantied replacement tranny -- needless to say after $10,000 in repairs on a $25,000 car, this is the last Ford, despite a lifetime of being a Ford owner.

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  Good only for lemonade - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Jon Kirkwood - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Three years, eighteen pages of repair orders, and five recalls. First, last, and only American manufactured car I will purchase. Ford should be ashamed to produce a vehicle of such poor fit, finish, and quality. Both front seats were replaced, all of the exhaust system heat shields, and one engine control module. Two "FEMs," whatever they are, luggage rack, and the engine starter have all been replaced. And the fuel economy is NEVER greater than 17 MPG. Good, strong, motor; when it runs. Its still a nice looking, comfortable vehicle. Too bad its such a shoddy product.

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  Lots of problems - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By ng - May 11 - 12:05 pm

  This is a good van to drive when it works. Ive had my Windstar for 60K miles and have experienced all kinds of problems. Recurring problems with the air intake system. The transmission gave out at 60K miles. I was told there are serious design flaws in both the air intake system and transmission. Power rear doors and power locks stick. The power steering pump gave out. Never again!

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  Lemon? Maybe? - 1995 Ford Windstar
  By Trent - April 6 - 6:02 pm

  We have owned our 95 Ford Windstar since it was new. We had one blown headgasket replaced under the recall. A second blown head gasket cost us $1,600.00 (not covered under recall). Transmission slipping for the last year (holding our breath). Radio problems, alternator, door ajar lights wont go off (dead battery frustration). Sliding door fell off several times (was told a defect but Ford wont cover it). Leaking water pump, (very expensive labor). Third head gasket just blew ... (forget it...I just put some head gasket sealant in it and it seams to have fixed that problem). The clogged catalytic converter ended up melting our wiring harness (long story) numerous other small things.

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  poor workmanship - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By dissappointed - March 21 - 5:28 pm

  The engine has inferior parts. Most people have problem with the check engine light coming on and it will run anywhere from 500-2,000 dollars to repair this problem, depending on if your dealer knows what they are doing. Ford knows of the inferior parts and flaws but will not step up to the plate and say we messed up, lets fix it. Ford needs to step up and take responsibility for this problem.

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  It is what it is! - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By Jason - February 20 - 7:43 pm

  Im not a minivan fan, but for our family outings its what we drive. As far as value for the money I think its hard to beat this Ford. Its comfortable for 2 adults and 5 children ages 2 to 11, but I see the need for something larger as our children get older. We average 19-21 mpg and have had no major mechanical problems in our first 47000 miles. We have had minor cooling system problems, and a nuisance problem with a door indicating its open when its actually closed. Both problems where repaired reasonably by a local private shop. All in all I think itd be tough to beat this vehicle for the money.