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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  Good but could be better! - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By winchesterp - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the 3rd minivan we have owned. The other two were Mercury Villagers. The Windstar is more trucklike in both ride and feel than the Villagers. It is also much roomier than the Villager, and the remote electric door opener feature is a nice touch. Also like the styling of the Windstar, and the dashboard is a little more ergonomic than the Mercury.

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  Transmission, check engine - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Alan - February 8 - 8:17 am

  This vehicle was great right up to about 75,000 miles. Then things went poorly. I have had electrical problems, the check engine light keeps telling me that an o2 sensor is bad changed two times. Then at around 105,000 the tranny started acting weird. Stuck in second gear, O/D light flashing. I have the 3.8 many mechanics have refused to tune it up because it is so hard to work on.

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  Last Ford - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By chris D - December 28 - 6:52 pm

  We purchased the vehicle new from the dealership and had great luck until about 30,000 miles. We then kept having basic problems including continual brake problems, Blown head gasket, Intake manifold, Electrical problems on windows and door locks. I have spent an additional $6,000 over 7 years to keep it running with no help from Ford. At this point, 113,000 miles, I will keep it because its not worth anything unless the transmission or something else goes. This is my last Ford, they have made a loyal Toyota customer from me.

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  Dont buy one - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Wes Smith - October 28 - 11:30 am

  Since the warranty expired, I have spent an average of $1500 per year on non-routine mantenance. It has been a pain in the wallet. I expect to spend money on tires, brakes, etc. But I have had to have to much "other" work done on the van.

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  Last Ford Van - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By mark in cincinnati - October 27 - 10:16 am

  I had no reason not to purchase a Ford with five relatives working for the company. Until my van turned 36k only regular maintenance & recalls were required. Since then: 3 transmissions, antilock brakes, heater core. Luckily I had a great service adviser that allowed me to purchase the extended warranty. So my cost for the transmissions was limited to $700. Factory trained/certified mechanics failed to bolt one of the brackets on the second rebuild requiring the third repair 8K miles later.

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  Not Great...Not Bad - 2002 Ford Windstar
  By dragonfly052172 - October 24 - 4:14 pm

  Great for first couple of years ... then it wears out. Electronics start to go. Rear wiper motor -- gone! Trim and door hardware start to come off. Interior is just plain ol cheap. So dont buy unless its for the long haul. Because it depreciates too fast. Oh yeah, gas mileage of 20 mpg on highway! Not good at all.

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  Piece of junk - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Shelly M. - October 6 - 7:56 pm

  I purchased my 2000 Windstar used in 2003 and it has been nothing but trouble from day one. I have had to replace the breaks at least twice a year sometimes every 3 to 4 months. In 2/05 I had to put a new engine in it and 10/05 the engine blew again and the transmission also went out. The sad thing is that I owe too much on it to just let it go. I have a vehicle that I have to pay for every month and cant drive it! I love throwing away my money on something that is not reliable at all! I have had numerous problems with the power windows and locks. Ford needs to back its products better. Money down the drain!

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  Expensive to repair - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By tony - October 3 - 6:20 pm

  We bought ours used with 36,000 miles on it. We have had it almost 4 years and have driven an additional 24,000 and have been fairly satisfied with it, until now. We had small drips in our driveway, so we took it in to the local Ford dealer. Turns out that it needs a new rack & pinion and a transmission rebuild. Apparently you have to take the engine completely out to get the transmission out. Our extended warranty ran out in June. Total repair cost $4,000. We have had some annoying electrical problems (power locks). Dont lose the transponder key ... its over $100 to program a new one.

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  DONT BUY A FORD! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By WINDSTAR no more - September 21 - 2:45 am

  This is not a family vehicle when the transmission goes out during a blizzard in the middle of nowhere. We have replaced the rack & pinion steering, 4 oxygen sensors, valve cover, max air intake, all door locks and transmission. It took the transmission shop 6 months to repair right because Ford sent them faulty parts. The battery keeps going dead because door switches dont work right. I need to get rid of this van before something else goes wrong. I just feel bad for who ever gets it. When we contacted Ford, they blew us off. My wife HATES everything about this van! I laugh to think that Ford redesigned the van and now call it a Freestar. Will the new name really make them better?

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  no more Fords here - 2001 Ford Windstar
  By justin - September 13 - 2:28 am

  Rear fan for A/C and heating goes out every year for $100 a pop. OUCH! After 100,000 miles transmission, shelled out. $2800. Now A/C compressor locked up. $750. Very high maintenance on this van. Also has trouble with dust on auto door locks. Suspect poor engineering and will now look into higher quality vehicles. Good-by Ford, hope you do well with one less customer.