Overview & Reviews

Ford boosted output on the 3.8-liter V6 from 155 to 200 horsepower. Trim and equipment have been revised, and four-wheel disc brakes come with traction control or the tow package. A new integrated child safety seat has been added to the options list. Tune-ups happen every 100,000 miles. Traction control is now optional.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 102.00

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  Outstanding - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By 4Brooks - December 2 - 1:03 am

  We bought it with 20,000 miles on it and it has been flawless! No major problems. Weve kept it maintained by a mechanic and its been great. Long road trips are enjoyable because of all the room, and the power is great. No fears when passing or climbing hills. Everything still works great, original tranny, water pump, etc. It now has 113,500 miles, and still runs great.

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  Good for the Goose - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Brownie2121 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was my first ever car purchase. It was resonably priced, and it has been a great family vehicle. Its build is very safe, when I had my front end collision, the car took all the impact and all I needed was to replace the hood and the grates. Like most cars, its not without faults. The lights were always coming on so Id take it in and have to have them reset. So, if you can get used to driving with your check engine light on, and are willing to rely on instinct as to when you really need it checked, this is the car for you. Great Family Van and not bad for driving around town either.

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  Still Runnin - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Northwest Guy - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Like many posts here, had no serious problems to speak of until 75K mi. The sensitivity of the oxygen sensors ultimately replaced them all head gasket went this year at 84K. Ive owned a number of 4 different Fords since 1982 not perfect by any stretch but this year had to replace the engine in a 1994 Honda Civic with 104K - Thats NEVER supposed to happen with them have owned Toyotas (3), Mazda and an Acura. Fact is, NONE of these cars have been perfect. This van was the best deal on the road when we bought in 1997 with 29K. It is a comfortable vehicle that has been surpassed by newer versions by competitors.

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  GL = Good Luck! - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By mtalk - September 4 - 2:00 am

  No wonder its got a good safety ratin: it never leaves the driveway. Check engine light goes on, only to go off a month later with no explanation from Ford. Door ajar bell keeps ringing and interior light stays on until 20 mph, so replaced the sensor. Then the big stuff. Cylinder went down at 100,000 ($1200). New engine at 112,000 ($3000). Just waiting for the tranny to drop now. We will be getting rid of this soon for something better and will never buy a Ford again.

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  3.8L FWD - Ford Stinks - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By ca2stay - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Had a 91 Taurus (3.8L FWD) tranny @ 25k & 54k miles. Traded in for 96 Windstar LX 3.8L FWD. Tranny started giving trouble slipping @ 50k and finally replaced @ 90k $3k, head gaskets @ 85k $2k and engine still runs poorly, radio/CD @ 50k. Fortunately w/tow package & 4W Disc Brakes so none of the brake pblms my frinds w/drum brakes had. Now CV joints and the rest of the steering and suspension. My wifes next vehicle will be Japanese.

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  Be Cautious - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Date83R - April 20 - 2:00 am

  We bought ours new @ 60K. It was great until last year. When it hit 100K the fur hit the fan. We have put well over 3000 into it in the last 9 months. Everything from tie rods to all sorts of electrical problems. The problems just keep piling up though. Even the techs at the dealership were scratching their heads with the last one. Were trading it in for a Caravan tomorrow.

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  Buy with caution - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By mario starr - March 29 - 2:00 am

  Paid too much for the van to benign with that was my fault. Let me begin by listing the numerous problems I’ve encounter as an owner of a “Quality” Ford product: Power steering pump, water pump gasket, lower intake gasket, popping noise from front end, A/C condensation leaked inside van, shifting cable, speedometer, door ajar caution light works intermittently, intake breaker valve ($200)... My local dealership has been very friendly to me while they have me over this barrel called Windstar.

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  Was good for a while, but... - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By smilingbrownbear - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought this program vehicle in 1997. Had 22,000 miles and now has 120,000. Was very good (although it had some irritating electrical problems) until it hit 100,000 miles. Needed a transmission - surprise! Got a remanufactued one for $2,400. New tranny is fine. Terrible electrical system now requires trips to the shop every few months. Also has some problems when just started and idling.

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  Nice mini van for the price - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By freddyford - March 1 - 2:00 am

  We bought this van used with 75000 miles. We have used it to pull a tent trailer for the last two years and its been excellent. Nothing but regular maintainence. I did put in a set of rear air-adjustable shocks but thats it. Great van for the price.

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  DON - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By jennyl - March 1 - 2:00 am

  purchased because of comfortable, roomy interior... everything Ok for SHORT while... it is costing a fortune to own it! Head gasket replaced ($2500) which Ford would not cover... transmission...door ajar alarm stays on all the time while driving (it does go off though if you drive over 25mph, with the lights off- go figure- trying to trade it, but nobody wants it!!! DON"T BUY!!!!