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 31 through 40 of 102.00

• 

  Dont Buy One - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By foxult - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Speedometer went out at 49000 miles ($750 not covered by warrantee, of course). Transmission problems under 75000 miles (warrantee). Heater problems at 120000 miles ($1100). Final transmission problems at 124000 miles ($3000). Donated to Goodwill. This van has been nothing but an expensive problem.

• 

  Quality is NOT job one! - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Never again! - January 4 - 2:00 am

  ford does not stand by its product. 3.8l eng. with head gasket leaks and trans. problems. (replaced twice) Even under warranty, ford refused to assist customer. You get the run around. Ask ford for help, they till you its the Dealer. Ask the Dealer for help, they say you have to ask ford. NEVER AGAIN!

• 

  Ford is not Quality - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Fred E - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Like most others that own a 96 windstar, at @ 68,000 miles headgasket went out costing $2,500. Ford fixed 95s and declared 96 cured so they told me that it was my problem. I was first in my family to buy Ford and Im doing my best to tell others in family and whoever else not to buy Ford. I have always bought domestic cars/trucks. This experience has taught me to look global. There is no quality or accountability at Ford

• 

  Screwed by Ford!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Ford Con Job - December 26 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the all time con jobs in automotive history! As many of you have found out, Ford knew it had an unreliable engine but did nothing as usual to fix the problem or help its customers. They also had faulty brake lines which they did nothing about until the government made them recall. There definetly should be a class action suit regarding this vehicle. Count me in if your interested! Going elsewhere for my next car but Im sure Ford wont care they never do! how many examples do we have to see, Pinto, Bad Tires, Blown Engines, Faulty Brake Lines, etc............................

• 

  These should all be recalled - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Ike-69 - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car used with about 28000 miles. Had no problems for a while, then it seemed like a new problem every week. Water pump, alternator, power steering pump, continues problem with brake lines/master cylinder, electrical problems such that it thinks a door is open, so it leaves the dome light on (have just removed this bulb permanently), radio goes out, and now the motor blew at 107,000 miles. I still like Ford, bur this model sucks!

• 

  GREAT VAN - WOULD BY ANOTHER - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By 100yrs-of-FORDS - December 12 - 2:00 am

  My 1996 windstar has 95K miles and I have NEVER had a problem or even have to get a tune-up!!! I have the 3.0L {I think it was/is better then the 3.8L} and a great motor! I bought this car new in 1996 at Hagerstown Ford and I must say it has been one of the BEST cars I have ever owned.

• 

  Dependable, Poor Quality - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By dynomo - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the van with 36,000 miles and still running good at 140,000. Runs good, drives good, comfortable, roomy, and great safety rating. Lots of little problems due to extremely poor quality: Speedometer, power locks, power windows, rear heat/ac, cruise control, brakes, check engine light and interior lighting.

• 

  Runs and Drives like a new one! - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By cardawg29 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I reluctantly had to purchase a used van to accomodate the new addition to our family. I had a tight budget and had to find the best vehicle at the best deal. I acomplished both. This van is absolutely wonderfull! Extremely reliable, and the performance is surprising for a Mini van. We are very pleased. Ford built this one Tough!

• 

  Unless you like to throw money away... - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Mouferdog - December 2 - 2:00 am

  First, the speedometer needle flys all over the place, then the water pump needed to be replaced (this is the 2nd time). The electrical system is severly flawed (admitted by a Ford technician at the dealership) There is nothing quite like the sight and smell of your steering column smoking while all the dash lights dance on and off. Now the transmission needs to be replaced. I just want to thank Ford for knowing that this van is one big piece of junk and instead of proving their integrity by offering to fix problems that they have had a multitude of complaints about, they instead offer an open palm to accept our money to fix their junk!

• 

  1996 Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By windstarowner - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had problems with coolent leaks and sensors. It goes through a set of front brakes about once a year. It is hard to work on. You have to remove the vent cowling every time you want to get at the back side of the engine. We have had 2 recalls both relating to the brakes.