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 1 through 10 of 102.00-
Made a Huge Mistake - 1996 Ford Windstar
By Don Benson - December 5 - 10:07 amGrowing up my family never had Fords. I never knew why and when we needed the space of a minivan we thought we’d try the Windstar as our thinking was it was based on the Taurus so how bad could it be? Well it was bad ... really , horribly bad. In the 4 years of ownership ( bought Executive dealer car with 15k miles ) it went through 2 head gaskets , 3 transmissions, 1 AC compressor , 2 water pumps , an alternator and power steering pump. Ford covered the first transmission and head gasket but after that we were on our own. Every time we thought it was repaired another issue would surface. It was a horrible mistake and the final straw was the brake system. We found out the brake lines were rusted to the point that it was leaking and unsafe to drive. I drove it across the street to our local Honda dealer and traded it for a used Odyssey..which I should have purchased in the first place. We haven’t even considered a Ford since and with the latest news of countless transmission failures in their Focus , we probably won’t ever buy a Ford again.
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Where was Edmunds when I needed it? - 1996 Ford Windstar
By Seattle family - September 23 - 12:06 pmThe biggest mistake of our automobile buying lives. We like the room and the ride in general. But it is now limited to going only to Home Depot and the dump on weekends. I would never trust it outside our neighborhood. Replaced everything so far, including engine. Read the other reviews here. They wont say anything we cant say.
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If your have any sense PLEASE AVOID! - 1996 Ford Windstar
By Intellegent Owner - January 18 - 9:46 pmWe got van used (55,000) miles. As is, no warranty, BIG mistake! The first week we had the van, the power steering went out. Then spark plugs needed to be changed. Dont attempt yourself. Front brakes have been changed 5 times. We have a hard time putting key in the ignition. Awful dinging sound when head lights are on sometimes. When its below 30 degrees out, doors freeze shut, then wont close after you get in. Replaced water pump and now I fear we need a new transmission due to van jerking when shifting. Ive met 4 people that have trouble with theirs as well! Windstar= LEMON.
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Never again! - 1996 Ford Windstar
By Colleen - July 13 - 4:08 pmAfter driving my first brand new car is was immediately plagued with problems. When we purchased the van we were assured that we would be able to tow a tent trailer (<3,000 lbs). Initially the check engine light came on. Nothing wrong at the dealer. Dont know what the computer has been trying to tell us over the past 9 years but now Ive placed a sticker over the light and just ignore it! Right after the warranty ran out 40k miles, the transmission went out! Took to a transmission shop who said you cant haul with a front wheel drive auto! This is my 3rd transmission in 9 years and I poke along the road with my kids! Never, ever buying another Ford even if they give it to me!
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Worst Vehicle Ever Built - 1996 Ford Windstar
By JConner - May 19 - 2:58 pmWe bought it to accomodate our family outings, but it has been a constant problem. It has a constant miss, that to this date, we have been unable to find a mechanic that can fix it. Also has the issues of the door ajar alarm staying on, power windows work occasionally. This van has spent MONTHS in the shop and is still not fixed. Really gives Ford a bad name. Im sure I wont be buying anything else with Ford on it. I cant believe this entire vehicle hasnt been recalled for all the extreme problems they have.
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What happened to Ford? - 1996 Ford Windstar
By Robert - February 27 - 7:28 pmThis has to be one of the worst automobiles ever made.I once was a big Ford supporter but after owning this van I will never buy another Ford again. Transmission problems, front end problems just a terrible van.This is an automobile that is used for family outings. Stay away from Fords.
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GL = Good Luck! - 1996 Ford Windstar
By mtalk - September 4 - 2:00 amNo 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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Dont Buy One - 1996 Ford Windstar
By foxult - January 5 - 2:00 amSpeedometer 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.
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Quality is NOT job one! - 1996 Ford Windstar
By Never again! - January 4 - 2:00 amford 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!
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Ford is not Quality - 1996 Ford Windstar
By Fred E - January 1 - 2:00 amLike 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
