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-
Windstar 1996 for sale - 1996 Ford Windstar
By Forrest Jeffery - April 16 - 11:10 pmThis has been a wonderful car to drive. I drove it to the east coast 3 times. It has new tires in the last 2 years, and a recent complete tuneup. It has air conditioning and it gives a smooth ride.
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Windstar1996 GL - 1996 Ford Windstar
By Jadlcg3 - December 18 - 12:46 pmI bought this van 6 years ago. It had 140,000 miles when I bought it. It ran pretty well. I have had to replace a few very expensive parts. The ABS keeps messing up my front breaks (I have to replace them every year). The speed sensor is bad, and have had to replace the O2 sensors. The rear defrost fried and does not work, thank goodness for my garage. The seats are very heavy to take out, as well. Over-all, the van has been pretty good to me. Has not left me stranded anywhere. Im able to drive long hauls with no problems. I do wished it had the drivers side sliding door. Its ok, though. My boys call it the NASCAR Van. lol
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Lots of problem but will get over it. - 1996 Ford Windstar
By Phil - September 18 - 11:33 pmBought it in 1999, since then problem after problem. Head gasket, transmission, front end, wonder if there are anymore of the service lights at dashboard which is not turn on... but the van has 300K km now and done a lot of towing (pop up trailer) this van is our family pleasure since we have it.
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still a minivan - 1996 Ford Windstar
By stephen - January 1 - 11:10 pmWe bought this car new in 96 because everyone else in the world owned a Dodge Caravan. Drove it for 8 years and 130,000 miles before I wrecked it. Never had any major engine/mechanical problems but Fords electric system is a joke. The speedometer went out at 90,000 miles, and for the next 3 years it waved between 40 and 90 MPH, so it was unclear how fast we were going. Helped us to slow down though. I rear ended someone going 45 MPH and sustained a broken ankle and some minor scrapes and bruises from the airbags which deployed. To this day, almost a year later, I continue to have shoulder problems resulting from this accident. Served us well, but not too protective!
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Had pretty good luck so far. - 1996 Ford Windstar
By RonL - October 27 - 3:26 pmBought van in 99 with 33,000 miles. Transmission rebuilt right after purchase under warranty. (Thank you, Ford!) Bought extended warranty, never used it. Items replaced so far - tie rod ends, power steering pump. We tow snowmobiles with it, no problems pulling. Check engine light comes on occasionally, usually after long trips. Very comfortable ride, no major engine problems to date w/ 120,000 miles. Only paid $13k for van in 99, and it has served us well. Not a Honda by any means, but we didnt pay Honda prices. If I get another year or 2 out of this van I think I will have got more than my moneys worth.
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A good eight years, BUT..... - 1996 Ford Windstar
By electricjohn - September 17 - 7:09 pmThis was a very nice vehicle for 8 years, but things started falling apart after that. Ride quality went downhill fast at 50,000 miles. Still have the original motor and transmission at 113,000 miles, now getting C.E. light, front end needs major refurbishing, losing coolant, power steering acting up, speedometer dances, blinker switch replaced, needs shocks, power window problems, O-2 sensor, transmission is sluggish. The power the 3.8 engine had when new started disappearing at 50,000 miles too. For the short term it is not a bad vehicle being a good, comfortable travel vehicle and small trailer hauler. If you are thinking about a Freestar, think short term ownership (less than seven years or 70,000 miles).
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Windstar a great value - 1996 Ford Windstar
By DJ - March 16 - 10:23 amThis has been a great vehicle, absolutely no problems. I have only done routine maintance and I plan to buy a new Freestar this year to replace this. Too bad the resale is not a bit better but I have certainly gotten my moneys worth - almost ten years old and paid less then $20K new, that ends up less than $175 a month including maintenance.
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Good ride, overall satisfied - 1996 Ford Windstar
By Redleg - February 23 - 3:33 amI purchased this vehicle used, but in great condition, in the East Coast. I have since moved to Colorado and have been impressed with its ability to tackle the Rockies. I am overall satisfied with the performance of the Windstar, though Ive had to replace the speedometer and fuel pump. Otherwise, it is very reliable and comfortable. With a larger gas tank (25 gallons) than other minivans, I am able to travel further before filling up.
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Outstanding - 1996 Ford Windstar
By 4Brooks - December 2 - 1:03 amWe 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 amThis 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.
