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

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  11 years going strong - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By No problems ever - March 4 - 12:38 pm

  I bought this van new and have had it to the mechanics only twice in all these years easy to fix carburetor problem just 3 years ago, and fan fix for back seats. Extremely reliable. Everything still works perfectly. Gets 17 mpg, better than the mid-sized SUVs these days.

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  Windstar = Happiness - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Vinb2k5 - March 2 - 9:44 pm

  Great van, ours has lasted 198,000 miles. Even when the engine developed a crack in the block it still ran, until the tags expired. Extremely reliable providing 8 years of service to our family. Definitely would buy another one.

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  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.

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  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!

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  Best vehicle so far - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By Steve from Alberta - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Best vehicle we have ever owned. Bought in 98 with 25,000km in perfect condition. Now have almost 150,000km and have only done tires and brakes (once at 110,000km). Pulls our trailer (albeit a smaller one) and our 16ft boat with ease. Only knock we can come up with is a faulty speedometer (at 40,000km approx). Ford said this was normal and within the tolerances of manufacturing ($800 to fix). If the Windstar had a higher towing rating we would definitely buy another.

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  Great car - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By unknown2 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  It has 93k and never had a tune- up.Never let me down-would by another one

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  Very Good So Far... - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By MadManMike - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought used in end of 1999, with the 3.8 Leter engine. Never had any major problems. First Van even owned and love it. But there are electrical problems galore but fortunately none have lead to a significant problem: Engine light comes on and stays for months - mechanic cant find anything wrong, thus resets. Interior lights frequently dont shut off after closing doors for up to 30 minutes at a time. Occasionally, the Door is open alarm does not shut off after the door is shut. Door is open light indicator seemingly always shows that one of the doors (or rear hatch) is open when, in fact, they are all closed and double checked.

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  Enjoyable Vehicle - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By barns - May 8 - 2:00 am

  We as a family have enjoyed driving this Windstar for 5 years, Lots of room for children, Adults and family pets.

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  96 Ford Windstar - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By kmcculloh - March 13 - 2:44 pm

  I bought this van new in 1996 at a very good price. It has been a good vehicle overall, with just a few minor problems at this point, 60K miles. I plan on keeping it for at least another 60K miles, even if I have to pit some money into it for repairs it will still be cheaper than buying a new one.