Overview & Reviews

This year the Windstar has been totally redesigned. The biggest news for '99, in addition to the completely new exterior and interior styling, is a left-hand sliding door. The second- and third-row seats are now on rollers for easier removal/interchangeability and the instrument panel has been redesigned for improved ergonomics. There's also a more powerful and cleaner-burning 3.8-liter V6 plus upgraded suspension, transmission, brakes and air conditioning components. New options include side airbags and a trick reverse sensing system.

• As the most recent minivan to undergo a major redesign, the Windstar is now king of safety and high-tech features.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 148.00

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  Avoid at All Cost!! - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By slbenz - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Purchased new in 4/99 and in the three years I have owned it, the van have been in the dealership four times for power doors that would not close all the way shut. The drivers door handle internals broke and at 29.5K miles, the transmission failed and had to be rebuilt. Gas mileage is poor, it was advertised to be 19 city 23 highway but in reality is closer to 15 city 20 highway and that is not with a full load. Handling and drivability is on par with the best. Also, there is too much wind and road noise that enters the cabin. Wont buy a Ford again.

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  Ford - Stick to Trucks - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By nofordvans4meagain - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 6 Fords now. Never again will I own a non-truck Ford. My Winstar SEL has had major steering and transmission problems. I had a manifold problem too. Also, the interior had several items fall off. Transmission is still horrible. The new 2002 are no better. We tried one. Stay away from these vans. You will be happy you did.

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  Minor problems - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Safaa - November 12 - 10:08 am

  Bought it little over 4 years ago with 108k miles. Now has 139k. Prior owner kept it up very well. But now we noticed that it was in a wreck since clear coat is peeling and overspray found on pass door weatherstrip. We had no problems with the transmission or prior owner had it replaced. Check engine light came on back in 07 and we bought manifold gasket and bolts and we replaced all in our garage for $80 otherwise dealer wanted $400. Last week we replaced rack and pinion due to noise from turning and paid $650 to have it repalced along with fuel filter, coolant and trany fluid flush. We also replaced all four tires last summer for $250. Will keep our Windstar for another 3 yrs or so.

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  One bad minivan - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Unhappy Dad - October 7 - 2:00 am

  the 1999 edition is HORRIBLE! Our first Windstar was wonderful- no problems and 75k miles. This one was the WORST car we have ever owned- engine was replaced at 30k; transmission broke at 52k; electric was always having problems; battery died monthly. A LEMON is a nice name for this vehicle. FORD= Fix Or Repair Daily (at least monthly)

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  A dangerous vehicle to own. - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Former Ford Man - September 10 - 4:18 pm

  This van started off serving us well but quickly became a nightmare. At 75k mi. the transmission failed requiring rebuild. At 85k mi, the speed control deactivation switch caused a fire at the ABS module while the vehicle was off and parked in the driveway. Along the way, electrical system issues caused the power windows, power door locks and horn to stop working. This vehicle has major electrical system flaws causing a dangerous safety issue!

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  Mixed bag - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Norskie - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Mixed feelings: My wife (its her van) loves it. In all fairness its been reliable and strong running, no problems with engine, tranny or electrical. For all the bulk and weight mileage is no worse than expected, and it is responsive and powerful. Safety rating is wonderful. However, sheet metal seems very weak, dings appear at the lightest touch of someones door or shopping cart. Interior wears FAST, seats are just plain cheap. Sagging and worn looking at 45k, were never comfortable in the first place.

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  Still have hope - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By MB - May 16 - 10:46 am

  20 K miles into this model I have had the intake manifold replaced, a wiring harness replaced, the vehicle does shift hard down into 2nd and after an oil change there is a burning oil smell that comes out of the air vents when the vehicle for about a month.I have 15K left on the warranty and I do have a extended power train warranty, but I just want a defect free van. It rides nice, is great for kids but with only 21K miles I am certainly questioning the decision not to go with the Odyssey.

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  Wont Make Same Mistake Again - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By bill davis - February 3 - 5:56 pm

  While the exterior design is very good and the interior is adequate the overall quality of this van is horrible. Shortly after purchasing it the transmission went out. It is extremely noisy on the road and in town. Idles rough, the service engine light and the ABS light stays on. The "door open" light stays on and the automatic locking system works intermittently. I wanted to but a Toyota or Honda but I let my wife talk me into this Ford because she liked the exterior better than than the Toyota/Honda. She agrees now that tis Ford has really lived up to its name "Found on road dead". Cant make this mistake again since the Windstar is no longer made which is a GOOD thing.

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  Solid, Dependable, Efficient - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By CarolynDan - January 2 - 3:47 pm

  As I get ready to pass along this, my second Windstar, I want to relate how very pleased I have been with this minivan. Through 200,000+ miles it has performed like a champ, very dependable, very easy to drive, very much the family car. Like other Fords of its ilk, the transmission was shot at about 140,000, but the rebuilt is doing fine. The only other major mechanical problem was replacing the steering rack at about 165,000. The engine is well sized, giving a lot of power and zip while at the same time consistently delivering 20+ mpg on evenly mixed city/highway driving.

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  Never again will I buy a Ford - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Sthebkrman - November 12 - 2:00 am

  The first thing that broke was the rack and pinion power steering system. I paid a $50 deductable for about a $1300 repair job. Then the transmission started shifting very roughly between 1st and 2nd gears. Ford said they replaced something but there would always be a little shutter when it shifts. They said this would have cost me around $2400 without the warranty. The whole van still shakes profusely when it shifts. Now the front heater temp. valve is broken and the engine light is always on. The right side elec. sliding door has never closed correctly. It comes unlatched after it closes. I have to close it manually. Chucks of plastic chrome coating have fallen off of the grill.