Overview & Reviews

Not much is new for the 1997 Ford Windstar. Caught flatfooted by the Chrysler and GM minivans that feature sliding left-side doors, Ford has installed a tip forward driver's seat, on early release 1998 models, to give passengers the option of entering from the driver's side. Hmmm, seems like that won't be enough to satisfy the fickle buyers of the minivan market.

• Excellent cargo space. Outstanding V-6 engines. Attractive design.

• Not available with a driver-side rear-passenger door.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 18.00

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  Mixed bag - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By Sigh... - November 11 - 6:55 pm

  Have owned the car since it was new. Now have 180,000 miles on itso we know the good and the ugly. The good: great concept and design, very comfortable, great highway vehicle (primary use for us - never was a city car which is prob why we have so many miles on it),tranny is orig and fine engine/trans/systems well conceived (but see the bad...) now has 180K on it and runs great - still not burning oil. The bad: it was made so poorly!!! We have replaced virtually every seal in the engine, rebuilt all the brakes, cruise control and ABS computer quit working years ago. Have replaced many parts - it has been an expensive car to maintain.

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  Engine Reliability? - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By Tom - December 31 - 7:47 am

  Purch van in 97 with 4,500 miles. The vehicle has been fairly rugged, except the 3.8 L engine, 200 hp and tows well. The intake and timing chain cover gaskets failed at ~ 110,000 miles (should not fail), about $2,000 from a private mechanic including water pump. Gas mileage is 22/17, handles and drives well Problems: Speedo bounces @ 40,000 did not repair ($500) 3 sensors $250 for parts Intake, timing cover gaskets, water pump @110,000 ~ $2,000 Alternator @120,000, $130. Power steering pump hose $60. Weld front suspension supports $250. Intake manifold gaskets 2 hours Labor, $25 for gaskets Need to clean the sliding door contacts every few years (10 minutes a little steel wool)

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  Run, run for a better car - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By Joel - July 16 - 11:07 am

  Blown head gasket from failed sensor. Body scratches very easily, and visibly! Rack in constant need of readjustment. When driving on the hwy, feels like there is a sail attached to the roof. Very poor turning radius. Fix or Repair Daily. Never Ford. Never again.

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  Windstar? - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By Tom - December 20 - 6:02 am

  Bought demo 4600 miles, 22 mpg on trips, 16 city. Solid vehicle with unfortunately some flaws front stabilizer bar came loose ~ 70K shop welded both sides for $250, speedometer bounces 40K, $500 live with, intake leaked 115,000K, $1,500, stuck valve before I caught it and radiator leaked transmission fluid $450, water pump $300, couple sensors died $160 for parts. I have a cheap mechanic - cost might be double at dealer. It still runs like new, 10,000 miles on synthetic oil with no oil added. 3.8 still squeals the tires if you want. Advice: Change transmission fluid no problems. If you loose coolant find the leak and fix. Great vehicle, mainly need to fix the gasket problem.

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  Ford is NOT quality - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By stevenoford - March 23 - 2:00 am

  The van itself has been fine. Few repairs over the past 7yrs. Now, we were expieriencing a leak of greenish- brown fluid (uh oh). $2200 for replacement of two gaskets. I hope ford comes through and pays for some of it. But, not likely to happen. First/last ford no matter if they pay for it. I mean come on.... seems like there is a problem w/this 3.8 engine. They should recall it vs. designing the engine for 70k miles (just out of warranty) Ford is where quality sucks.

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  Local Use Only! - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By SteveFromSyracuse - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Dont ever take this baby on the LONG HAUL! That transmission will sing you an expensive tune. It heats up after an hour or so and everything starts to blink and go alarmed. Fixed the traditional things like the mysterious power windows & lights & warning alerts. Just over 100k miles now, front bearings are going. Must sell and buy anything but a FORD.

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  What problems? Do preventative maint.!!! - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By ezrider - December 16 - 2:00 am

  If you take car of this vehicle, it will not give you many problems. Its true the front driver side door sensor was a little bit of a pain, an alternator went (its pushing 80K) but so what! It still has its original FoMoCo battery after almost 6 years of dependable service! This vehicle is as solid and reliable as any foreign car I have owned (about 10 Hondas)

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  Windstar Review -Jmmcoolebay@hotmail.com - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By Jordan M - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This minivan is great. Has Great power, aceleration is very good, you can roast the tires in this very very good. Gas Milege is also good

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  Jack Nasser ruined Ford in only 10 years - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By Compaq_Dude - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Van has had nothing but problems wince purchased. What a "pile"! Transmission is about to go, at 76K. Fought the door sensor thing like sooo many other "lucky" Windstar owners. Now ABS computer has died. $1300.00 to repair. After yelling at the dealer, they knocked 2/3rds off the cost. This tells me that they have that much markup to work with from the beginning. One month ago it was the steering rack,and fluids leaking, $1200.00. This thing is falling apart. I have driven Fords my entire life, but Jack Nasser made himself rich, and trashed the Ford name! I will NEVER buy a F-ound O-n R-oad D-ead again!!!!

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  Blown engine - 1997 Ford Windstar
  By steverob - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Head gasket failed and destroyed the engine (3.8). Only has 77,000 and Ford will offer no assistance. We will never buy another Ford product.