Overview & Reviews
Ford widens the driver door as a stop-gap measure until the 1999 Windstar arrives with a fourth door. Subtle styling revisions and a new Limited model round out the changes for 1998.
- Powerful engines and roomy interior.
- Offensive shape, lack of suspension refinement.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 118.00-
Good ol van - 1998 Ford Windstar
By IceBerge - August 1 - 7:47 pmWeve had this van for about 12 years now, buying it used from a rental car company, instead of an Explorer. Considering its age and mileage its held up quite well. Only real issues ore the common door sensor problem and the engine uses a little bit of oil, though no leaks. The car is extremely comfortable to drive, the ride is very smooth whether with just a driver or fully loaded with passengers. The seats are very comfortable and make longer road trips a easier thing to handle. The rear bench is a little heavy and cumbersome to remove but the middle captain chairs are as simple as can be. 107,000 miles and going strong, we plan on keeping this thing till it dies.
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Beater still getting it - 1998 Ford Windstar
By Daddy - July 1 - 8:20 pmWe bought this red wagon new because Mama needed a grocery getter and a youngn hauler. Its been a good machine. A few typical wear-and-tear items: water pump, alternator, a steering rack, brakes. All in all, not bad. Kids have puked in it and chewed holes in the upholstery. Automatic door locks quit working, and weve had some power window issues. Had to unplug the door sensors to keep the lights and bells off when door is closed, but I can fix the small stuff and we put up with the rest. Kids call it the "Beater." But it is paid for and is still kickin. I keep the oil changed regularly and Mama keeps the interior clean. Its been "Ford tough." No major transmission or engine issues
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Exceeds expectations - 1998 Ford Windstar
By Jay Connor - April 14 - 2:45 pm230,000 after 12 years & still going strong despite slight oil and radiator leaks. Very dependable 22mpg av. Drivers door damaged by 3rd party, $1,990 estimate to repair! Found complete salvaged door and professional paint job all for under $500. Easy to do. Four bolts and door is off, pull wiring harness out of body not door and unhook two snap connectors- interior trim comes off easily after extracting 4 screws, 3 on exterior last is visible when you extract control panel which snaps off. Had same dinging problem but in wet, caused by faulty sensors beside lock mechanisms. Highly recommend vehicle but you should change engine oil regularly, transmission oil and rear axle oil after 130,000
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great van - 1998 Ford Windstar
By AMAZING VAN - March 4 - 8:36 pmBought this van back in 2001 and it has ran like a champ since then. It has had no problems in all the years I have owned it. The transmission is very strong I once was going down a hill and bumped it into reverse it shut of the engine but restated and kept on driving. I have put on 50,000 miles since then.
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Transmission Hint for You - 1998 Ford Windstar
By C Perry - August 10 - 3:30 pmIt sounds like this vehicle is hit or miss with a lot of folks. For us, its been a total hit with a few caveats. Bought used in 04 for $6k, from day one the cruise control didnt work and every once in awhile the dome lights will not turn off. Spray some W2-40 on all contacts for each door seems to fix (and a hint I read elsewhere). Otherwise, the master cylinder went out but no biggie. This thing holds a ton of stuff and is very roomy. Its been an awesome family car for us. Be aware there is 1 side door, not two like most these days.
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Some problems with age - 1998 Ford Windstar
By Dan Meyers - July 13 - 2:10 pmThe car is not that bad. I purchased it new. Occassionally the Check engine light flares , due to ethanol fuel. Ethanol is corn,which attracts water. Disconnect the battery, remove the fuel filter, blow out the gas and water,add a bottle of Rubbing alcohol to only 5 gals of gas, reconnect the battery after 5 minutes to reset the ECM.and its good for the next few weeks. If I can retrofit a glass bowl purge type system ,that might eliminate the water. Also, I just replaced that dual speed fan control switch for $38..and saved plenty. Ford said itll cost about $800 . That little fan switch controls the A/C vacum doors, power brake boosters, speed control and other do dads. Running good now.
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Workhorse - 1998 Ford Windstar
By PitbullDad - July 5 - 6:37 pmWe bought this with 32,000 miles on it at bank repo lot. Generally dependable. Hit a curb at about 80K and hasnt been the same since. Had struts replaced twice, many alignments, and tires wearing out fast. Now with AC compressor gone out and need for tires and alignment, time to say goodbye at 131,000 miles. Still would rather have an accident in this car than most others--solid body and safe. Hauled a popup and 16 fiberglass travel trailer from TX to FL to VA and around the area with no problems. Carb went in GA but otherwise a good family vehicle... Some paint lamination problems that FORD declined to warrantee at just over 36K. Not happy with Ford about that. Wont go with Ford again.
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Problems with Two Fords so far - 1998 Ford Windstar
By dawn - June 30 - 7:37 pmOur fam of 5, often drives from Denver to Spokane. We got the windstar after the trans on our explorer went out in the middle of WY, 100s of miles near nothing in the middle of the night. This week on the van we replaced the R&P, for DIYs this is inexpensive but difficult 100.00. And the power steering pump, a little difficult but inexpensive 60.00. The ABS light goes on and off for no reason. Dome lights dont always turn off, and door ajar stays on. Cruise control went out after it surged to 95, like the throddle got stuck. Shifts really hard. Lots of room for the kids, not much room for baggage in the back. You have to drop the engine to change plugs, wires
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Ready for the Chop Shop - 1998 Ford Windstar
By Mia B. - April 6 - 8:44 amThis car was great at first, but we spend more money on repairs than the cars actual value. Head gasket constant problem, finally died after hitting a pothole, knocking out its transmission. Gears get stuck, jolts when you start it up. Not a smooth ride.
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Keeping my fingers crossed - 1998 Ford Windstar
By dennis - February 14 - 8:48 pmI have had seven Windstars over the past decade (presently own three) what can I say. Reliability has been great. Bought a 95 model with 175000 miles now is at 250000 and everything still works. Had gasket and bearing work done but thats about it. Nothing done to tranny or motor on any of the vehicles I have owned. Maybe my day is coming but for now its been a good van for me.
