Overview & Reviews

AdvanceTrac stability control system was supposed to be available for 2002, but it was postponed. It makes its appearance for the 2003 model year. The LX base trim level is rechristened to Windstar.

• Top-flight safety equipment and ratings, plenty of interior features and options, powerful V6 engine.

• Disconnected ride and handling, poor interior space utilization, noisy V6 engine, poor reputation for reliability.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 106.00

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  2003 Ford Windstar .. AVOID - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By panhead_mike - April 17 - 8:38 am

  I never thought I was a stupid man, but now Im beginning to wonder. I bought a used 2003 Ford Windstar with about 170,000ks on it. The safety recalls had been done and the transmission had be re-built at a Ford Dealership not long before I bought it. I thought I had it covered! Within 3 months the transmission was dead again. The repairing dealership was not interested in talking to a different owner and Ford doesnt want to talk to me. There are a lot of companies building vans, Do Not Buy a FORD Van...or in my case, a Ford Anything..as long as I live. You have been warned!

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By soulsoprano66 - February 15 - 10:40 am

  I bought my 2003 Windstar from a used car dealership with 88,000 miles on it. When youre a single Mom on a very tight budget, you will accept little flaws in exchange for overall reliability. Lots of annoying electrical problems, rear windows work randomly, interior lights flash, etc. But mechanically, this car takes all the punishment I give it and more. Very solidly built. Great pickup (I have the 6 cyl. model), and acceptable gas mileage. A few moderate repairs, alternator, wheel bearings, etc. (but it did come from coastal NJ so that was understandable). I have 170,000 on it now and it still starts up every morning, and runs great! Best car Ive ever owned. Ill drive it till it dies.

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  worst vehicle ever - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By cheyluck - September 2 - 10:04 am

  This was our first time car buy for $9,500, within a year of buying the transmission went out and we discovered that the axle had cracked. we found that the ford had called a recall. within another year of having the transmission fixed the second one went out. The right side window motors went out, we had to replace the speedometer electronics, The interior light like to flicker on and off as well. I recommend avoiding this vehicle all togetherl.

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  Windstar 2003 - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By fustrated - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Was our first car to make payments on. We bought it in 2003 with 20,000 miles on it. It had transmission problems with it twice within 4 yrs and power steering pump went out 2 times within 2 yrs of each other. I feel like we are always fixing something major. We never had any major problems like this with the older cars we had. We are disappointed and I think Ford should have recall for transmission issue. I have read that other owners are having same issue.

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  Bad transmission - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Jefrey Luke - October 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the van used with 36,840 miles on it. I like the sliding doors on both sides. I have an aftermarket warranty with auto-life. They were terrible. They were looking for ways not to pay for the bad transmission. I do NOT recommend aftermarket warranties. After submitting all my receipts for my oil changes 2 were hand written by a smaller garage and in the "fine print" it says no hand written receipts. A mechanic friend of mine stated transmissions on Windstars were a problem in 03. Ford Motor wouldnt admit to it and said they will not do anything and that I have a isolated problem. Last Ford Ill ever buy and never will I buy a after market warranty especially from Auto-life.

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  Windstar taxi - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By taxi owner - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought van 03/09 $2100 135K miles. Transmission already been replaced with the used 90k miles. at 150K replaced alternator from 06 Mustang (better amps and fits fine) $60 used. Oil change every 4K (supertech 10w30) It is a daily driven 150-500 miles as a taxi. Have engine light on and brake+abs light comes on sometimes. The interior lights blinking usually when humid. I have replaced drivers window regulator ($35 used). Rear windows dont open all the times. Replaced air filter with a "cool blue air filter" for better gas mileage $28 eBay. Installed HID xhenon light kit for better vision an night time $35 ebay. Replaced spark plugs. Got a NGK platinums. Now got 184,581, Ill drive till 300K

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  2003, good, solid minivan - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By robinsweb - September 14 - 2:00 am

  In the 90s I drove a Dodge Caravan, which was about as safe as driving a tuna fish can. Got a new 1997 Windstar, then a new 2003 Windstar. I like driving newish cars, but Im keeping this one until it falls apart, because even after 7 years, (77,000 miles) I still LOVE IT! Nice looking for a minivan, It still looks spiffy and not too outdated. Paint in good shape. Some minor problems others have observed, like flashing interior lights and dash lights, of which Ive paid to have repaired MULTIPLE times. (Life is full of compromises.)

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  broken rear axle - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By Dena - May 17 - 12:41 pm

  Good family car but unsafe. Recently 2days ago my rear axle cracked going 50mph causing me to lose control. Thank God one of my children were not driving at the time and that I wasnt on a major highway going 65-70 mph cause I dont know if I could have got it under control.

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  Windstar 2003 SE - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By marcovi48 - May 12 - 3:23 pm

  I have a 2003Windstar SE.I like this van a lot but I have a lot of electrical problems,the alternator change 3 times power locks after 4 months of haven this car stop working.transmition replace at 81000,abs light always on and now my rear axle broke in half,so can not say that this is a good car for the $32000 that I pay,

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  Time to sell it before too late - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By G W - March 18 - 5:28 pm

  We bought it used w/ @ 33,000 mi on it. The drivers side window motor went right away but the dealer fixed it under warranty. Now have @ 77,000 mi on it. Rear vent windows work & then dont, interior lights also flash on for no reason, now the head gasket is leaking- a seemingly common issue. I owned a 96 & it also was plagued w/ electrical glitches. Im very nervous about the multiple listings of tranny failure as it has never seemed well mated to this engine - lots of downshifting when going up just moderate grades, not like the 96 but then Ford made this model @ 1000 lbs heavier. Think its time to sell.