1996 Ford Windstar LX review from North America
"A great car if Ford made it more reliable"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
At 70,000 Km, the rear shocks were shot.
At 80,000 Km, the head gaskets blew. All but a $100 deductable of the $2,400 repair cost was covered by the used car warranty provided by the dealer (not Ford).
At 130,000 Km the timing cover gasket had to be relaced due to a crack causing a coolant leak - 10 hours to replace & almost $1,000!
The transmission shifts hard and erractically at times - this could spell future trouble.
The stock aluminum wheels leak like sieves, constantly requiring resealing.
Standard ford radio/cd player is ditzy.
Early signs of rust on the sliding door & lower panels (I drive in a Winter zone) - for now under control with a rust preventative oil spray every year.
General comments?
A comfortable, fast people-hauler with very comfortable seats (quad leather captains chairs).
Cabin noise is on the high side.
Relibility could be better.
Service costs high (due to engine placement - a common mini-van problem).
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 5/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 63000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 135000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Ford Taurus |
| Date of Entry | 27th April, 2001 |