1996 Ford Windstar GL review from North America

Multiple injector replacements (the local dealership had to do 3 replacements until they finally realized the problem, spanning over a 14 month period)

Alternator replacement.

Side door and hatchback are starting to loosen, causing rattling noise during driving or in high wind.

Hatchback lock does not engage.

The "door open" indicator seems to be affected by the weather. My local dealership has yet to locate the problem.

Valves in the engine are becoming worn, with a repair quote higher than the worth of the van.

This minivan is a workaholic. In the first year of ownership, I have driven from Wisconsin to New York and back, with the return trip in a blizzard with the interior loaded down with various home goodies (TV, knick-knacks, etc.), to Nebraska and back, and to Virginia and back twice. Even with injector problems, it hasn't let me down yet.

The Winstar is a very comfortable ride. Enough room for a big person (I am 6'1") to drive without the seating compromises common in family grocery-getters. The V-6 provides enough power to keep me out of sticky situations on the freeway, and gas mileage is acceptable (Highway is around 25-30 mpg).

However, this vehicle definitely shows it's age. Between multiple injector problems and low-end engine noise, usually attributed to valve wear, it's working it's way ever closer to a major, costly vacation in either a repair garage or donation cycle.