1996 Ford Windstar GL review from North America
"Commision based mechanics dream van!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Like most other Windstar reviews I have seen, my van had similar issues. Thank goodness for the 7 year extended warranty (that just ran out last a few months ago).
Electrical problems galore, but not enough to ever sideline the car. Warning lights are random, and whenever van was checked under warranty, they could never fix them or find a reason. (even though the dealership never hesitated to charge the warranty company- it was not worth my time or effort to go back to get it done right).
Speedometer has never worked properly, despite numerous attempts to fix. The whole mechanism was replaced by a dealership in another town, and when this failed to work, my dealership said they put in the wrong one. I have gotten very good at estimating my speed - no tickets yet!
The mysterious suspension cracking noise reported elsewhere shows itself regularly in my van, but despite tie rod ends, boots, strut welds, and many other things I don't understand, it still does it. Now, I find it to be a reassuring sound since whenever I hear it I know that everything is "normal".
Yes, 2 head gasket repairs.
Interior door lights stay on, but at least I can always find my van in the parking lot at night.
General comments?
I consider myself very fortunate that my van still actually runs, but I know that I am on borrowed time here.
Anyone know how to convert it into a fish pond?
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 2/10 |
| Comfort marks | 4/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 170000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Acura Integra |
| Date of Entry | 1st June, 2004 |