1995 Ford Windstar LX 3.8

Summary:

Soccer moms beware, you could get stranded

Faults:

Replaced transmission at 136,000 miles.

Check engine light comes on periodically.

I am now getting a mere 11 MPG.

General Comments:

This van symbolizes Fixed On Repair Day.

I am dumping this thing asap.

It really is a nice vehicle, but the mechanical aspect is awful.

It is all, but impossible to change the spark plugs on the back side.

The good ol USA needs to review their car builders and make Ford get off of their keesters and fix these things.

Henry Ford would roll over in his grave if he knew the problems with his cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th August, 2002

1995 Ford Windstar GL V6

Summary:

Ford should refund all money spent on 1995 Ford Wind Stars and admit the problem

Faults:

Our Ford Wind star has also lived up to the above examples. I was horrified to read that others have had the same experience. We had bought the van with the engine replaced under the recall. Our mechanic advised us that we couldn't lose owning a van with a "new engine" and only 40,000 miles! Three weeks later, in the mountains of West Virginia my two baby girls (ages 3 and 18 months), were stranded on the highway with a blown transmission. All we want is to get rid of it, but are having trouble getting trade in value, not to mention the close to 3,000 we spent replacing the transmission. I will never, ever buy another Ford. I just hope I can get rid of this one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st May, 2002

5th Jun 2004, 18:03

Hey, I just picked one up at auction and had no idea there were these problems with the motor. It sounded great when I tested it out, and of course now after purchasing it I hear a lot of knocking coming from the engine. Guess who just bought into someone else's headaches? ME! Just wondering what the best way is to get rid of it now, but everything else on it works and is in excellent shape. Bugger.

1995 Ford Windstar 3.0 liter

Summary:

I think that Ford should have spent a little more time on this one

Faults:

After just one week I had to change my oil pan.

Found out the same day the Transmisson is going.

General Comments:

This van is a really comfortable ride.

It is very roomy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th February, 2002

1995 Ford Windstar GL 3.8L V-6

Summary:

One major problem (head gasket), but otherwise dependable

Faults:

I'm a Chevrolet/GM person, but bought the van for the wife (she didn't like the Astro and couldn't afford the Venture). Problems we've (I've) had since we purchased it...

HEAD GASKET blew around 95,000 miles. Had some warning beforehand with the Low Coolant warning light coming on and the smell of burning anti-freeze during the summer. Knowing now what I do, the warning signs started as early as 6 months prior. Fortunately, I did all the work myself and ended up paying for head bolts ($30), lower intake manifold ($100 used), gasket rebuild kit ($150), thermostat ($10), spark plugs ($15), new tools :) ($100). Had to replace the lower intake manifold due to one bolt hole being cracked to the edge of the manifold and another bolt had snapped. Poor design on Ford's part in my opinion.

The driver's side door lock (power) only locks the driver's side. Cleaned the contacts and it worked for a few weeks, and it's back to the way it was (not working). Will eventually replace it soon.

Also in the driver's door, the window bracket broke its tack-weld, but so far the window hasn't stuck.

The interior light and Door Ajar light/warning come on and off on occasion. At first I thought it was the rear hatch, but I've determined it to be the 4-contact push pin assembly on the sliding door. Two of the four contact pins don't extend fully 100% of the time. Plan on attempting to refurbish/replace in the near future.

General Comments:

All in all, despite the problems that other's have had with the head gasket (believe me, I feel your pain... try working on it by yourself!!... and I'm NOT a car mechanic!), this vehicle has been dependable.

Wife wants to replace it with a newer model and I was told by one dealer that Ford has fixed the head gasket problem, but after reading the other posts, it seems that the problem is still there and there seems to be an issue with the transmission as well. I feel fortunate that problem hasn't hit me!

Myself, just got me a 1998 Chevy Monte Carlo and guess who's the happy one!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 23rd January, 2002

15th Sep 2004, 15:30

I have a 95 ford windstar, for the most part a very dependable car.

I had the head gasket go at around 90,000 miles. ford fixed it for free and even threw in a set of plugs.

But lately I have experenced a problem with the electronics at the rear of the car.

The hatch won't open anymore because the electric lock is holding it closed, the rear wing windows just stopped working and the air conditioner doesn't work anymore.

And also the rear wiper stopped working.

I'm sure these all are related somehow, but I haven't figured it out yet.