1996 Ford Windstar GL 3.8

Summary:

Another reliable ford

Faults:

We have had problems with the door sensors. My husband cleaned them, and now they are fine. I have never had any problems with the Windstar other than this. We put on 80000 miles and it is still going strong.

General Comments:

I think with any car it's hit and miss. I have been lucky with Fords. My Taurus wagon had 240000 miles on it when I had to get rid of it because of rust. It never burned any oil, and was very reliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th March, 2004

1996 Ford Windstar 3.8

Summary:

I like the comfort of the car, but my experience with the dealer negates anything positive statement

Faults:

The car has had several electical problems. Mostly, they are confined to a failed ignition switch, driver door sensor, and computer unit. I've also had several failed fuel injectors. The vehicle has been well maintained and I'm the original owner.

General Comments:

I've purchased four cars from the local dealer in the past 10 years, but because of my recent visit to their service department, I'll not purchase another Ford product and I suspect, neither will any of my children.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th February, 2004

1996 Ford Windstar GL 3.8

Summary:

Lost a lot of money buying this poorly engineered vehicle

Faults:

The check engine light would come on after about 250 miles of driving when we got it. It would reset after a few days so we drove it 4 years and were afraid to travel with it.

Head gasket blew at 103,000 miles. Just months and weeks after extended warranty we purchased ran out.

Now annoying warning bell and interior lights stay on, replaced ignition lock, it was worn out. Did not fix, need to find warning bell wire and cut!

In same boat with other Windstar owners. Car held no value. Will not own another Ford.

General Comments:

Car drives well and carries 7 passengers. Hope to get another 100,000 miles out of it to break even.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th February, 2004

1996 Ford Windstar GL 3.8

Summary:

Unreliable lemon star

Faults:

First week owning it, my starter failed. The interior lights don't go out. I've had 3 sets of locks installed on the vehicle. Rear door lift failed. Had transmission changed twice. First time because it lost power when hot, second time because the "ford quality rebuilt one" failed soon after installation. ABS light never functioned for more than 2 years straight. Lost heat due to some plenum thing. Etc. etc. etc...

General Comments:

Have a stack of service orders, over the years. What a horrible adventure.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th September, 2003

1996 Ford Windstar GL 3.7L. V6

Summary:

It was disguised comfort and beauty, with one heck of a good Air Condtioner!

Faults:

An Oxygen Sensor went out.

The ever wonderous road wonder and wind drift. No classification of something wrong, but it was.

General Comments:

Bought it new. It was a wonderful vehicle. It felt like it was built solid in body. However, it was built cheap in what is important. The brick streets here about tore it up. Traded it off at 50k before the head gaskets blew. Used synthetic oil, and never had any problems really. But it never did drive easy. Wondered down the road and drifted. There was play in the steering of some sort. It acted like the Castor was not spec right from day one. Trade in value was an absolute joke, with only 50k on it. All in all, a bad investment due to Ford cutting corners in the Chassis, Driveline, Suspension, and I guess the Engine too. Enjoyed it when it was new, but it did not hold up well all in all.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th September, 2003

1996 Ford Windstar GL 3.8L

Summary:

It served its purpose

Faults:

Car may have a minor head gasket problem. So far I use Prestone superseal about 20K miles ago as preventive. Not burning any water now.

Looks like I got check engine light with some type of sensor messed up. Barely passed smog test. Got to sell it now.

Right door lock does not work. That's probably due to alarm that opens and closes all locks.

Alternator replaced after seven years. That is to be expected after 97K.

Door sensors did not work, use pencil eraser to run contacts. It works.

Brake leak at sensor. That affects cruise control. Leak caught fire, but I put it out with water bottle. Easy to fix. run good now. Brake leak also causes ABS light.

General Comments:

Big car that has been good for my family. Not a perfect vehicle. At 97K the engine values can be heard, but the car runs strong.

Considering all the bad reviews... I guess I am lucky.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th September, 2003