1998 Ford Windstar GL 3.8 liter

Summary:

The worst family vehicle produced!

Faults:

The first problem that we have had was the transmission. We had to have it in the shop three times so far. The first time was 14 days after we purchased the vehicle. It was kept for 7 days than returned to us saying there was nothing wrong at all.

The second time was 1 hour after it had been returned to us we gave it back to the dealership, where a further look showed that the internal portion of the transmission had completely fallen apart, and it was replaced. The dealership however had had our vehicle a total of 18 days and returned the vehicle to us with body damage on it.

The third and most recent time, the same problem occurred. We have only placed 17,000 miles on the vehicle and the inside of the transmission has fallen apart. The dealership and service representative had tried to say at first that we had not maintained the transmission at 30,000 miles until they pulled the vehicle history to see that we had never reached 30,000 miles on one transmission. Than they had a expert come and look over everything making sure that we had not intentionally damaged the transmission. They did repair the problem, however this time they had broken an oxygen sensor on the exhaust.

I do believe this vehicle has definitely been much more trouble than it is worth.

I do not believe I wil ever purchase another Ford! I definitely will never purchase from the dealership that sold us this vehicle.

We have also had many of the same problem as other people, The interior lights stay on constant to the point of having to pull the fuse.

The ajar door alarm does not shut off until you reach 20 miles per hour.

Our state inspections for the past two years have totaled more than $1500.00.

This past year our mechanic did not think that this vehicle would pass inspection at all because of problems with the transmission and engine.

General Comments:

The 1998 ford wind-star has definitely been well overrated and I feel that this vehicle should be reevaluated for all of the obvious defective materials that have been put into the production of this vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th July, 2003

1998 Ford Windstar LX 3.8L V6

Summary:

Typical American poor quality and overpriced piece of junk

Faults:

Transmission started slipping at 100,000 miles. I have taken it to the Dealer, but, of course when they have it it works fine. Waiting for certain disaster...

Interior lights stay on for 30 minutes after shutting off vehicle. Dealer says problem with the rear hatch door switches. $200 to replace. Decreasing life of batteries, especially in winter.

ABS light came on at 90,000 miles. Brought to dealer, ring sensors on 2 wheels gone, $500 dollars to fix.

Alternator fried at 120,000 miles. Had replaced to the tune of $325.

Engine belt tensioner pulley went at 120,000 miles... fried serpentine belt.

Both replaced: $300.

I have also had both the driver's side and the passenger's side electric window/door lock button cluster replaced: $300.

Passenger side electric window motor went at 60,000 miles when we were on vacation and window would not close. I had that replaced while on vacation to the tune of $225.

None of the (3) power sockets works anymore. Not a simple fix like a fuse, probably in the wiring harness somewhere. Not worth the time it would take to diagnose.

I now have to get the front end checked out. The van handles so loose like you don't have much control over the steering. Maybe tie-rod ends.

The check engine light came on about 10,000 miles ago. I'm afraid to have it diagnosed... I think it may be the Pollution Control Valve.

I last the brakes done at 90,000 miles and was told I would need new front rotors because Ford does not use rotors which are thick enough to allow for them to be machined even once. Something about trying to save on overall vehicle weight. This cost me $800.00 for the front and rear brake job. I thought this was totally absurd.

I could go on, but I'm getting tired of typing. Those are my most of the "major" issues.

General Comments:

This car has had more formal Manufacturer Recalls than the last 5 Nissans I have owned, combined.

I have had more general quality problems and repair costs on this one van than the last 5 Nissans I own/have owned. This is the WORST vehicle I have EVER owned.

I am actually surprised that I have gotten as many miles out of it as I have before it just rolls over dead.

I do like the 3.8L engine. It runs strong and has plenty of power. And the comfort for the three kids is pretty good.

I am just not used to this degree of poor quality and workmanship, and unreliability.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th July, 2003