1999 Ford Windstar LX gasoline

Summary:

Dangerous piece of junk

Faults:

Transmission blew (literally) at 92,000 miles. This was at least the 3rd tranny that had been put into this piece of junk.

Front brakes to the tune of $1100 at 86,000, but since brakes are regular maintenance, I have no idea how often this had been done by previous owners.

General Comments:

O/D light started blinking at 92000 miles. Van started smoking, and within a few miles there was so much smoke I had to pull over to the shoulder as I couldn't see.

Was sitting in car after calling for tow truck, when it dawned on me that maybe I shouldn't remain in vehicle due to the heavy smoke and burning smell. I exited vehicle and a minute later it sounded like a bomb went off.

When it was towed to an independent transmission shop, I was told that parts of the tranny had melted and there was a good possibility it could have caught on fire. After a new tranny was put in at a cost of $2300, I was informed that this was AT LEAST the 3rd transmission to be put into the van. Two months later, I got rid of it after reading countless reviews on the internet, including this site, about defective Windstar transmissions and the horror stories that people had to tell. Why I hadn't done this before purchase is beyond me. We were in desperate need of a vehicle at the time, so that may have had something to do with the haste in purchasing this piece of garbage.

Ford should be held accountable for producing these pieces of dangerous junk. Anyone looking to buy a Windstar - DON'T. Read the stories here and do a websearch using Windstar transmission problems as search words. I didn't, and had to take the consequences.

BTW, I often drive by the tranny shop that did the work. Every time, there are at least 2 or 3 ford vehicles parked in the service area. It is obvious Fords have huge tranny problems but the company will refuse to acknowledge this. Buyer beware.

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

Review Date: 10th January, 2010

1999 Ford Windstar

Summary:

Junk

Faults:

I stopped at a red light with my daughter, and then when the light turned green, I put my foot on the gas and then I heard a loud pop. As if something hit the hood of the car from under it. And then it would not move, called my husband and he came and drove it backwards all the way home. And safely parked it in front of the house.

Sorry to say this is the second time we've had work on the transmission. And again they estimated it for $2490 to fix it, and we don't want to put any more money in it or take it to trade in for another Ford car. Plus it's on the recall list for something else. My husband will not talk about another Ford car.

General Comments:

Too many repair problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th November, 2009

1999 Ford Windstar

Summary:

Not even worthy as demolition derby fodder

Faults:

Transmission and electrical nightmare.

General Comments:

Perhaps my time would be better spent listing what has gone 'right' with this car...

Can I have some time to think this over?

The radio works fine. Half of the seat belts still work. ummm...

Hold on...

The doors... oh, never mind. The latches broke, or they won't close right anymore.

My wife just reminded me that the air conditioning works great.

That's about it. EVERYTHING ELSE ABOUT THIS CAR SUCKS REALLY BAD.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd October, 2009

1999 Ford Windstar

Faults:

I bought the Ford Windstar in Sept 2001. Then in June of 2004 the transmission went out.

I have had in the shop twice for the transmission, and it cost over $2,000 to get it fixed, and now it is doing the same thing with the transmission jerking when you go down the road. You have to let off the gas for it to go up the road.

I think Ford should have had to pay for it. I will never buy another Ford again.

I had trouble with my heater and air. When you set to it to hot or cold, it starts to making a clicking noise.

I have trouble with my brakes on the front and back.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th July, 2009