1995 Ford Windstar LX 3.3 from North America

Summary:

P.o.s!!!

Faults:

Everything!!!

First day the ABS went out.

Belt kept breaking.

Motor locked up.

General Comments:

This van was really used when I bought it.. I was assured it had been well cared for.

I only owned the van a short time before it blew. I don't even think I got my moneys worth.

I will never own another ford as long as I live!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th July, 2004

16th Jul 2004, 19:22

Well, what do you expect when you bought it with 150,000 miles on it. Mid-90's Wind-star's weren't known for being terribly reliable anyway. The fact that the van even made it to 150,000 at all is something to be said.

26th Feb 2005, 14:17

We have read many comments about mid-90's Ford Windstars and with all do respect, the Windstar is the worst car we have ever owned. We always perform all the required service at the proper intervals only to have issues with all major components.

We have had the engine, transmission and AC systems replaced on our 1995 LX and now we are having ($$) issues with the ABS system. We would have replaced this van countless times only to be fooled into thinking "it was finally fixed". It's too expensive to keep and too unreliable to count on. It's the reason why rebates on the new ones are so high and the reason why Odyssey's and Sienna's sell for full sticker.

1995 Ford Windstar LX 3.8 from North America

Summary:

The Van is not bad with the new engine and transmission

Faults:

The head gasket was leaking at 89,000. Ford dealer replaced the engine at no cost. The engine is a 3.8L

Transmission failed at 122,000 after a trip to the Smoky Mountains. The transmission was regularly serviced 3 yr 36,000 miles. The rebuilt seems OK.

The idler cam sensor failed. 109K

Driver side door power window motor failed. 89K

Sub frame bushings wore out twice. 50K, 90K

Tie rod bushings wore out. Failed under warranty at 55K. They have been fine since.

Ignition switch replaced. 35K

Cup holder broke at 85K.

General Comments:

No major problems except the items listed above.

The rear seat is a bear to remove. It took them to 2004 to final fix the problem.

Van rides good and it has rear air suspension with auto leveling which is great when we load up the van.

It does require more maintenance than our old Taurus. (Brakes, alignment, tires) Currently the dealer recomends transmission service to two year 24K intervals.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th June, 2004

1995 Ford Windstar GL 3.8L from North America

Summary:

Family nightmare

Faults:

Transmission was rebuilt.

Engine head gasket blew.

Wiper motor went out.

Air conditioning system rebuilt.

Radiator replaced.

Timing chain cover repaired.

General Comments:

We owned this car for three months before the transmission went out, then spent two more months getting the warranty company to pay for it.

The head gasket blew while we were on the road on vacation. My wife, toddler, infant and I spent an extra week in a hotel room. It was the worst when the mechanic told me that this was common on Ford Windstar's.

I spent a weekend repairing the wiper motor, replacing the column switch, relay and fuses. The Ford dealership ended up replacing some wiring as well.

Just imagine the California Central valley in the summer with no air conditioning.

As far as I can tell the repairs are never going to stop. The Ford dealership has it again and I don't know for how long.

Avoid Ford Windstar's.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th June, 2004

16th Jun 2004, 03:03

I couldn't agree more. The '95 Windstar we owned was a real piece of junk.

Al.

1995 Ford Windstar GL 3.8L V6 from North America

Summary:

Clearly the least reliable vehicle I have ever owned in 40 years of driving experience

Faults:

2 transmissions have failed (the original and a Ford rebuild)

1 Blown engine head gasket replaced.

Front timing chain cover replaced.

4 faulty fuel pumps replaced.

1 pair tie rod ends replaced.

1 power steering unit replaced.

1 right front wheel bearing failure.

Ignition switch problem - can remove key without locking the switch.

General Comments:

This is hands down the most unreliable vehicle I have owned in my 40 years of driving history! The problem is that you will get one thing fixed and have it fail again within an unreasonably short period of time.

The biggest disappointment is the failure of the two Ford transmissions. I am now on my third unit and if I were smart - I will get rid of this lemon before it fails yet again.

Another good example is the 4th fuel pump the car has gone through. It seems like Ford must have a huge inventory of failed fuel pumps which they draw upon to fix these vehicles with. What ever happened to quality control?

I will unequivocally state that I will never, ever purchase a Ford vehicle again and will make sure that everyone knows about it. No one should have to pay for this kind of abuse.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th April, 2004