1996 Ford Windstar LX 3.8L V6 200HP 233LBS from North America

Summary:

Trouble maker for some, and a sweet heart for others

Faults:

I had several problems with my Windstar, but it still was the best minivan I ever drove compared to: Dodge Caravan, Chevrolet Lumina APV, Mazda MPV and the Toyota Previa, but it was a little bit lower class than the Chrysler Town & Country.

My problems were:

Fuel injection problem at 50 000 kms.

Transmission problem at 150 000 kms.

Engine fluid problem at 178 230kms.

General Comments:

The Windstar has excellent performance; better than any other minivan. Back in 1995, the acceleration from 0-60mph in just 7.9 seconds was 2 full seconds quicker then the Caravan, and 1.8 seconds quicker than the Previa. The brakes were also the best in its class, stopping this 5630 LBS minivan in just 155 feet (from 70mph to 0).

In fact the Windstar had options which made the owner happy, like the standard overdrive, ABS, airbags, and more. Some of the options are the power windows, power door locks, the powered and heated seats with lumbar support, and side heated and powered side mirrors, with the 10 CD changer, which were options I couldn't find in other minivans.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th June, 2003

1996 Ford Windstar GL 3.8L V6 from North America

Summary:

Great family mover

Faults:

Nothing at all.

General Comments:

I don't see how everyone is having so much of a problem with these Windstars. I have a 16 year old son that drives the thing to hell and back and it has never had any problems at all. No motor or transmission failures. Nothing. Unless you neutral drop it every time you take off I don't see how you are having such a terrible time with it. The brakes work great, has saved me several times. The acceleration is good enough for me to be able to get onto the high-way without having to worry. My windstar has served me well and hasn't given me anything to complain about. We take it on trips and drive it back and forth to sports activities all of the time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th June, 2003

30th Aug 2003, 22:24

I drive a 1998 Ford Windstar. I bought it used and it was previously an executive driven fleet vehicle. It had about 135,000 km on it when I bought it (about 84,000 miles) and it now has about 180,000 km on it (112,000 miles). The van had been well looked after by the previous driver, and we have taken good care of it too. It still looks and runs great. I do all the service work on it myself, and I have never had any major problems with it. It is nice to drive, both winter and summer (and it gets plenty cold and snowy in Canada), and we have every faith in its integrity. I know not everyone is this pleased with their Windstar, but we like ours just fine!

1996 Ford Windstar GL 3.8 V6 from North America

Summary:

All the toys and ran great

Faults:

Only had the thing from early July to mid October and loved it. The only thing I had to do to it was transmission filter and fluid change, which I guess is routine.

The speedometer did the wavy thing that they all seem to do. I had the dealership replace the speedometer cables, but they told me it was the head, which I couldn't afford.

General Comments:

I loved this van, but had to sell it because I couldn't afford the insurance. It had ice cold air and didn't use that much gas as I thought it would.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th June, 2003

1996 Ford Windstar LX 3.8L from North America

Summary:

Makes a great playhouse for the kids

Faults:

Replaced transmission and drive shaft at 100,000 miles.

Engine now needs to be replaced at 101,000.

General Comments:

This vehicle is why I have driven General Motors for the last 24 years. I bought it used thinking it was a bargain only to find that it is a typical Ford product... built to last until the warranty expires. Like the song says..."won't be fooled again."

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th June, 2003