1996 Ford Windstar LX review from North America
"Nice design, nice ride, lousy drive train reliability"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
At 75000 miles the check engine line came on. The initial dx was bad plugs and wires. The light came on again, and the dealer found nothing. The light came on again and the coolant level dropped. The dealer diagnosed a leaking manifold gasket. The projected cost of repair was over $1500.
I took the car to an experienced Ford mechanic. I was informed that the manifold is defective, that the EGR ports tend to clog and then the gasket fails. He recommends installing a redesigned manifold from Ford, who apparently know about the problem and don't like to talk about it. I wonder how many of those head gasket problems start with intake manifold problems, overheating and back-pressure buildup.
General comments?
I like the vehicle, but the power train is a problem. Ford will not cooperate and the mechanics at the dealership don't seem particularly astute at managing the problem either.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 1996 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8 Liter Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 4 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 77000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Windstar |
| Date of Entry | 18th May, 2001 |