1995 Ford Windstar GL review from North America

The timing cover gasket blew and had to be replaced at a cost of $1500. This was before the van was even paid off.

Tie rod ends have had to be replaced twice already ($200 each time).

The head gasket was leaking but not completely blown yet. My local Ford dealer in Cincinnati wouldn't fix it until it was completely blown - I told them that this was a KNOWN defect and if I wait to fix it, more serious engine damage would occur. They basically said tough luck, that's Ford's policy.

So I called my brother in law who's a Ford mechanic and he told me to bring the van to his dealership (a smaller dealer out in the country instead of the big city). He would fix it and get Ford to cover it - so that's what I did. Now I don't have to worry about the head gasket blowing and coolant getting into the combustion chambers which would ruin the engine.

There are various electrical glitches - power windows work then don't work and the door chime goes off at random.

The valve covers started leaking oil at about 45,000 miles and fluid is leaking from the transmission.

This car is an absolute piece of garbage. Don't ever buy one, especially used, unless you have money to burn.

The real shame is that the Windstar is very comfortable and roomy. It's too bad the damn thing doesn't run right. What good is a comfy car if it's always in the shop? If Ford would take the Windstar body and put a Honda or Toyota engine and tranny in it, they would have the perfect van!