1996 Ford Windstar GL review from North America

We have had nothing but problems with this car since we acquired it.

The bearings and right front spindle deteriorated and had to be replaced. $450.

The front suspension has a constant wobble. We have been to the dealership, and two separate tires stores to balance the tires and have the problem checked out, and they have found no cause for the problem. It's balanced and aligned but still wobbles.

The transmission has started to slip and skip during acceleration. I have also taken that to a transmission shop and the dealership, and they can't find anything wrong. They told me that a full diagnostic found nothing, So they pulled the pan and still no help. Another $120 down the pit that this car has become. Just this week it has slipped completely out of gear on a number of occasions after a stop. So back we go. None of this should be happening to a vehicle this old.

The engine is also giving me problems. It is real sluggish now. It can't hold a steady speed. The throttle flutters and the power is inconsistent.

Don't even get me started on the interior and workmanship. All the windows seals are coming loose. The outside trim has pealed away twice. The wiper boots won't stay seated.

That's the short list.

The brakes have given me trouble as well.

Last thing. All these problems are obviously well known to Ford and the dealership establishment. The van has lost nearly $8,000 in value in two years. That is criminal. I didn't even buy it new. I couldn't give this car away now.

It's too bad. I like the design and layout of the car. Wish Ford cared enough to build it better. This is my first Ford and last. My Toyota has 175,000 miles on it, and I only had to replace a front seal and master cylinder.