1998 Ford Windstar GL review from North America

This mini-van has been in the shop far too often. It's bad when the customer service folks know your first name as you walk in the shop.

I like the style, head room, leg room etc. However there are several nagging problems which have been repaired (finally) and are back.

The front end seems especially fragile. Tie rod ends, king pins a BROKEN strut mounting (which took 3 visits to "discover") 2 sets of brake rotors (not covered under warranty) 2 sets of tires (60,000 miles) and I'm looking into an unprecedented 3rd set or a trade in.

The front end on these mini's can't hold up to the stresses of the road. My driving is on good roads, interstates etc... nothing out of the ordinary, however as I stated previously, I have had nothing but nagging problems with the front end.

I will give the local Ford dealership credit. They have refunded some costs when they went down the wrong path which ultimately wound up as a cracked strut mount. What about the strut? Not replaced, one would assume that the strut was put at some stress for which it was not designed. Ask Ford, I guess if it is not leaking, it's okay. Whatever.

It's in the shop today as a matter of fact. I REALLY thinking about another vehicle. But a trade in would dent my wallet with residual left over from the previous loan.

Hey, I need a car! I travel, run around town etc... I don't need a problem. This 98 Windstar has given me some problems. BUT it hasn't left me stranded... as I have been proactive in getting it to the shop when the front end starts in with the shimmy.