1996 Ford Windstar GL review from North America
"If taken care of, it is a reliable vehicle"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
My head gasket blew out at 340,000 kilometers. This is unfortunate, but expected for the mileage.
My transmission went at 150,000 kilometers and again at 310,000 kilometers. I do expect better from a vehicle then two transmissions in three years. There is an update for these transmissions, but it is costly, and the planetary gear set usually flies apart causing more cost, I had to buy a used transmission and then have that one rebuilt. The cost was through the roof, about 2900.00 dollars Canadian.
General comments?
I am impressed with the van, overall it has been decent except for the power-train trouble.
I have used this van for two years as a taxi and it has served well, except the transmission.
This is the first time the engine has been touched in it.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8L Manual |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 110000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 340000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Pontiac 6000 |
| Date of Entry | 25th March, 2003 |