1996 Ford Windstar GL review from North America
"Typical Ford product based on planned obsolescence"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Speedo head at 45,000: $450.
O2 sensors failed at 62,000 causing massive carbon buildup: $830.
Head gasket blew at 68,000: $1600.
Every power lock motor/solenoid has failed: $100 per.
Front brake caliper failed, replaced at 75,000: $300.
Head gasket blew again at 92,000 causing cylinder damage: Engine replacement.
General comments?
My wife loves the Windstar. It is true it is the best looking inside and out. I, however, am the one trying to keep it running and paying for the repair bills. I hate it.
The 3.8L V6 is strong enough to get around with ease.
Interior has held up well.
Paint job has held up well.
I am anal regarding fluid changes and flushes, have averted cooling system and tranny problems.
The Ford 3.8L V6 has serious design flaw that Ford won't officially acknowledge. Even thier dealer service departments feel bad and hang thier heads down when they talk about it.
My service tech said he's not allowed to say it's a design flaw, but was allowed to say there was "abnormalities" in the engine design.
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| Disppointed with the dealer's service. Keep it for sentimental reason, but will choose others otherw |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 1996 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8L V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 93000 miles |
| Previous car | Hyundai Excel |
| Date of Entry | 19th April, 2003 |