1996 Ford Windstar review from North America

The van had been running fine, until our first road trip last summer. The transmission went out on the way back from the beach, 3 hours from home. We had our 2 year old and newborn with us. It was a Sunday night, when all the shops are closed. We got off the interstate and took the back roads home so we could drive slow. What a nightmare that was! Ended up being a switch in the transmission that cost $200.

The door ajar light stays on, and I have never understood the doors locking and unlocking intermittently for no reason. The driver side door lock no longer works and makes a horrible grinding noise when I lock the other doors.

The passenger-side automatic window will roll down with ease, but what about coming up? Forget it.

Last week it left me and the kids stranded at the swimming pool in 100 degree heat. White smoke pouring out the tailpipe with a strong smell of gas. Towed it in, and apparently the computer is bad. $650 to repair, which I do not have, so I brought it home to sit in the driveway.

The engine light has been off and on so many times I just learned to ignore it. I've had it checked, and they keep telling me to replace the O2 sensors, at $50 a piece. There are 3 of them on there.

I hate this hunk, and now I know why it was only $5,000. Unfortunately, that was all I could afford, and thought I was getting a really good, used van for my family. It looks good, and is pretty comfortable.

This is my 3rd Ford product. I have had bad luck with all 3.

These things aren't made to last, they are made to sell. Now, I'll have to leave it parked until I can fix it up enough to get rid of it, if there is anybody foolish enough to buy it.