1998 Ford Windstar GL review from North America
"A reasonable used car value"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Front-end felt loose, replaced right axle.
Check-engine came on, diagnosed at Auto Zone as Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Open, replaced it myself.
Transmission range sensor went bad on a long trip, made it home partly on 1st gear and partly on back-up mode that diagnosed a problem with transmission (blinking overdrive light) and shifted normally.
Noise from steering pump, flush of power steering fluid has been suggested.
General comments?
Overall, considering the problems reported by others, I have had a good experience with my Windstar. The problems seem reasonably predictable. I have taken it on many long-distance trips and it failed only once, but still brought us back home.
Recommended reviews
| Good safe minivan, yet has some reliability issues |
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| 1997 - Windstar GL I think 3.8 V6 A good family car for travel |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 110000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 128000 miles |
| Previous car | Plymouth Voyager |
| Date of Entry | 16th January, 2004 |