1998 Ford Windstar GL review from North America
"Good safe minivan, yet has some reliability issues"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
ABS light came on and turned out to be a broken sensor, that was a pretty penny. It had actually started engaging the ABS every time I braked. If you get the ABS light take it in ASAP.
The left rear window ceased to work as well, using a repair manual I discovered that all the motors have internal circuit breakers so as not to blow out the entire system. I unhooked the window from the motor actuated it at the switch and it worked again and I have not had the problem since. It took about 15min to complete. Unfortunately the door motors are much more difficult.
The front passenger power window motor went out and I have yet to replace it.
General comments?
I bought this used for about $4,000 less than a Honda Odyssey which had a comparable safety rating. I am still way ahead even with some extra repairs. I bought it from a rental agency which you can generally count on performing all the scheduled maintenance, perhaps that is the key to keeping this model in good shape. It still runs great!
I have talked to another Windstar owner who has been able to negotiate lower repair bills or even free repairs after the regular warranty expired under an "implied warranty". The implied warranty generally is only applicable to the original owner. Read up on it if you think you can use it.
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| A great utility vehicle |
| 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 | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 97000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 117000 miles |
| Previous car | Buick Century |
| Date of Entry | 14th April, 2004 |