1996 Ford Windstar GL review from North America
"This car is a money pit"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Transmission failure at 58,000 miles.
Engine lost oil pressure and required re-build at 81,000 miles.
Engine lost oil pressure again at 116,000 miles.
Several times had battery go completely flat with no warning - finally turned out to be bad alternator.
General comments?
I traded my Accord for this van because we needed the extra space.
The Windstar has good pickup, comfortable ride, and for the size of the vehicle was not bad on gas, but it has been very unreliable.
When the transmission failed it was under the extended warranty. However I had to pay for the 1st engine failure. When it failed the 2nd time I couldn't be bothered to waste anymore money on it.
I found the dealership service to be technically competent, but they have little regard for the customer.
Got rid of it for a 2005 Odyssey.
I could never consider another Ford product even though my other car is an old 92 Escort which runs flawlessly. In fact it was because of the Escort's reliability why I took a chance on the Windstar.
I think I paid for it twice!!!
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1996 |
| Year of manufacture | 1995 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 28000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 116000 miles |
| Previous car | Honda Accord |
| Date of Entry | 7th September, 2005 |