I can't complain about this 1997 Windstar. I have 230,00 miles on it and the only things I've had done to it is a set of wheel bearings, struts, and shocks and one alternator. However I did buy a 1998 Windstar with 84,000 miles on it and have put an additional 40,000 miles on it and have had the exhaust manifold gasket replaced and the transmission has slipped twice on me at stop signs. The electronic mirrors don't work, door ajar lights sometimes stay on.
My wife and l looked at the Ford Freestar, but have to ask ourselves is it worth the risk of buying another Ford and I think Ford discontinued it after only two years!!! We also own a 2006 Honda Odyssey and love it.
You seem to be right and wrong at the same time. I checked the Ford website and couldn't see the Freestar. You are right: it must be discontinued after only 2 years! However, the Freestar is nothing more than a warmed over Windstar with a larger engine and minor cosmetic styling changes.
In essence you get a fully matured model with all it's advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are safety rating, spaciousness and creature comforts.
Price.
The disadvantages are: High fuel consumption and spotty reliability: some are great and others are less than average. (You should know).
If you liked the Windstars and you can get that Freestar at a very low rock bottom price (6K to 7K less than a Honda Odysee or Toyota Sienna) you should be alright. Apparantly, you like to drive them until the wheels fall off, so depreciation doesn't matter as much.
This "review" is actually parts of what should be three separate reviews along the lines of: 1) our 1997 Ford Windstar has been great!; 2) our 1998 Ford Windstar has been pretty good for a used car, except for a couple of problems; 3) we think our 2006 Honda Odyssey is wonderful.
I can't help but wonder how you'll feel when the Odyssey's transmission starts going. Will you judge it by the same standard as the Ford and say "this Honda is junk" or will you still claim that it's superior because it's a Honda, even though you paid a lot more for the Honda name, even though it still will have a bad transmission?
In response of 21:00
Good point. A friend of mine just had his Honda Odysee transmission replaced. Honda warranty, but they still charged him $800.00 in labor. His enthusiasm for Honda took a hit right there. He said it's a common problem for the model year he owns.
Statistics tell the Honda is still the better vehicle, but is it $6000.00 better? In my opinion: no.
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