1998 Ford Windstar GL
Summary:
American car
Faults:
Nothing. Yet. That isn't already broken or malfunctioning. Only had the thing for a few hours. Driven it about 40 miles. At the moment it seems the head gasket is on its way out.
ABS light comes on after a few miles.
Dome light has been ripped out.
All doors do not open when using the power-release button. Some body rot around right rear wheel well. I'm sure I'll find some new surprises in the next day or two.
General Comments:
Heater works. So does the stereo and A/C.
Windows go up and down as they should. Wipers work.
Vehicle turns left, right, more or less as it should. Relatively new tires.
Removable trailer hitch. I bought this thing after reading the horrible reviews. Almost out of curiosity. The price was very right, and I need a vehicle with a hitch to tow my MX bike.
Considering the mileage, and that it is an American car, it actually drives pretty well. Still quite silent, smooth. Acceleration is plenty adequate. And so many of the usual things have already broken or on their way out, what's left to complain about? We'll see...
I'm training for Land Rover ownership. Seriously.
New cars are for bankers.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 17th September, 2010
20th Sep 2010, 13:46
What are your sources?
Windstars are not problem free, but there are a few model years with egregious problems. Other model years do quite OK. You can actually gauge that on this website with the "Would you buy another Ford?" feature.
22nd Sep 2010, 14:08
So, been driving it now for almost one whole week. Still hasn't broken down. Stalled a few times unexpectedly (entering parking lots, etc), but the thing generally runs so quiet it's hard to guess why it's stalled. Beginning to hear a few knocks in the front end, now that I'm becoming familiar with the car. Had it up to an indicated 100 MPH during my Autobahn commute the other morning. Felt fairly willing, if wobbly on its clapped out suspension.
There is even a person who has approached me twice about buying it (he currently owns a Windstar of a similar vintage). Interesting, eh.
Go Windstar, go!
18th Sep 2010, 05:03
The Windstar is a known lemon. It scored the lowest ratings in most comparison reviews of minivans. Expect a lot of problems!