1997 Ford Windstar LX 3.0

Summary:

Knowing what I know now, I would not buy it

Faults:

I fixed the interior dome light and door ajar issue. After a frustrating year, I read the solution was in the side door rear switch. That's right the rear switch. That is the switch that never gets cleaned, and most people don't know is there. One can of WD-40, and two years later not one reoccurance. There is a God.

I have had the ABS warning light on for 4 years now. Mechanics say there is nothing wrong.

I have had the clunking sound under the floorboards since it was three weeks old. Again, mechanics have not been able to find anything wrong. I just live with it, and I use the noise to scare passengers with now.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 4th September, 2003

1997 Ford Windstar GL 3.4

Summary:

FORD Quality is NOT job one

Faults:

The door ajar signal is locked whenever the weather is hot. The inside light remains on and the alarm will go on until the engine is turned off and reset itself in about an hour. When it was under warranty, the dealer replaced ALL door sensors MULTIPLE times. When I suggested that it may be caused by other than the sensors, the dealer referred me to FORD. I got the run around for 3 days between FORD and the dealer, each claiming I have to deal with the other party. I still own the van, but I plan to trade in for another car, probably Japanese, and I'll never purchase a FORD again. Many of my friend heard this story and have second thought about FORD quality and customer service.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th July, 2003

1997 Ford Windstar GL 3.0

Summary:

Could have been a really good vehicle, too bad Ford doesn't believe in Quality

Faults:

The first thing to go out was the Speedometer - funny thing is the odometer continued to work - over $500 to repair - not under warranty.

ABS light comes on - dealer doesn't know why.

Front end pops, clangs rattles - however you want to describe it - anything, but quiet - dealer claims nothing wrong.

Door ajar and annoying ringing chime stays on constantly - dealer claims nothing wrong.

A/C quit working in the rear - dealer "nothing wrong"

Emergency fuel shut off - for some reason this thing activates itself every now and then - Dealer??

Cruise control quit working - didn't bother with dealer as obviously nothing is wrong.

General Comments:

Unbelievably, this is a very reliable vehicle. We've driven it from coast to coast and no "major" problems just these mentioned that add to my headaches and lessen the number of years of my life.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th June, 2003

3rd Jan 2004, 18:23

I too have a 1997 Windstar and the door chime also constantly comes on and is annoying. It seems to be endemic in the breed.

19th Dec 2004, 07:27

I bought my 1997 Ford Windstar in September of 2001. I got a great "deal" on the van, and it was super for 2 and a half years. Then things started going wrong. I had to have the valve cover gasket repaired, cost $800. Then the ABS light went off, brake job at dealer $500. ABS brake light 3 months later, dealer quote $500. Had a friend who used to own a repair shop fix brakes. Cost, $200. Cruise control went out. Now the speedometer doesn't work. Quote from dealer? $600. Think I'll just drive it like it is. Engine runs fine and I've got almost 100,000 miles on it. Just all of these "little" things will eventually break the bank. Next time I think I'll buy a different make.

1997 Ford Windstar 3.8

Summary:

Great family van,

Faults:

My ABS lights always came on. Interior lights would not shut off. The chime would shut off as soon as I reached 30kms along with the interior lights.

General Comments:

Other wise we enjoy the van. and I also fixed the interior light problem for all you people that have it, the light switches are in the rear door hatch. take the plastic cover off and on your right and left the switches are on the sides. they screw up after awhile of shutting the door. me I just cut the wires it`s that simple. and the ABS light that tells you that your brakes need to be changed, your all welcome,

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd April, 2003