Faults:

Camshaft position sensor failed at 79000 miles. Cost ~$35 for replacement.

Intake manifold runner vacuum actuator failed at 80000 miles. Cost ~$125 for replacement.

General Comments:

The list above is a complete list of all costs associated with this vehicle apart from tires, battery and oil changes.

As the current owner and maintainer of 8 vehicles from Ford, GM, Toyota and Subaru, I think this vehicle compares favorably to any of them.

Faults:

Fuel pump. 3 of them.

2 window motors.

3 lock motors.

1 transmission.

1 new front end- steering stuff.

New driver side window bracket.

New alternator.

1 head gasket.

General Comments:

This van was in the shop after about one month because the fuel pump went out. A few months later another fuel pump went out. Finally, I put in the fuel pump from NAPA in myself and it has been fine.

During the warranty the van had been in the shop 6 times. After the warranty expired I have put about $6000 into it. A transmission, head gasket, front end and other minor repairs.

This van was cheaper than the other makes available. But the repairs are a killer. This is a cheap poorly engineered van.

Faults:

Transmission self destructed at 28,000 miles. It was replaced under warranty.

Door switches have been intermittent since 50,000 miles, with bells sounding constantly.

Front Struts have been replaced along with tie rod ends.

Brake cylinders, rotors, and rotors have been replaced.

Serpentine Belt and idler pulley have been replaced. Pulley actually froze up at 46,000 miles.

Brake fluid has continued to leak from wheel cylinders. After they were replaced, they began to leak again.

Power Door locks sound like they are going to come apart when engaged (rattling).

General Comments:

The ride is good and the van is very comfortable for passengers.

Faults:

I recently traded in my Honda CR-V for a used 1998 Ford Windstar. I sure do miss my Honda, but I have to say, all my woes for my Honda go away once I sit myself in my Windstar and start it up.

I've only had the Windstar for a few days and I'm more than 100% satisfied so far, even after reading the many bad reviews from others who have previously owned one.

I'd have to say that the only complaint I have about the windstar is that it uses more gas than my Honda. But of course, keep in mind, my Honda was only a 4 cylinder and a Honda. One reason I've always loved Hondas was for how easy they are on gas. However, all the many other wonderful aspects of the Windstar more than outweigh that one small factor!!!

General Comments:

My Ford Windstar is perfect for me. My fiance and I are planning to start a family and I think this may be just the vehicle we needed for space and dependability so far.

I'm a very short person and I love how the controls of everything is very easy for me to reach while in the driver's seat.

Speaking of seats. My goodness the comfort of this minivan!! Very roomy and comfortable seats. Makes driving it a pure pleasure.

I live in south Texas were 75% of the time the weather is usually miserably warm and humid. The air conditioner has never failed me. That's a BIG plus for here.

The handling of the Ford Windstar is nothing like I thought driving a minivan would be like. The only problem I have with my minivan is that it feels so good driving it... sometimes I have to keep an eye on the speedometer to make sure I'm not going to end up gettin pulled over and getting a ticket!!