Faults:

2 days after we bought this vehicle it was in the shop for inoperable power door locks, check engine light for for some sensor, and I believe windshield wipers not working.

It was back in the shop at least 3 to 4 other times shortly after that for other (what I thought to be) little annoying problems (sorry I can't remember them all I lost count). A couple of times it had to stay in the shop for a day or two to order parts or what ever they do. So I had to fight with the dealer about a rental car, because all this took place well within the first 2 months.

These "little problems" kept on occurring on and off for the next year or so. Always being told by the dealer that can't diagnose over the phone, bring it in and we'll run diagnostics on it (which is no less than 70.00 each time)

Then in approxamately April of 2001 with "only" about 50,000 miles, the little problems turned into one big one. A full blown transmission replacement. That blew a 2500.00 gasket in my wallet.

Now it's making a loud rattling noise in the back mostly when the brakes are being applied, but ther is nothing wrong with the brakes. So this will in the next episode of Unsolved Mysteries.

General Comments:

I grew up on Ford cars and trucks, and believed that Ford was the best. In fact in all my years I can't remember seeing one with so many problems. Sad to say that the Windstar does not get my endorsement. In fact, this vehicle has made me think twice about getting any car from Ford. I will only stick with their trucks. If this van were half as reliable as my 1992 Ranger (which has 123,000+ and still runs like the day I bought it) I wouldn't be writing this. Ladies and gentlemen this is a Pinto in a Windstar body.

Faults:

Tie Rods broken at 45000.

Rear brake cylinder leak at 50000.

Rear brake (same side) shoe seized at 72000, dealer blamed on "frozen parking brake cable".

Intermittent power lock not working, about same time that "one-touch" driver side window button stopped.

Transmission is rough; ignoring that one.

Cloth is beginning to wear and tear.

General Comments:

Engine power is good.

Tinted privacy glass is good at keeping van cool in summer.

Faults:

No major problems.

Cigarette lighter fell out of dash.

Transmission shifts roughly when slowing to a stop.

General Comments:

Good reliable family transportation, no major troubles.

Seating needed to be improved, which it was in the 2000 model.

Faults:

One badly worn tire due to wheel alignment.

General Comments:

The van has not let me down thus far.

I was disappointed with the alignment going out.

Put four new tires on at 90000 km for added winter safety, but don't feel that is a real issue.

I certainly hope I don't run into the same issues that I have read about in the other reviews.

I purchased my van privately, maybe that has something to do with the quality of the vehicle. I tend to think the opinion of salesman at dealerships are often far from the mark.

Faults:

At around 17,000 miles (which we did in the 1st 8 months!), the brakes went up. Ford said it was due to faulty bearings, and replaced the brakes, bearings and rotors under warranty.

At around 45,000 miles, the left rocker arm went up, and 5,000 miles later the right one went up.

At around 55,000 miles, the rack and pinion cracked. Luckily, I got it to my mechanic right before it cracked! It was like trying to steer a 73 Dodge Dart with the ignition off.

General Comments:

We purchased the van new in Chicago, with only 6 miles on it and one month off the assembly line. I have to admit, our Windstar has been very reliable, thank goodness. I just replaced the original fan belts at 74,000 miles. I took it to our family mechanic at 75,000 miles for a physical. As far as he can see, everything is in top shape. No complaints. I guess I am one of the lucky ones.