Faults:

Power steering pump went out at 145,000, and the transmission went out at 145,500.

Passenger side mirror glass fell out at 146,000.

Had to replace both front strut assemblies; springs both broke on both sides.

Replaced both drive axles 3 times since bought in 05.

Using antifreeze, and white smoke is coming out of the exhaust pipe.

Lights stay on in van; they have always stayed on, and go out once in a while.

I have had to replace the alternator 4 times in past 2 years, starter went out 2 times in past year.

It always says there is a door ajar when all the doors are shut tight,

General Comments:

The Ford Windstar is a real piece of work. I would not buy another Ford if my life depended on it.

I owned a Windstar 95 before this one, and had more problems than this; at least the motor is still running in this one.

I would rather push a Chevy than drive or own a Ford.

Faults:

I service the car regularly and keep on top of repair issues. In 11 years it has needed a bushing in the steering, an engine sensor, an alternator, an intake manifold gasket, otherwise nothing but brakes and tires.

General Comments:

This car has been very reliable. Everything has always worked.

It has never burned oil and has required only one tune-up in its life.

People give the transmission a bad rap, but mine has been bullet proof, even when I towed my travel trailer over 28,000 km. over all kinds of terrain.

The fuel economy is excellent; almost 30 mpg on the highway, yet the car is powerful.

The utility of the van is excellent. You can get 4x8 sheets of plywood in the back; better than a pickup.

The ride is comfortable and the view is great from the large windows when you travel.

The body has never rusted and the paint is still very good, even though I have only waxed it once or twice.

Faults:

REGULAR MAINTENANCE:

-Changed the oil 100 times (every 3K on the dot)

-Gas (17 MPG city, 24 highway)

-I have replaced the taillights twice and the headlights once.

-Springs, shocks, and struts all around.

-A seal of some sort.

-I have replaced the wipers every two years (five times).

-New brakes (entirely) at 237K.

OTHER THAN REGULAR MAINTENANCE:

-Power window motors gave way at 3 years.

-The seat latch for removing the second row left bucket seat broke yesterday.

General Comments:

I bought my Windstar in May 1998, after my Civic bit the dust. I needed more room to haul stuff, and would have gotten the 1999 Odyssey, but it didn't feel right. I liked the Windstar the best of what I tested (Villager, Trans Sport, Grand Caravan, and Odyssey).

Research pays off. I have had virtually no trouble with my van that is mechanically related. It has all been aesthetic.

The van handles well for what it is, a minivan. It will not strike you silly the way it 'hugs' curves. I have my Crown Victoria for that.

Acceleration is great, even under a load of 2000 pounds of mulch or towing a 3000 pound pop-up camper.

Braking is merely vanilla. It is okay for day-to-day use, but the stock brakes are obviously not Brembo.

The leather interior is a delight. It is comfortable and shows only the slightest wear.

The bucket seats are easy enough to remove (and they even easily fit through the door openings!), but the bench should have been split. It takes three people to move it.

The transmission shifts smoothly.

I am glad that I purchased the Windstar. It has catered to our family's every need and it has done that well. We could not have asked for more from a minivan. Thank you, Ford. We will gladly be looking for another Windstar if this one ever dies.