Faults:

Shortly after purchasing this van the rack and pinion steering began to moan during left turns. Replaced rack and pinion $500.

At about 80,000 miles the check engine light came on. Got readings at Auto Zone stating lean fuel mixture. Problem ended up being worn flanges around the flapper valve turrets on the intake manifold. Ford doesn't make a kit for this problem and I was given an estimate for $900 and some change. The performance of the van didn't seem to be affected to much by the air leak, so I opted not to have it fixed and live with the check engine light being on.

At 83,000 miles the heater went out. I was sure this had to be a minor fix, but boy was I wrong. The plastic heater blend door had sheered. To fix this part requires replacing of the entire heat air box to the tune of $450, and to get at it requires removing the dashboard. Private mechanic would do it for $900. Ford dealer quoted me $1850. I was able to tinker around and rig the door with some cable ties, coat hangers and tape. No telling how long that fix will last, but at least it didn't cost $1000.

At about 85,000 miles the van was once again making a moaning sound during left turns.

General Comments:

The Good: This car was comfortable to ride in and to drive. It had plenty of power and I liked the styling.

The Bad: This vehicle is such a total piece of mechanical garbage. There are so many rinky dink poorly engineered features it really pisses me off I was ever stupid enough to buy one of these lemons.

Faults:

Transmission failure at 54K.

General Comments:

The transmission went, without warning, at 54K.

At 56 K it is back in the shop for the same reason!

Transmission shop told me these vans are nightmares!

Faults:

Transmission Replaced at 157,000 and it just went AGAIN at 204,000.

Power steering Rack and Pump Replaced.

Air Conditioning needs Fixing.

General Comments:

I just figured out it has cost me over $5,500 per year and now it is sitting in my yard with new Steering and Brakes, AND a full tank of gas and oil change, 2 sets of tires and NO TRANSMISSION (for the 2nd time) the last one only lasting less than 50,000km yes... it is a cautionary tale people... on that note any takers???I am buying a Toyota today.

When it is running I like it to drive, its great in snow, and comfy with kids, but aaaackkkkkkk the money that flies out...

Faults:

I recently purchased a 1999 Ford Windstar, because my previous car (which I loved Buick Regal), was destroyed in a rear end collision. It has only 50,000 miles on it and looked like it was in great shape and the owners had everyservice record on the vehicle, so I knew it was well maintained. My joy for the Van was short lived, as 4000 miles later, as I was leaving a parking lot, the transmission, without warning, no longer works. All I heard was a big thud and the van would only move in reverse. It is now costing me $2,000 to rebuilt the transmission and I didn't even get to the phantom check engine light that I have $600 invested in. If I had only done my homework, I wouldn't be writing my tale of sorrow. The Acronym F.O.R.D. really is true!

General Comments:

If I new about the serious issue with the transmissions on theses vans, I would have never purchased one.