1996 Ford Windstar GL 3.8 from North America

Faults:

Factory fitted door seals incorrectly fitted - dealer replaced.

Rear power windows malfunctioned - dealers fixed once, but now on the blink, no failures, but in for two recalls.

General Comments:

I have a small family, and safty rating was a big factor in choosing the Ford. 200 hp 3.8 motor also a plus, this van is much faster than all the Brits think, I took it to France in the hot 98 summer, AC was great, and drove all day at 80-90 mph there and back.

Fuel Cost is big drawback, only get about 17-19 combined per US gallon, turning circle could be tighter also.

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

Review Date: 25th April, 1999

1996 Ford Windstar GL 3.8 from North America

Faults:

During warranty, vehicle into dealer twice because it would not go over 50mph. Both times dealer could not find problem.

Vehicle now 4 yrs old and is 1 yr out of warranty. The transmission has just gone on 11/13/98 with 32K miles. Dealer advised me that this is not warranty item as speed loss could not be tied to transmission. Replacement cost $2,100. Also advised of head gasket problem.

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

Review Date: 3rd December, 1998

1996 Ford Windstar LX 3.8 from North America

Faults:

After 200 miles brakes failed completely, dealer couldn't find problem. Noticed that brakes fail whenever you drive over a bump while brakes are slightly engaged.....

After 800 miles engine failiure light came on; no compression in 2 cylinders. Head gaskets exchanged.

After 2,000 miles aft. side windows didn't open anymore, motors changed.

After that: running fine until 20,000 miles, returned at lease end.

General Comments:

Very very nice van. The 5-star rating makes you feel safe and the power is great to get onto the highway safely.

But the brake problems as well as the initial quality and engine problems after such a short period of time were disappointing. Car was more in for repairs within the first 2 months than I was actually driving it!

Have found sooo many disappointed customers on the Internet, unlike any other car.

Also, dealership was very disappointing, salesperson disappeared after sale and dealership was sold 1 year later.....

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

Review Date: 10th November, 1998

21st Jun 2001, 15:39

Has anyone had problems with the calibration, or any recalls on the Windstar 97, numbers are 5-56k-r16 and 5-56p-r16, I would appreciate any help I can get, please e-mail at herlindap@aol.com.

Thank you.

1996 Ford Windstar LX 3.8 from North America

Faults:

I have a bad rattle sound under my van and they tell me this is normal. Also sometimes you hear a popping sound under it. The air runs too loud on the outside when the engine is in idle. If anyone has a answer please respond back.

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

Review Date: 10th November, 1998

1996 Ford Windstar LX 3.8 from North America

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with this car.

We love it.

General Comments:

We owned a 1990 Dodge Caravan and had far too many accidents. Then began searching and found out the Windstar was ***** rated by government for safety.

Well, we are thrilled - the comfort is great, the windows are large and beautiful, the ride and steering great. And most of all the disc brakes work great which has been the best part of the car so far. We now can stop at a much safer distance than we could with the Dodge Caravan. I am thrilled we took those crash test results seriously.

I hope you do too.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th June, 1998

1996 Ford Windstar GL 3.8 from North America

Faults:

2 minor recalls, rear power windows connections failed, wiper switch replaced.

General Comments:

This minivan, so far, has been a good one, 45,000 miles no major problems.

Being a Ford, it's not broken in until 100,000 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th June, 1998