1998 Ford Windstar LX 3.0 from North America

Summary:

No more Fords

Faults:

Transmission went out at 80000.

Rear air conditioning went out at 82000.

Steering rack has had issues for last 6000.

Tie Rods now need to be replaced.

Strut Arm cracked.

Power steering pump needs replacement.

Intermittent door ajar dinging and interior lights staying on.

General Comments:

Van is a very comfortable ride. Have 3 kids and its nice to have so much room to keep them from fighting and screaming.

Complied with prescribed maintenance, but it seems as though there is one issue after another with this car.

The entire front end is very weak.

Ford customer service has issues they need to resolve, both at the corporate level and at the dealer level. Dealer had supposedly no clue about the interior lights and the chiming staying on. Luckily, I was able to resolve the issue having a background in electronics (cleaned contacts on sliding door with eraser and lubed all latches). Then I find these other similair issues on the Internet.

It seems as though there are common faults with the vehicle as well as the manufacturer after researching on teh internet. What more is there to say?

The car is driven under normal conditions for the most part and my wife doesn't pretend there is a number 3 on the side of the door.

Compared to Dodge minivans, Ford seems to be lacking in reliability. I have driven 3 Dodge's and have had transmission issues on one of them to where it had to be replaced. They were all company cars with about 150,000 on them. Ill be lucky if my Ford lasts that long.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th February, 2004

8th Mar 2004, 15:31

I have now owned my 1998 Ford Windstar GL for a year and can honestly say it is the best van!! I test drove a few other brands and they didn't feel like they could handle much, and almost felt like they were going to tip over if you took a corner a little to sharp. I also love the fact that this van has got some power behind her, it has saved my butt quite a few times when inconsiderate drivers want to speed up while you are trying to merge. I have 2 very large breed dogs and three kids, and this van fits us all VERY comfortably!!!

Only problem I have had on it was the two rear tires, and they were due for a change anyways. The check engine light comes on for even the littlest thing, noticed it tends to have something to do with fluids most times... never anything that has required going into a shop to do.

I give this van a very BIG 10!!!

I am looking forward to our trip across the country this summer in this van!!

1998 Ford Windstar GL 3.8V6 from North America

Summary:

A reasonable used car value

Faults:

Front-end felt loose, replaced right axle.

Check-engine came on, diagnosed at Auto Zone as Intake Manifold Runner Control Stuck Open, replaced it myself.

Transmission range sensor went bad on a long trip, made it home partly on 1st gear and partly on back-up mode that diagnosed a problem with transmission (blinking overdrive light) and shifted normally.

Noise from steering pump, flush of power steering fluid has been suggested.

General Comments:

Overall, considering the problems reported by others, I have had a good experience with my Windstar. The problems seem reasonably predictable. I have taken it on many long-distance trips and it failed only once, but still brought us back home.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th January, 2004

1998 Ford Windstar GL 3.8 from North America

Summary:

200HP baby in a minivan!!! Love to push the gas and go where (and when) I need it to..

Faults:

Noticed there was a rip in the vinyl on the driver left side seat, looks like from repeated in and out.

General Comments:

After having this vehicle for such a small time and looking for reasons it should fail, haven't seen any of the problems that most of the people have stated yet. and I have twice as many miles so far on it when I bought it. I have a 3 year warranty on this vehicle so it is covered on engine and drivetrain issues.

There hasn't been any lighting problems, sensor problems, shaking noises, odometer issues.

This vehicle is in immaculate shape for the year and (Make) mileage that it has.

All the bells and whistles work so far and are quite neat. This however is my first vehicle with ABS and Air bags so I am kind of leery with the new technology, but if I have the luck as one of the people that did one of these surveys I welcome ford!!!

And just to make a comment my Dodge Caravan only had 120,000 when it died goodness where to start with it!!!

Thanks FORD!!! I think with the Windstar you have given us a F.O.R.D.

"Finally Offered Real Deal!!!"

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th January, 2004