1998 Ford Windstar GL 3.0 from North America

Summary:

A complete piece of junk

Faults:

The problems started with the transmission. I had a rebuilt transmission added to the car after only six months of ownership. I had previously requested Ford's assistance, but since I had not purchased the extended warranty, they informed me that the cost to repair the transmission was mine and mine alone. Luckily the non-dealer company that fixed the transmission added an after-market part that would prevent failure in the future.

The second problem was the clicking of the plastic hub caps on the aluminum wheels. Finally, I got fed up with the clicking an removed them all. Now they look horrible.

Finally, and most recently, the door ajar light and the incessant tintinnabulation that accompanies it whether the door is opened or closed. Apparently, this is a faulty connector of some sort or another and will run several hundred dollars to repair. I have removed the interior light fuse so the battery doesn't run dead and am in the process of disconnecting all the door ajar sensors.

General Comments:

All in all, I am very unhappy with the quality, or lack there of, of this vehicle. Obviously, quality is no longer "Job One" at Ford. Previously, I had always owned foreign cars. With the addition of my son to the family, I had to trade my Volkswagon Passat in for this piece of garbage. I mostly fault myself though because I did not research the minivan before I bought it. I have learned a valuable lesson and will never waste my money on another Ford product as long as I live.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th November, 2002

1998 Ford Windstar 3.8 Liter EFI-SPI from North America

Summary:

Don't buy a Ford!!!

Faults:

Passenger side electric window motor stopped working 3 months after purchase. Replacement $400.

Transmission blew almost one year to date of purchase. $2600 to replace.

Two valves in mainframe needed replacement 15 months after purchase. $700.

General Comments:

The interior and exterior of the minivan look great.

The reliability level of this vehicle over the last 4 months, leaves me very wary of long trips.

Ford Customer service thus far has been friendly yet has brought no progress concerning reimbursements. Overall, I'm seriously feeling like I've been getting a very friendly run around.

We bought this car used as it was in our budget, had low mileage, one owner, and was "Ford Blue Seal Certified." For all of the repairs we've had, we should have just bought the brand new Honda Odyssey we really wanted.

We are extremely disappointed and dissatisfied with the reliability issues of the Ford Windstar. When it runs, it runs great, but when I have anxieties about taking a vacation or long trip in the car because I'm fearful of what's going to go wrong next, it's just not worth it.

I will never buy a Ford again. I've heard Ford stands for "Fix Or Repair Daily"...unfortunately, it seems to be true.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th October, 2002

1998 Ford Windstar LX from North America

Summary:

The van is very comfortable, but the manufacturer is unresponsive to the consumer

Faults:

From the time we purchased the Windstar, the van has rough-shifted around corners and kicked hard when changing gears in parking lots. We took it to the dealer four times under warranty and they were unable to locate the source of the problem. Another dealer identified the problem immediately: the transmission. A battle with Ford ensued, but we weren't ever satisfied with their offer. We are still putting up with the old bump and grind.

General Comments:

I would never buy a Ford product again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th October, 2002

1998 Ford Windstar GL 3.8 from North America

Summary:

If you like spending your money on repairs over and over... then this minivan is for you

Faults:

I wish I'd seen these reviews before I bought it. : (

Power steering pump making loud noise..

...I replaced it... still makes loud noise.

Interior lights have a mind of their own.

Door ajar light stays on half the time.

New tires lasted only 8000 mies.

Mirror motors are gone.

Sometimes it hesitates to shift into overdrive.

Did I mention that I hate it.

General Comments:

I was looking for something to transport the family around and for the wife to drive to work... instead I got one headache after another.

I read all these other reviews and it seems to be a theme going of the exact same problems.

I bought it used so at least I'm only out $8000 on this thing... so far. (as opposed to the poor people who's out $20 grand)

Oh, One more thing... I hate this thing.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd October, 2002