1999 Ford Windstar LX from North America
Summary:
Good, but not Great
Faults:
This is the second Windstar my husband and I have owned. The 1996 Windstar had the head gasket blown and it was covered under the recall. We traded it in just as the transmission started to slip.
We were so excited with our 1999 Winstar. It rode like a dream for the first two years of ownership. Then the nightmare set in. The "phantom" engine light. We were told that was because the gas cal wasn't on tight enough. The Ford dealer was about to charge me $35.00 a pop to turn it off. Luckily, a relative of a close friend agreed to turn it off for us periodically. He'd put it on the computer and just make sure that is all it was.
The third seat is lopsided, but I think that was because my daughter and her large teenage friends took it to the beach for the day.
We rebuilt the transmission because it wouldn't change from 2nd to 3rd gear.
There is also a grinding noise when we brake. It seems to come from the left rear wheel. It started to happen just when it rained. Now it happens very frequently. I notice when it DIDN'T happen now. Ford, Meineke, Sears, and our friend cannot find out why.
Recently, we noticed a tick in the engine. We checked the oil level and it was fine. I arranged an appointment for the oil to be changed and to have the tick checked out. Well, it was too late. The engine is blown. The head is cracked, and the valves blew. This car dose NOT even have 100,000 miles on it! Now, I have to find other means of transportation. This is getting expensive!
General Comments:
I can honestly say that I was always comfortable in the car. It drove great for long distances. It could speed up enough to get out of the way when needed.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 30th September, 2004