1999 Ford Windstar LX 3.8L from North America

Summary:

A very poor performing vehicle, mechanically. This does not work for mom's/kid's

Faults:

Began using oil at 14,000 miles. It has worsened now, with 29,500 miles. At first, the oil consumption was a pint each 750 miles or so. I just completed a trip towing a 1500 lb. pop-up camper. The Windstar used 1 1/2 quarts of oil over the 825 miles as confirmed by Jiffy Lube. The dealer in Lebanon, OH says "oil use is normal" after they began tracking the oil use. I gave up after the dealer said even a new engine uses oil. I have now written Ford executives. This is my second Windstar and the '95 had the transmission go out at 36,011 miles.

The '99 has had 3-4 recalls involving electronics, lube tube, and other stuff!

General Comments:

The Windstar is easy to drive and handles well. I have no confidence in the engine (headgasket issues, oil usage) or the transmission. I will try to get this oil usage fixed and then sell the vehicle so I can buy something else!

So far, Ford dealers have not been helpful so I will write the Ford execs for help. If that does not work, I plan a lawsuit as it is still within the base warranty.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th August, 2001

1999 Ford Windstar LX 3.8L V6 200hp from North America

Summary:

A powerhouse, not a bargain

Faults:

Transmission replaced at 13,000 miles.

Transmission replaced (again) at 13,200 miles.

Power steering fluid leak, "fixed" at 13,000.

Turn signal jumps to the opposite signal after completing a turn.

General Comments:

This van is very powerful, and the 3.8L V6 can get up to 60 in 6 seconds.

Reliability is unpredictable at times.

The dealership has serviced the car without the BS, and was good about giving out rental cars when the Windstar was in the shop.

The car handles like a truck, and isn't responsive with acceleration.

A few options will drive up the price of the car by a few $1000.

However, the transmission is smooth, along with the entire ride.

Despite the negative remarks, this car is probably one of the safest to be in during an accident.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd August, 2001

4th Jul 2002, 15:58

Just one thing in this review I noticed:

"This van is very powerful, and the 3.8L V6 can get up to 60 in 6 seconds."

And then they say:

"The car handles like a truck, and isn't responsive with acceleration."

This seems to me like a contradiction. Did they own a Ferrari before the Windstar?

R.

1999 Ford Windstar from North America

Summary:

A piece of crap

Faults:

Changed the torque converter and now the transmission is shot at less than 50,000 miles. It happened to my mother-in-law's Windstar, too.

General Comments:

Ford should figure out the transmission problems and compensate us guinea pigs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th May, 2001

11th Jun 2001, 16:38

The transmission was blown on my Windstar with less than 50k miles, had to drive home in reverse. My children thought it was "cool".

I was on a different page though, and I found many people complaining of similar problems! I suggest you look elsewhere before deciding on this disaster waiting to happen.

View 145 more comments