2000 Ford Windstar LX 3.8L from North America

Summary:

Pass on the Windstar due to poor reliability

Faults:

Rear Shock: Replaced at 30,000 Miles.

Transmission: Replaced at 26,000 Miles.

Valve Cover Gasket: Replaced at 26,000 Miles.

Engine: Engine still knock going uphill. Ford has no fix for it. The dealership said "Ford Considers this a characteristic of the engine"

General Comments:

Interior is roomy and comfortable. The high floor is awkward loading the kids in and out. The vehicle is very noisy from wind noise, to engine drone and tire noise, long trips can be very annoying.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th November, 2002

5th Feb 2003, 13:09

My 96 Windstar has 80k miles and none of these problems.

2000 Ford Windstar LX 3.8L V6 from North America

Summary:

Plusses: Looks, comfort, performance - Minuses: Poor quality control, reliability

Faults:

So far, seven recalls and counting. The dealer has recommended replacing the tie rods to correct the steering noise (apparently a common occurance on this vehicle). IMO, you shouldn't have to replace tie rods @ 42K miles...

General Comments:

Over all I am very impressed with the fit and finish. This van is gorgeous! The performance is stellar for a van - I regularly blow away V8 SUVs coming out of the blocks. The motor in this van kicks serious butt, but I hear disturbing things about head gaskets blowing out before 100,000K. The handling could use a little help, but at a little over 6 feet tall and 4500 pounds, what can you really expect? The rear would benefit from an independent suspension instead of the truck-like solid axle, but the springs and struts almost make up for the lack of flexibility.

The interior of this van like most Fords, is very comfortable. There is plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The instruments are tilted a little toward the driver, making them easy to get at while driving, overall a good layout.

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

Review Date: 19th April, 2002

9th Dec 2002, 19:08

I have a 2000 Windstar LX and was just told that I have to replace the tie rods to correct a noise/vibration in the power steering. We've just replaced the rotors & brake pads, and bought 4 new tires. This at only 38K miles. In addition to several recalls, and I think the Gold Harvest paint is fading, or at least too "soft". No more Fords after this lease is up!

11th Jun 2003, 22:32

I own a 2002 Ford wind-star lx smooth riding decent seats, but the steering is very hard, stiff like no power assist. I wonder if there is any one else having problems like this or if there is any recalls on steering problems. Van has 24000 miles on it. thanks Carl.

2000 Ford Windstar LX 3.8 L V6 from North America

Summary:

A comfortable car, but where's the reliability???

Faults:

The engine almost exploded on the highway, also, steering failures, and the electric system had to be replace.

Also, this car has a cheap finish and the plastics are really cheap.

General Comments:

This car is quite powerful but is not reliable, maybe we had a lemon, but I know someone that has a Windstar and this car had trouble with the handbrake system.

Also, I've heard so much trouble with that car. I thing that the only "Ford brands" you can buy are Lincoln, Jaguar and Mazda, the others aren't really good, but maybe we were not lucky.

But the seats are so comfortable, a lot more than the Dodge Caravan for example or the Mazda MPV. But the quality of the finishing is just worse than Chrysler and a lot worse than Mazda.

So, if you want to buy a Ford Windstar, maybe you should try before Mazda or Honda mini-vans. It's just some advice for everybody. But, if you like comfortable cars and you like a powerful one, and it doesn't disturb you to go to garage often, go ahead and buy a Ford Windstar.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th January, 2002

9th Sep 2004, 07:16

On the most part, I would have to agree with this writer. The Ford Windstar is very comfortable to ride in. Given its interior space, the shape and feel of the seats and cargo room, I think anybody would agree these features provide a relaxing atmosphere. Personally I've owned A 1999 Windstar LE. I've spent a bundle of cash on front end work, including tie rods, idler arm, ball joints and rack and pinion. I find that the Windstar burns far to much gas compared to the Chev Venture.