Cost,comfort, power and reliability

Transmission--Ford seems to have problems with that model (the AXL or something like that)

I checked out this site because my Winstar has been exhibiting some of the problems many of the other reviewers noted. Specifically, the trans slips ocassionaly at speeds 20-35 mph and the front end squeaks. Other than that its been great. Its got 61000 miles, maybe more problems are coming. I''ve owned nothing but Fords over the past 15 years, 88 F150 truck (still have it), a 1989 Bronco II that was perfect and I wish I still had. I understand everyones frustration with these problems but I''m not swearing off FORD, I bought it because when you buy an American product, an American works. That counts for something. I carpool with a guy who has a Nissan Quest. He spent $4500 on an engine and $980 on an AC in the 2 years I''ve been riding with him.

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This is my first mini-van

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1995 Windstar Engine failure @3,000 miles 2000 Windstar Transmission failure less than 2,000 miles

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roomy

anything mechanical--FORD motor company in general. contacted Ford hq to resolve problems and was blown off by Lisa Curry in Jaques Nassar''s office. when i complained about the car and told her i would not buy another Ford she said tough luck--since you won''t remain a Ford customer we won''t help you....

complete junk. replaced tie rods, had to have frame and motor mounts repeatedly tightened, bad brakes, transmission slips, eletrical prolems.

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It''''s so pretty.

Transmission doubles as a doorstop.

Most of the initial problems with the van were minor and were taken care of quickly. Then the transmission went out at 38,000 miles. We spend $1,500 to fix the problem. When we requested assistance with the bill, Ford''''s position was "Did you buy our extended warranty? No? Well, sorry about your luck." We have since heard of other Windstar who have had the EXACT SAME EXPERIENCE with the transmissions in their Windstar. If you want to buy a van with a transmission that lasts, don''''t go near this one.

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Engine Power, Roominess, Sliding doors are strong and track smooth compared to others I''ve seen. Bucket seat more comfortable than similar vans. Good Lighting through out the van, kids appreciate.

Flimsy mats, tires from ford are low grade.

From my experience so far, I would recommend this Van. Very roomy, I am 6''2" and just fit in some Japanese vehicles. Don''t have to worry about my hair brushing the roof. Three kids, luggage and all fit very well, even after return trip from grandma''s with christmas presents. Four kids can fit in the back easily, when needed. Hoping I got good transmission, no problems yet with 41,000 miles. Friend told me to make sure Transmission Fluid and Filter changed every 30K miles to avoid such problems (he has 150K miles on original Ford transmission). Engine power is good. I sometimes take somewhat hilly highway 360 in VA. Cruise contral does very well to keep speed constant without downshifting to accelerate up hills. Could not do this with my 110 hp Nissan Stanza. Ford service attitude has been average from Anderson, but service has been prompt. Good service from Fairway Ford in Greenville. Had to take back for recall for transmission seal and wiper motor issue. The doors automatically lock when the car is put in drive, a really smart feature.

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First Mini-Van

The front end-its like driving a car and not a bus.

It is not reliable.

The first year was the best,but after that it was all down hill, the head gaskets.trans, memory, 2 different sensors, thermostat twice, belt, water pump, fuel filter twice. cv joint. the front end have all been replaced along with tires, oil changes, and tune up and the windsheild whippers work when they want to and a leak in the coolant system. It use to go in the shop every 3 months like clock work but now its been in 3 times in just one month. I had to start taking the van to another shop because they were tired of see the van.

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Very roomy and comfortable for the family. Is great on gas when its running good.

Brakes Engine Door alarms and lights!!

When we bought our windstar, we bought it with all the bells and wistles available! Well, I''m sorry we did because the bells remind me every time i get into to it!!! I have a van that beleives doors are open when they are not. We spent about $500.00 on a GEM module that controls the bells/locks/windows/doors ECT. that worked for a awhile, but our mysterious door problem has reappeared. Every door has been torn apart numerous times attempting to track down this problem to no avail. It seems like we have had to put brake pads on the front end about every 8 to 10,000 miles.I''ve talked to friends that have Windstars, they say the same. There is also a loud clunking noise in the front end that Car Shops can''t seem to figure out what it is! At about 42,000 miles we had to have all the "o" rings on the PLASTIC intake replaced due to dry rot and cracking. Which made the car seem like it was running on 2 cylinders and smoked bad. So far the engine and trans have not been replaced. KNOCK ON WOOD. Recently a whinning noise has appeared in the rear end which will be looked into next. Oh yeah, It needed an alternater off the show room floor. Forgot about that one.

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The Windstar SE is nice looking

Irrepairable door

Up until a year ago I was pleased with my Windstar, but unfortunately at 19,000 miles the electric right passenger rear door started opening while I was driving and even today after the van has been in for service ten times the door is still opening (several inches). Poor.

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It looks nice.

Everything

We purchased this van at two years old with 60,000. km on it. Since then it has been nothing but problems in the last year it has been in the shop seven times. It now has just over 100,000. km on it. The rear lock has seized, the control arm has broken, the sway arm and outer tie rods have been replaced, the idler pulley and drive belt have been changed, lower control arms, right rear wheel cylinder, timing cover gasket, intake gasket have all been replaced, the abs light has come on twice and the engine light as well which were all electrical problem, a ticking noise coming from the speedometer (we think) which was also replaced. We have also had to have the airconditioning fixed this past summer. This van has been a nightmare!! Now the windshield washer motor has quit, the front seat belts are not functioning properly, and the transmission is slipping. It has been in the shop every two months for something for over a year. The interior cup holder has also broken after having the van for only a short period of time. If we had not purchased the extended warranty we would be out thousands and thousands of dollars. Now the warranty is almost up and we are very concerned to say the least.

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We had a Dodge Caravan (1989) which had similar problems but not as bad as this.

Interior, appearance, cornering ability, suspension

Steering kind of heavy

I bought the LX model in 1995. Had earlier problems with minor recalls that were all taken cared of by the dealer. Never had real problems. Now has 157,000kms, dealer-serviced only until 50k. Only things changed: tires and brakes. Tuneup and timing chain not checked yet. Am I lucky? could be. But next car or minivan would definitely be another Windstar.

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This is my first minivan