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Ford WindstarIntroduced in the mid-1990s, the front-wheel-drive Ford Windstar minivan campaigned with an emphasis on, and reputation for, safety. And in the hotly contested family minivan market of the time, that was an especially solid piece of ground to be on. As long as buyers didn't need to haul adults in back on a regular basis, the Windstar served a family's needs just fine.
Okay, I'll add my .02. We bought a certified used '01 Windstar. After the initial repairs needed before we took possession of it it has been a great van. I tune it up, change the oil, and keep up with the routine maintenance. We've had no issues out of it. I expect the usual Ford electrical gremlins to strike at some point but that's Ford, every car maker hasd thier little quirks.
Our other Ford is a '94 Ford Aerostar. This thing is a tank. It is on it's way out now because I'm not willing to deal with the repairs it needs ($1200 for assorted issues). BUT it has like 210,000 miles. I have absolutely no room to complain, we have gotten our money out of the old beast...and I can't wait to replace it with something I'll enjoy driving. I've sent Chevys, Nissans, and Dodges to the junkyard with less miles. This one still runs.
OK, I have to agree...I to bought a 99 Windstar LX..and within 5 days of purchase the transmission went out on me...then it was the rack system...it eats brakes and tires...it goes through brake fluid faster than anything I have ever seen...not to mention the quorky alarm system, the strobe style interior lights just whenever it gets the urge...And the paint that does not like to stay on the car. I do be this car is one BIG mistake by ford..For the record, I have no choice but to take awesome care of this vehical for it is my only one I have and I have 4 small children. You kinda have to have a car when you have kids. In fact, it still looks like new inside and out ok, except for the sheding paint. I do believe (being an owner of a piece of crap) we are not here just to "cry about our problems with windstars." but to be kind of a support group for each other. I hate to be the mediator here, but after reading all of this bickering back and forth, it must be said...If you had no problems with your car, you would not be in a forum looking through MULTIPLE car issues by MULTIPLE people. If you have a good one..be greatful and enjoy it...you have one of the few that do run good.
We bought a 2000 Windstar SEL. What a piece of crap.
* The steering started making noise right after the warranty expired.
* The right side sliding door lock stopped working completely...talk about expensive to fix.
* The side sliding doors started randomly opening and refusing to close.
* The driver's side seat adjustment stopped responding
* The driver's side seat front adjustment mechanism no longer works/elevates.
* The hood paint is peeling.
* The electrical system is woefully underpowered for automatic sliding door usage of any kind. Drains the battery in no time and the charging system can't keep up. If I don't keept he engine running while I use the doors to get my kids out or in, the battery will be dead within a week.
These are just a few items, and the dealer/manufacturer couldn't care less after the pitiful warranty expired. Ford has such a short warranty because they know they sell garbage. I'll never buy Ford again.
Our 2000 LX Windstar has been a great van to own. We bought it used with 31,000 miles on in August of 2001 and it now has over 118,000 miles. Yes, there have been repairs and the like, but what can you expect. Here are the repairs beside regular maintenance:
PowerSteering Pump
Mass Air Flow Sensor (Under Warranty)
Second Mass Air Flow Sensor (Under Warranty)
Transmission (went out at 112,000 miles)
Air Conditioner system (went out at 118,000)
I do not know about you other guys an gals, but that is not bad considering the mileage and the "American Car label." We have been pleased with the gas mileage, performance, ride and safety. Two weeks after we purchased the car a lady plowed us in the passenger side rear quarter panel, and no one was injured, just the van. If it had been the car we normally drove, my 1 year old daughter would have been hurt, but she was not.
To top it off, the best part of the van is that it is paid off. I would rather put a Air Conditioner system ($800 - parts and labor from a friend) than a $400/month for 60 month new car payment.
My 1998 WS was purchased new and I've got 245,000 miles and And besides normal maintenance, I've only rebuilt tranny (once) and replaced alternator (once), power steering pump(once), ABS Unit(once)...
That is damn good considering Its been very reliable and trouble free for the past 9 years and I can tow twice the 3500lbs rating B.T.W. I don't baby my cars...I just know how to do my maintence.
Death to ford you can rape my van's tailpipe and I'm sure 90% of this forum wishes the same.
PS- Blown 8 trannys in 20k KM??? You must drive like a retard, ...You know R doesn't mean "Really fast" ...moron
He has blown 8 trannys, this I really believe. There were 8 Transexuals/"Tranny's"!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flyingjackal456
My 1998 WS was purchased new and I've got 245,000 miles and And besides normal maintenance, I've only rebuilt tranny (once) and replaced alternator (once), power steering pump(once), ABS Unit(once)...
That is damn good considering Its been very reliable and trouble free for the past 9 years and I can tow twice the 3500lbs rating B.T.W. I don't baby my cars...I just know how to do my maintence.
Death to ford you can rape my van's tailpipe and I'm sure 90% of this forum wishes the same.
PS- Blown 8 trannys in 20k KM??? You must drive like a retard, ...You know R doesn't mean "Really fast" ...moron
__________________
Mark V
1998 Explorer 4.0 SOHC
1998 Windstar GL 3.8
2001 Corvette Coupe 6 Speed
2006 Honda Shadow Spirit 750 http://public.fotki.com/snextime/
If your Exhaust tip is bigger than your cylinder bore, you are a Ricer!
I have a 95 Windstar-bought it new, Its had a few problems, but nothing compared to the Dodge Caravan I used to have. In 100,000 miles it went through 4 transmissions and 3 engines, not to mention steering racks, and numerous A/C repairs. I'll buy another Ford anyday
Ford has been going downhill and their vehciles are pure garbage
I have had 3 fords in my life and I will never ever get one again
Ford is a rapist and they take all of our money away
I am surprised a windstar actaully work you are a lucky one happy wcstar
I don't agree we are crying over a few minor problems either. These are serious problems and everyone I have talked to now says the windstar is very bad including ford dealerships and their mechanics. I have also read many articles about the windstar being a waste of money.
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Happy WS 
and And besides normal maintenance, I've only rebuilt tranny (once) and replaced alternator (once), power steering pump(once), ABS Unit(once)...
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