By Northwest Guy on 09/22/04 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Windstar Minivan LX 3dr Minivan
Review
Like many posts here, had no serious
problems to speak of until 75K mi.
The sensitivity of the oxygen sensors;
ultimately replaced them all; head
gasket went this year at 84K.
I've owned a number of 4 different
Fords since 1982; not perfect by any
stretch but this year had to replace
the engine in a 1994 Honda Civic with
104K - That's NEVER supposed to happen
with them; have owned Toyotas (3),
Mazda and an Acura. Fact is, NONE of
these cars have been perfect.
This van was the best deal on the road
when we bought in 1997 with 29K. It
is a comfortable vehicle that has been
surpassed by newer versions by
competitors.
Read the full review
By mtalk on 09/04/04 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Windstar Minivan GL 3dr Minivan
Review
No wonder it's got a good safety
ratin: it never leaves the driveway.
Check engine light goes on, only to go
off a month later with no explanation
from Ford. Door ajar bell keeps
ringing and interior light stays on
until 20 mph, so replaced the sensor.
Then the big stuff. Cylinder went down
at 100,000 ($1200). New engine at
112,000 ($3000). Just waiting for the
tranny to drop now. We will be getting
rid of this soon for something better
and will never buy a Ford again.
Read the full review
By ca2stay on 07/18/04 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Windstar Minivan LX 3dr Minivan
Review
Had a 91 Taurus (3.8L FWD) tranny @ 25k
& 54k miles. Traded in for 96 Windstar
LX 3.8L FWD. Tranny started giving
trouble slipping @ 50k and finally
replaced @ 90k $3k, head gaskets @ 85k
$2k and engine still runs poorly,
radio/CD @ 50k. Fortunately w/tow
package & 4W Disc Brakes so none of the
brake pblms my frinds w/drum brakes
had. Now CV joints and the rest of the
steering and suspension.
My wife's next vehicle will be Japanese.
Read the full review
By Date83R on 04/20/04 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Windstar Minivan GL 3dr Minivan
Review
We bought ours new @ 60K. It was
great until last year. When it hit
100K the fur hit the fan. We have put
well over 3000 into it in the last 9
months. Everything from tie rods to
all sorts of electrical problems. The
problems just keep piling up though.
Even the techs at the dealership were
scratching their heads with the last
one. We're trading it in for a
Caravan tomorrow.
Read the full review
By mario starr on 03/29/04 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Windstar Minivan GL 3dr Minivan
Review
Paid too much for the van to benign
with; that was my fault. Let me begin
by listing the numerous problems Ive
encounter as an owner of a Quality
Ford product: Power steering pump,
water pump gasket, lower intake gasket,
popping noise from front end, A/C
condensation leaked inside van,
shifting cable, speedometer, door ajar
caution light works intermittently,
intake breaker valve ($200)... My
local dealership has been very friendly
to me while they have me over this
barrel called Windstar.
Read the full review
By smilingbrownbear on 03/23/04 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Windstar Minivan GL 3dr Minivan
Review
Bought this program vehicle in 1997.
Had 22,000 miles and now has 120,000.
Was very good (although it had some
irritating electrical problems) until
it hit 100,000 miles. Needed a
transmission - surprise! Got a
remanufactued one for $2,400. New
tranny is fine. Terrible electrical
system now requires trips to the shop
every few months. Also has some
problems when just started and idling.
Read the full review
By jennyl on 03/01/04 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Windstar Minivan GL 3dr Minivan
Review
purchased because of comfortable, roomy
interior... everything Ok for SHORT
while... it is costing a fortune to own
it! Head gasket replaced ($2500) which
Ford would not cover...
transmission...door ajar alarm stays on
all the time while driving (it does go
off though if you drive over 25mph,
with the lights off- go figure- trying
to trade it, but nobody wants it!!!
DON"T BUY!!!!
Read the full review
By freddyford on 03/01/04 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Windstar Minivan GL 3dr Minivan
Review
We bought this van used with 75000 miles.
We have used it to pull a tent trailer for the
last two years and it's been excellent.
Nothing but regular maintainence. I did put
in a set of rear air-adjustable shocks but
that's it. Great van for the price.
Read the full review
By foxult on 01/05/04 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Windstar Minivan LX 3dr Minivan
Review
Speedometer went out at 49000 miles
($750 not covered by warrantee, of
course). Transmission problems under
75000 miles (warrantee). Heater
problems at 120000 miles ($1100).
Final transmission problems at 124000
miles ($3000). Donated to Goodwill.
This van has been nothing but an
expensive problem.
Read the full review
By Never again! on 01/04/04 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Windstar Minivan GL 3dr Minivan
Review
ford does not stand by its product.
3.8l eng. with head gasket leaks and
trans. problems. (replaced twice) Even
under warranty, ford refused to assist
customer. You get the run around. Ask
ford for help, they till you its the
Dealer. Ask the Dealer for help, they
say you have to ask ford.
NEVER AGAIN!
Read the full review
