By hagar on 03/27/03 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Windstar GL 3dr Minivan
Review
Mechanical reliability is the worst
I've ever seen. I'm 54 and between
myself and my wife we have had MANY
cars, trucks and vans
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By owner of new and old on 03/03/03 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Windstar GL 3dr Minivan
Review
I have owned this vehicle since
30,000. It is now at 80,000 I can
relate to all of the problems. Tran
started slipping around 50,000 in 1st
gear, now have leak in timing valve
gasket, estimated 800 repair, check
engine light on all the time, runs
rough at idle, has always made
a "popping" noise from the front
suspension.
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By AlexV on 02/18/03 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Windstar GL 3dr Minivan
Review
Had this one for a few years. Too bad I
was not looking through the reviews. It
was fun while under warranty. Was well
taken care of, right by the book. Have
3.8l engine. At 68K engine light went
off. Took to the dealer. Dealer said
that a tunup is needed. Manufacturer
said at 100k. Dealer replaced spark
plugs etc. Light went off. At 70 K
sprung a leak somwhere between heater
core and the back of the engine $2k
repair(needed to take half the car
apart). At 73K engine knocking, water
in the oil. Estimate $2.8k to replace
the engine. Thanks Ford. That is the
last Ford made car my family bought in
about 3 generations and hopefully more.
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By Hockey Dad on 02/04/03 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Windstar GL 3dr Minivan
Review
Made the mistake of buying on price.
I pride myself on my research before
purchasing. This was an impulse
purchase on price and need as a new
parent of twins. As we fixed one
problem the next would occur.
Purchased at 53,000 and sold at
85,000. Never again. Notorius for
head gasket problems, yet Ford does not
acknowledge it. Further validates the
foreign vs. American debate.
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By Ken B on 01/13/03 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Windstar GL 3dr Minivan
Review
Its a Minivan. Hoping it was made to
carry family, reliably, economically,
we bought it.
Initial Quality: poor (4-
6 repairs in first weeks). Electrical
problems and a leaking window were
eventually repaired. Once de-bugged,
car performed well for about 3 years
(reg maint only).
Many costly repairs after 3 yrs. The
engine, everything attached to it,
traction control, suspension,
door locks & sensors started
failing. Suggest selling vehicle after
first non-maint repair. Ensuing repairs
doubled, and doubled again, and doubled
again.
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By ziggy on 01/10/03 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Windstar GL 3dr Minivan
Review
When I bought it new...... it was the most
inexpensive among its competitors, not bad
for a mini van, very comfortable ride, good
gas mileage average 18 to 20 a gallon, I
must of got lucky I didn't have much
maintenance cost until I got to 75,000 miles I
guess it wasn't built on a Monday or Friday.
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By boxinbox on 12/24/02 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Windstar GL 3dr Minivan
Review
Lots of power. What a amazing engine!!
very comfortable to drive. Smoth and
easy to park. Did I say how fun 200 HP
on a small van is??
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By wondrme on 12/18/02 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Windstar GL 3dr Minivan
Review
I owned a 96 Windstar GL. Bought it
last year because it was a great price
and only had 42K miles on it.
Took it on several road trips and each
time the check engine light came on.
If I did not put a CERTAIN brand of
premium gas in it, it would sputter
and drive like a deisel. The
transmission shifted strange, the ABS
light was on when I got rid of it, the
power steering was eating it (hissing
whenever I turned), the steering felt
mushy. Oh, and it ate up batteries
like candy. I was CONSTANTLY having to
jump it!!!
I would _NOT_ recommend this van. Mine
had 64k on it when I traded it and it
drove like it was on the verge of a
breakdown.
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By Raj K Pai on 12/07/02 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Windstar GL 3dr Minivan
Review
After the van crossed 60000 miles I
have had nothing but problems. The van
needs to have repairs every 30-60 days.
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By rjf on 12/06/02 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1996 Ford Windstar GL 3dr Minivan
Review
5-Electrical problems.
4-Speedometer fails.
3-Front suspension wore out.
2-Antifreeze leaking.
1-Oil leaking.
Good bye Windstar.
Hello Honda.
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