1998 Ford Windstar Minivan Review | Edmunds.com
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1998 Ford Windstar Minivan

Edmunds Review (118) MPG

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Ford Windstar Features and Specs

Features & Specs

  • Engine 3.8 L V 6-cylinder
  • Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive
  • Transmission 4-speed Automatic
  • Horse Power 200 hp @ 5000 rpm
  • Fuel Economy 16/22 mpg
  • Bluetooth No
  • Navigation No
  • Heated Seats No
See All Features & Specs

Review of the 1998 Ford Windstar

  • Info is not yet available.

  • Safety

  • Pros

    Powerful engines and roomy interior.

  • Cons

    Offensive shape, lack of suspension refinement.

  • What's New for 1998

    Ford widens the driver door as a stop-gap measure until the 1999 Windstar arrives with a fourth door. Subtle styling revisions and a new Limited model round out the changes for 1998.

What Others Are Saying

Customer Reviews

  Average Consumer Rating (18 total reviews)

Mixed bag

by on
Vehicle: 1997 Ford Windstar

Have owned the car since it was new. Now have 180,000 miles on itso we know the good and the ugly. The good: great concept and design, very comfortable, great highway vehicle (primary use for us - never was a city car which is prob why we have so many miles on it),tranny is orig and fine engine/trans/systems well conceived (but see the bad...) now has 180K on it and runs great - still not burning oil. The bad: it was made so poorly!!! We have replaced virtually every seal in the engine, rebuilt all the brakes, cruise control and ABS computer quit working years ago. Have replaced many parts - it has been an expensive car to maintain.



Engine reliability?

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Vehicle: 1997 Ford Windstar

Purch van in 97 with 4,500 miles. The vehicle has been fairly rugged, except the 3.8 L engine, 200 hp and tows well. The intake and timing chain cover gaskets failed at ~ 110,000 miles (should not fail), about $2,000 from a private mechanic including water pump. Gas mileage is 22/17, handles and drives well Problems: Speedo bounces @ 40,000 did not repair ($500) 3 sensors $250 for parts Intake, timing cover gaskets, water pump @110,000 ~ $2,000 Alternator @120,000, $130. Power steering pump hose $60. Weld front suspension supports $250. Intake manifold gaskets 2 hours Labor, $25 for gaskets Need to clean the sliding door contacts every few years (10 minutes a little steel wool)



Run, run for a better

by on
Vehicle: 1997 Ford Windstar

Blown head gasket from failed sensor. Body scratches very easily, and visibly! Rack in constant need of readjustment. When driving on the hwy, feels like there is a sail attached to the roof. Very poor turning radius. Fix or Repair Daily. Never Ford. Never again.



Windstar?

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Vehicle: 1997 Ford Windstar

Bought demo 4600 miles, 22 mpg on trips, 16 city. Solid vehicle with unfortunately some flaws; front stabilizer bar came loose ~ 70K shop welded both sides for $250, speedometer bounces 40K, $500 live with, intake leaked 115,000K, $1,500, stuck valve before I caught it and radiator leaked transmission fluid $450, water pump $300, couple sensors died $160 for parts. I have a cheap mechanic - cost might be double at dealer. It still runs like new, 10,000 miles on synthetic oil with no oil added. 3.8 still squeals the tires if you want. Advice: Change transmission fluid no problems. If you loose coolant find the leak and fix. Great vehicle, mainly need to fix the gasket problem.



Ford is not quality

by on
Vehicle: 1997 Ford Windstar

The van itself has been fine. Few repairs over the past 7yrs. Now, we were expieriencing a leak of greenish- brown fluid (uh oh). $2200 for replacement of two gaskets. I hope ford comes through and pays for some of it. But, not likely to happen. First/last ford no matter if they pay for it. I mean come on.... seems like there is a problem w/this 3.8 engine. They should recall it vs. designing the engine for 70k miles (just out of warranty) Ford is where quality sucks.



Local use only!

by on
Vehicle: 1997 Ford Windstar

Don't ever take this baby on the LONG HAUL! That transmission will sing you an expensive tune. It heats up after an hour or so and everything starts to blink and go alarmed. Fixed the traditional things like the mysterious power windows & lights & warning alerts. Just over 100k miles now, front bearings are going. Must sell and buy anything but a FORD.


Full 1998 Ford Windstar Review

What's New for 1998

Ford widens the driver door as a stop-gap measure until the 1999 Windstar arrives with a fourth door. Subtle styling revisions and a new Limited model round out the changes for 1998.

Talk About The 1998 Windstar

Read more about the 1998 Ford Windstar

Gas Mileage

EPA-Rated MPG

  • 16
  • cty
/
  • 22
  • highway
Calculate Yearly Fuel Costs

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