1998 Ford Windstar Review
1998 Ford Windstar Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful engines and roomy interior.
Cons
- Offensive shape, lack of suspension refinement.
What’s new
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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Ford Windstar Limited 3dr Minivan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$234/mo for Windstar Limited
Windstar Limited
vs
$224/mo
Avg. Midsize Minivan
Vehicle overview
Until mid-1994, nobody had seriously challenged Chrysler's domination of minivan sales. All previous attempts by domestic and imported manufacturers couldn't match the Chrysler standard for user-friendliness. They were either underpowered, too high off the ground or the wrong size. When Windstars rolled into Ford showrooms in 1995, Chrysler had finally been bested at its own game.
For a while, at least. The Windstar's superiority proved to be short-lived. The totally redesigned 1996 Chrysler minivans quickly regained best-in-class status in terms of style and convenience: the main reasons people buy minivans in the first place. Then, General Motors arrived on the scene with totally redesigned minivans in 1997. Gone were the underpowered dustbusters; the new models were sleek, functional and attractively priced. The Windstar is still a good minivan, but the stiff competition in this segment is forcing Ford to offer sweet lease deals and big incentives.
Not everyone favors the Windstar's styling, but the interior is adequate. With room for seven, dual airbags and a commodious cargo area, the Windstar keeps passengers comfortable. Controls and displays are housed in an attractively swept dashboard, lending a well-crafted tone. The radio is crammed with buttons and tiny lettering; it's time for the new family of Ford radios, complete with big buttons and a volume knob, to debut in this van. Climate controls are mounted low, but are easy to modulate without glancing from the road. An optional center console adds generous amounts of much-needed storage, but cuts access to the rear seats. There's little to complain about, and quite a lot to like. Construction quality is fine and the interior is spacious and attractive. A single body size and style is offered, in Base, GL, LX or Limited trim, with four-wheel antilock brakes standard on all models.
The Windstar receives interesting changes for 1998. New models show stop-gap features designed to appease potential buyers who can't live without a left-side passenger door. The most notable are the oversize king-door and tip-forward driver's seat that are intended to allow passenger access from the left side. To people who feel that it's important to have a left side passenger entry, this is a poor substitute. Fortunately for Ford, the Windstar has other features that make up for this missing portal: namely its awesome horsepower available with the optional 3.8-liter engine. Cranking out 200 horsepower, the 3.8-liter equipped Windstar is the fastest minivan on the market.
If you're searching for a minivan with good towing ability, fast acceleration, gobs of interior space and comfortable seating for seven, the Windstar is definitely worth a look - especially because your local Ford dealer should be offering deep discounts to stay competitive with the Caravan and Chevy Venture.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Ford Windstar.
5 star(26%)
4 star(36%)
3 star(18%)
2 star(18%)
1 star(2%)
119 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Exceeds expectations
Jay Connor, 04/14/2010
1998 Ford Windstar GL 3dr Minivan
230,000 after 12 years & still going strong despite slight oil and radiator leaks. Very dependable 22mpg av. Drivers door damaged by 3rd party, $1,990 estimate to repair! Found complete salvaged door and professional paint job all for under $500. Easy to do. Four bolts and door is off, pull wiring harness out of body not door and unhook two snap connectors- interior trim comes off … easily after extracting 4 screws, 3 on exterior last is visible when you extract control panel which snaps off. Had same dinging problem but in wet, caused by faulty sensors beside lock mechanisms. Highly recommend vehicle but you should change engine oil regularly, transmission oil and rear axle oil after 130,000
4.25 out of 5 stars
Reliable by anybody's standards
Lynn, 10/13/2005
1998 Ford Windstar GL 3dr Minivan
Don't believe everything you hear about Ford quality and reliability. This vehicle (7 yrs, 140,000 miles) has been proof that Ford builds good vehicles. Of course there have been repairs, but all were inevitable based on the age of the vehicle.
4 out of 5 stars
Transmission Hint for You
C Perry, 08/10/2009
1998 Ford Windstar GL 3dr Minivan
It sounds like this vehicle is hit or miss with a lot of folks. For us, it's been a total hit with a few caveats. Bought used in '04 for $6k, from day one the cruise control didn't work and every once in awhile the dome lights will not turn off. Spray some W2-40 on all contacts for each door seems to fix (and a hint I read elsewhere). Otherwise, the master cylinder went out but no … biggie. This thing holds a ton of stuff and is very roomy. It's been an awesome family car for us. Be aware there is 1 side door, not two like most these days.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Sorry to see it go
sorrytoseeitgo, 01/07/2009
1998 Ford Windstar Limited 3dr Minivan
Had 17000 miles when we bought it, now has 200000+. This has been a great van. Normal wear and tear repairs. It has been one of the most reliable cars I've had. Although it'd probable be just fine, long trips on high mileage makes me nervous with a family. Someone is going to get a great used van at 200000+. Will probably keep it in the family!
1998 Windstar Highlights
Limited
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $234/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 21.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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