2001 Ford Windstar Cargo Review
Price Estimate: $870 - $1,383
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Top-flight safety equipment and ratings, plenty of interior features and options, sonar backup warning system.
Cons
- Floaty ride, restricted legroom for second- and third-row passengers, noisy engine.
What’s new
There are several model/series changes, as well as updates to the exterior, interior and powertrain. Ford says a new transmission has improved shift quality and the 3.8-liter V6 is standard on all Windstars. The base model is now called the Windstar LX three-door. The SE Sport is a new trim level and it includes driving lights, painted bumpers and body-side molding, a rear lift gate spoiler, a second-row bucket/console seat, a roof rack with brushed aluminum crossbars, black rocker cladding, and different wheels and tires.
Edmunds says
Safe and powerful, Windstar suffers most from poor packaging.
For sale near Bothell, WA
Vehicle overview
Much of the Ford Windstar's reputation is based on safety. And in the highly contested minivan market, that's a pretty good piece of turf upon which to stake a claim. In the many years it has been tested, the Windstar has earned the U.S. government's highest frontal crash-test rating for both the driver and front passenger. Additionally, the Windstar can be equipped with optional side-impact airbags that give the minivan top government marks for side-impact crash safety. Ford has gone even further for 2001, equipping its minivan with dual-stage airbags that deploy based on information provided by new crash severity sensors, seatbelt usage sensors, and a driver's seat position sensor. A low tire-pressure warning system is new, as are safety-belt pretensioners.
Windstar is offered in five different trim levels -- LX, SE, SE Sport, SEL and Limited. The LX is the only trim that can be ordered in three-door form; the rest are four-doors. Power-sliding doors are available on all but the LX.
The Windstar's interior in fairly agreeable, and for 2001 Ford has made minor trim upgrades. There is a new Family Entertainment System with an overhead screen to keep young children occupied. The Dual Media audio system is still available, which allows front-seat passengers to listen to one media such as radio or tape while rear-seat passengers can listen to a separate media (such as a CD) through headphones. Our main complaint about the interior of all Windstars is a lack of legroom for second- and third-row passengers.
On the top-line Limited, you'll now find power heated seats; a memory system for the driver seat, mirror and pedals; a wood and leather steering wheel; chrome door handles; and dual-blade sun visors. The Limited can be identified by its unique 10-spoke aluminum wheels and special Light Parchment Gold paint (black is optional). Inside, floor mats are embroidered with Limited script and door panels have wood grain trim.
Windstar has several new option groups worth noting. The Family Security Group II includes self-sealing tires, a perimeter anti-theft system, a reverse-sensing system and traction control. The Value Group includes an AM/FM cassette and tilt steering with cruise control. The Power Group adds adjustable pedals and a power driver seat. There is also the Convenience Group that includes adjustable pedals, a center-bin storage cover, an illuminated sun visor, interior storage nets and power-heated signal mirrors.
On the road, the Windstar comes up a bit short in terms of ride quality. But overall, it provides a good blend of everyday practicality, useable performance and innovative features. It is also wrapped in a shell that will protect your loved ones from all but the most serious crashes, when properly restrained. As long as you don't need to haul adults in back on a regular basis, it should serve your needs well.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Washington
$296/mo for Windstar Cargo Base
Windstar Cargo Base
vs
$268/mo
Avg. Midsize Minivan
See Edmunds pricing data
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Ford Windstar Cargo Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
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Keep on truckin'
4.88 out of 5 starsHappy as a Lark, 05/07/2009
2000 Ford Windstar Cargo 3dr Minivan
I wasn't sure about a used Ford Minivan, but I was very pleased. I did need to but a rebuilt trans at 97,000 miles( being the 2nd owner )and a $400. tune-up is nuts, but the van drove like a champ. 3.8 is a good engine. The tranny was crap but the cargo van is the BOMB... Too bad some lady in AZ. decided to smash her car into mine and the Ins. Co. is calling it a total. Because the … frame is a unibody and will cost too much $$$$$ to fix.... properly anyway. Can never quit get it right once it's bent.... So I'm looking for another van on this site and am really finding alot of helpful tips and correct pricing t.m.v. (especially in THIS economy) It's going to make my day easier tomorrow!!!.
I would never own another one!!
2.63 out of 5 starsTammy, 02/18/2005
1999 Ford Windstar Cargo 3dr Minivan
I got the van and loved it for a few months. The van only had 29,000 miles on it when I got it and at 32,000 miles I had to have a new fuel pump put in it and the windshield wipers front and back fuses keep blowing and they still are. I'm driving around with no back wipers not but I'm just glad I still have front ones for now (knock on wood). The van has a problem with shifting when I … take off, not all the time but most of the time. I was told a few months after I got the van that I would need a new transmission more than likely in a year or two and my two years are almost up and more and more things on the van seem to be breaking or just not working. I would never by another Windstar again!!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2001 Ford Windstar Cargo, so we've included reviews for other years of the Windstar Cargo since its last redesign.
2001 Windstar Cargo Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $20,220 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $296/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
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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