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Used 1997 Ford Windstar Consumer Reviews

3.3 out of 5 stars
120 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Windstar, so we've included reviews for other years of the Windstar since its last redesign.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Too Many Repair Bills

springers, 04/14/2010
1996 Ford Windstar GL 3dr Minivan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Admittedly bought this car "as is" from a used car lot, but seems like an awful lot in repair bills in one year for a vehicle with only about 110,000 miles: Head gasket $1,700. Alternator $560. Transmission $2,300. Already more in repairs than I paid for it. Which is frustrating as otherwise it's comfortable to drive, and has the room I need to haul stuff around when the seats are taken out.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Windstar1996 GL

Jadlcg3, 12/18/2009
1996 Ford Windstar GL 3dr Minivan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I bought this van 6 years ago. It had 140,000 miles when I bought it. It ran pretty well. I have had to replace a few very expensive parts. The ABS keeps messing up my front breaks (I have to replace them every year). The speed sensor is bad, and have had to replace the O2 sensors. The rear defrost fried and does not work, thank goodness for my garage. The seats are very heavy to take out, as well. Over-all, the van has been pretty good to me. Has not left me stranded anywhere. I'm able to drive long hauls with no problems. I do wished it had the drivers side sliding door. It's ok, though. My boys call it the NASCAR Van. lol

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2.38 out of 5 stars

Careful with this one.

Mr. Mike, 04/06/2002
1997 Ford Windstar GL 3dr Minivan
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

This vehicle is a big headache. Nothing but problems. 70,000 mile vehicle with a BLOWN HEAD GASKET, SENSORS NOT WORKINGAND A TRANSMISSION THATS STARTING TO SLIP. VERY POORLY BUILT VEHICLE. What is sad is that it is my second windstar that has done this to me. There will be no third FORD vehicle.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Very Good So Far...

MadManMike, 05/23/2003
1996 Ford Windstar GL 3dr Minivan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Bought used in end of 1999, with the 3.8 Leter engine. Never had any major problems. First Van even owned and love it. But there are electrical problems galore but fortunately none have lead to a significant problem: Engine light comes on and stays for months - mechanic can't find anything wrong, thus resets. Interior lights frequently don't shut off after closing doors for up to 30 minutes at a time. Occasionally, the 'Door is open' alarm does not shut off after the door is shut. 'Door is open' light indicator seemingly always shows that one of the doors (or rear hatch) is open when, in fact, they are all closed and double checked.

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2.75 out of 5 stars

Windstar

tigger, 06/29/2002
1996 Ford Windstar GL 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Call me an idiot but I bought another 3.8 engine. I have a Ford Thunderbird with 3.8 engine and had the head gaskets replaced and now I'm changing the head gaskets on a 96 Windstar. Neither case has ford offered to help. I find it very funny that they say it is because of maintenance. I do my own maintenance. I changed the oil every 2,000 miles on the Thunderbird and followed the maintenance manual for flush and fills of the anti-freeze. My advice to anyone is stay away from Fords. If you do buy a Ford stay away from the 3.8 engine.

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