Used 1997 Ford Windstar Consumer 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.
Be Cautious
Date83R, 04/20/2004
1996 Ford Windstar GL 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought ours new @ 60K. It was great until last year. When it hit 100K the fur hit the fan. We have put well over 3000 into it in the last 9 months. Everything from tie rods to all sorts of electrical problems. The problems just keep piling up though. Even the techs at the dealership were scratching their heads with the last one. We're trading it in for a Caravan tomorrow.
Buy with caution
mario starr, 03/29/2004
1996 Ford Windstar GL 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Paid too much for the van to benign with; that was my fault. Let me begin by listing the numerous problems Ive encounter as an owner of a Quality Ford product: Power steering pump, water pump gasket, lower intake gasket, popping noise from front end, A/C condensation leaked inside van, shifting cable, speedometer, door ajar caution light works intermittently, intake breaker valve ($200)... My local dealership has been very friendly to me while they have me over this barrel called Windstar.
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UnHappy Ford Owner, 05/03/2002
1996 Ford Windstar LX 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Since we drove it off the lot, it has been a bad experience and Ford has been difficult to deal with. While it was under warrenty, we had everything electrial and the air fixed. As soon as it was out of warrenty, the transmission went out. We asked Ford for assistance and they refused to help us. Now it has 75,000 miles and we have the head gasket problem. s. I been talking with three dealerships about the TSB Ford has out to replace head gaskets if the car is less than 7 years old and 100,000 miles. Non of the dealers are aware of this TSB. I will never buy another Ford. .
Be Wary
BoDerek, 06/17/2002
1996 Ford Windstar GL 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Repeatedly in dealership for "Check Engine" light. Meticulously well maintained car blew head gasket at 88K miles. Ford resonse: "Sorry, 1995 3.8L Windstars are covered for head gasket problem..." However Ford maintains they "corrected it in '96 and later models..." so too bad if you are having trouble. Local mechanic says 3.8L head gasket woes are a Ford trait, not unique to Windstar, but all 3.8- powered Fords with 60-90K miles. Also clunky transmission makes me very nervous about its future. Lots of interior room though. Soft, quiet ride. Rear seat too heavy--needs two people to remove.
Good Van
windstarok, 07/29/2002
1996 Ford Windstar GL 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased our Windstar new in '96. Just before the 36K mile warranty ran out, I had 2 minor items fixed (tailgate struts and a side-view mirror) I had the transmission fluid and filter replaced at the dealer and the trans checked out a-ok. About 2 months later (after the warranty ran out) the transmission failed. Upon reviewing my case and service records Ford readily paid 90%. This was the only problem until 85K miles(EGR and Oxygen sensor) and at 90K with a cracked engine sub-frame (odd). I've spent $900 in repairs (except routine maintenance)& 3 weeks in the shop for 6 years and 90K+ miles on a van that I saved $4,000 off a Honda or Toyota.