2003 Ford Windstar Review
2003 Ford Windstar Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Top-flight safety equipment and ratings, plenty of interior features and options, powerful V6 engine.
Cons
- Disconnected ride and handling, poor interior space utilization, noisy V6 engine, poor reputation for reliability.
What’s new
AdvanceTrac stability control system was supposed to be available for 2002, but it was postponed. It makes its appearance for the 2003 model year. The LX base trim level is rechristened to Windstar.
Edmunds says
Though safe and powerful, the Windstar suffers from poor packaging and floppy handling.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Ford Windstar 4dr Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 4A) 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 $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$235/mo for Windstar Base
Windstar Base
vs
$226/mo
Avg. Midsize Minivan
Vehicle overview
Introduction: Introduced in 1994 as a 1995 model, the Ford Windstar is marketed on the back of a strong reputation for safety. And in the highly contested minivan market, where keeping family safe is of utmost importance, that's a pretty good piece of turf upon which to stake a claim. As long as you don't need to haul adults in back on a regular basis, or find it necessary to lift the extremely heavy third-row bench seat out of the van, it should serve a family's needs well.
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options: The Windstar is offered in four different trim levels -- LX, SE, SEL and Limited. All Windstars have sliding doors on both sides. Power-sliding doors are available on all but the LX. The "shut-'em-up" Autovision entertainment system can be ordered on LX models, but to get leather upholstery, you've gotta pop for a Windstar SEL or Limited. Powertrains and Performance: A strong 3.8-liter V6 powers Windstar's front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. Though acceleration is better than acceptable, the V6 makes lots of racket as it generates its 200 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. Still, it's rated to get 24 mpg on the highway and 18 in the city, which isn't bad for a portly van like this. Safety: Safety is typically a major consideration for the minivan shopper. In the many years it has been tested, the Windstar has earned excellent crash test scores. The NHTSA has given the van a five-star rating for both driver and front-passenger frontal impacts. Additionally, it can be equipped with side airbags that help it achieve top marks for side-impact crash safety. Dual-stage airbags that deploy based on information provided by crash severity sensors, seatbelt usage sensors, and a driver-seat position sensor maximize protection.
The Windstar is also equipped with a low tire-pressure warning system and seatbelt pre-tensioners. Self-sealing tires, heated signal mirrors and a reverse sensing sonar system are optional. Another nice feature is the Windstar's adjustable accelerator and brake pedals. These allow shorter-stature drivers to sit a proper distance from the steering-wheel airbag.
This year, Ford has gone even further onto the safety horizon, equipping its minivan with AdvanceTrac stability control. Optional as part of the Family Security package, AdvanceTrac monitors the Windstar's path of travel and compares it to steering input from the driver. If the system's software finds something amiss that indicates the van is out of control, it will selectively brake the wheels to bring the Windstar back into line. Interior Design and Special Features: The Windstar's interior is fairly agreeable, with comfortable front seats and decent ergonomics keeping Mom and Dad happy. Ford pioneered the "conversation mirror," a parabolic reflector that lets front seat occupants view the goings-on in each seat of the van; perfect for use in the court of family road trip law. Driving Impressions: On the road, the Windstar comes up a bit short in terms of ride quality. Our main complaint about the interior of the Windstar is a lack of legroom for second- and third-row passengers and overall poor space utilization. This is a big van, but it feels small inside. But overall, it provides a decent blend of everyday practicality, useable performance and innovative features.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Ford Windstar.
5 star(34%)
4 star(27%)
3 star(22%)
2 star(11%)
1 star(6%)
109 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.38 out of 5 stars
Best Car I've Ever Owned
soulsoprano66, 02/15/2013
2003 Ford Windstar LX Standard 4dr Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
I bought my 2003 Windstar from a used car dealership with 88,000 miles on it. When you're a single Mom on a very tight budget, you will accept little flaws in exchange for overall reliability. Lots of annoying electrical problems, rear windows work randomly, interior lights flash, etc. But mechanically, this car takes all the punishment I give it and more. Very solidly built. Great … pickup (I have the 6 cyl. model), and acceptable gas mileage. A few moderate repairs, alternator, wheel bearings, etc. (but it did come from coastal NJ so that was understandable). I have 170,000 on it now and it still starts up every morning, and runs great! Best car I've ever owned. I'll drive it till it dies.
2.13 out of 5 stars
worst vehicle ever
cheyluck, 09/02/2012
2003 Ford Windstar SEL 4dr Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
This was our first time car buy for $9,500, within a year of buying the transmission went out and we discovered that the axle had cracked. we found that the ford
had called a recall. within another year of having the transmission fixed the second one went out. The right side window motors went out, we had to replace the speedometer electronics, The interior light like to flicker on and … off as well.
I recommend avoiding this vehicle all togetherl.
4.88 out of 5 stars
2003, good, solid minivan
robinsweb, 09/14/2010
2003 Ford Windstar SE 4dr Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
In the 90's I drove a Dodge Caravan, which was about as safe as driving a tuna fish can. Got a new 1997 Windstar, then a new 2003 Windstar. I like driving newish cars, but I'm keeping this one until it falls apart, because even after 7 years, (77,000 miles) I still LOVE IT! Nice looking for a minivan, It still looks spiffy and not too outdated. Paint in good shape. Some minor problems … others have observed, like flashing interior lights and dash lights, of which I've paid to have repaired MULTIPLE times. (Life is full of compromises.)
4.13 out of 5 stars
Windstar taxi
taxi owner, 10/01/2010
2003 Ford Windstar LX Standard 4dr Minivan (3.8L 6cyl 4A)
Bought van 03/09 $2100 135K miles. Transmission already been replaced with the used 90k miles. at 150K replaced alternator from 06 Mustang (better amps and fits fine) $60 used. Oil change every 4K (supertech 10w30) It is a daily driven 150-500 miles as a taxi. Have engine light on and brake+abs light comes on sometimes. The interior lights blinking usually when humid. I have replaced … drivers window regulator ($35 used). Rear windows don't open all the times. Replaced air filter with a "cool blue air filter" for better gas mileage $28 eBay. Installed HID xhenon light kit for better vision an night time $35 ebay. Replaced spark plugs. Got a NGK platinums. Now got 184,581, I'll drive till 300K
2003 Windstar Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $23,070 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $235/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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 RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic 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 – OriginalAcceptable
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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