1999-2003 Ford Windstar: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1999-2003 Ford Windstar and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Passenger and cargo room
Cons
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
Dual sliding doors as well as some minivan "firsts" were part of a comprehensive 1999 makeover for the Ford Windstar. Wheelbase was unchanged, but interior dimensions grew slightly and styling was fresh. Windstars came in a single body length with a standard right-side sliding door. All Windstars had a V6 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. The Cargo and base 3.0L passenger models used a 3.0-liter V6. LX, SE and luxury SEL editions got a 3.8-liter engine. A left-side sliding door was standard on SE and SEL minivans, optional on the others. Power operation for both sliding doors was standard on the SEL and optional for the SE. All except the 3.0L could have a power-operated right-hand sliding door. Front seat-mounted side airbags were optional, designed to protect both the head and chest in a side impact. Antilock brakes were standard, though rear brakes were now drums rather than discs. Traction control was an option. Windstars seated up to seven, in a 2-2-3 format. Base and LX models had a middle bench that could be positioned to either the left or the right side of the vehicle, while SE and SEL models came with second-row bucket seats. The 3-passenger third-row bench got built-in rollers to ease removal/installation. Another minivan "first" was the Reverse Sensing System option for 4-door models. It sounded a warning if the vehicle came within six feet of an obstacle, while backing up.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Ford Windstar LX Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 9 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 56 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1999-2003 Ford Windstar. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1999-2003 Ford Windstar.
Year to Year Changes
2000 Ford Windstar:
Adjustable gas and brake pedals became optional for 2000 for LX, SE, and SEL models. Also newly optional on models with second-row bucket seats was a rear-seat video entertainment system, including a VCR and flip-down 6.4-inch LCD screen. Seatback grocery hooks were added to the rear bench this year. Base and LX models had a standard 3.0-liter V6 this year, with the option of a 3.8-liter. A top-of-the-line Limited minivan joined the lineup during the model year.
2001 Ford Windstar:
New safety features included an antiskid system--a minivan "first." Available later in the model year, it applied a rear brake and reduced engine power to enhance control in turns. A low-tire-pressure warning system was now standard in passenger models. New sensors deployed the dashboard airbags according to crash severity and the positions of front occupants. A strobe light in the driver's outside mirror now warned approaching traffic that the left-side sliding door was open. The base 3.0-liter V6 was gone, making the 3.8-liter standard for all models. Both the nose and tail were slightly restyled this season. The 2001 lineup consisted of LX, SE, SE Sport, SEL, and Limited minivans, the latter fitted with a wood/leather steering wheel. SE, SE Sport, SEL, and Limited models had 16-inch tires. A new model this year, the SE Sport featured a black grille. Dual sliding side doors were standard, except on the base LX. Head/chest side airbags were standard in the Limited, optional in other Windstars. A center console now was included with the available second-row bucket seats. The available back-seat video entertainment system now included a removable VCR.
2002 Ford Windstar:
Former option packages became separate trim levels on the 2002 Windstar. SE, SEL, and Limited models returned, while LX models offered new Base, Standard, and Deluxe versions. Dual sliding doors were now standard.
2003 Ford Windstar:
An available anti-skid system was added as an option midyear. Windstar was replaced in 2004 by the Freestar.
Our road test for the 1999-2003 Ford Windstar includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1999-2003 Ford Windstar and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1999-2003 Ford Windstar is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Windstar has been, and continues to be, one of the better all-around minivan performers. The 3.0-liter engine struggles to provide adequate acceleration, making the quieter, smoother 3.8-liter V6 a stronger and better choice. That engine furnishes sufficient power even with a full load of passengers, and should not consume much more fuel than the overworked 3.0 liter. Both engines are gruff under hard throttle. With the longest wheelbase of any minivan, Windstar provides a stable, carlike ride, though it does not absorb bumps quite as well as a Toyota Sienna. Handling is confident and better than Sienna's. Even so, steering feels artificial and does not respond as quickly as General Motors minivans or the Honda Odyssey. Brake-pedal feel is good, but overall stopping power is about average. One test SEL exhibited annoying torque steer in brisk take-offs. A friendly dashboard and comfortable, roomy seating carry over from the previous (1995-98) Windstar, with improvements evident in several areas. Power sliding doors are a true convenience. Even the manual sliders are unusually easy to open and close, thanks to easy-to-grip interior handles. Rear hatches raise and lower easily, though separate-opening rear glass was not available. Substantial, supportive seats are heavy, so removal and installation demand muscle and technique, despite new rear rollers. Seatbacks do fold forward and recline, allowing great cargo and passenger versatility. Audio controls are too "busy," but the climate system's ability to run air conditioning in all vent modes is a benefit. If installed, the Reverse Sensing System is a valuable safeguard against unseen objects directly behind. That's helpful, because the base of the Windstar's rear window is not visible to the driver, complicating backing up.
Value for the Money
Chrysler, Honda, and Toyota minivans have been ranked Best Buys, but the solid, easy-driving Windstar also is a fine choice, boasting some significant new safety and convenience features.
Chrysler, Honda, and Toyota minivans have been ranked Best Buys, but the solid, easy-driving Windstar also is a fine choice, boasting some significant new safety and convenience features.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Ford Windstar LX Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 9 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 56 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Ford Windstar includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Ford Windstar .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
Insufficient air conditioning may be due to a loose fitting at the condenser allowing the refrigerant to escape. (1999)
Climate control:
Lack of climate-control temperature adjustment may be due a defective heater-control head or binding blend door. (1999)
Doors:
Corroded relay contacts in the controller prevent the power sliding door from closing. (1999-00)
Engine knock:
Engine knock may be due to oil getting into the intake manifold leading to a buildup of carbon in the cylinders. A redesigned valve cover alleviates the problem. (1999-00)
Engine knock:
Knock during heavy acceleration on 3.0-liter V6 equipped vehicle may be cured by reprogramming ignition from "no retard" to "retard." (1999-00)
Heater core:
Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (1999-2002)
Seat:
Drivers weighing more than 275 lbs. can pinch the electrical harness between the seat and frame shorting out the power seat circuit and blowing the fuse. (1999)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $415 |
| Alternator | $535 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,120 |
| Brakes | $240 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $990 |
| Exhaust System | $320 |
| Radiator | $395 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,200 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $180 |
Our price chart for this generation Ford Windstar details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2003 | |||
| SEL, Limited | $7,500-9,000 | $6,800-8,100 | $3,800-4,500 |
| Windstar | $4,900-6,900 | $4,200-5,900 | $1,900-2,700 |
| 2002 | |||
| SEL, Limited | $6,200-7,400 | $5,400-6,400 | $2,700-3,200 |
| Windstar | $3,900-5,500 | $3,200-4,500 | $1,200-1,700 |
| 2001 | |||
| SEL, Limited | $5,200-6,300 | $4,400-5,400 | $2,100-2,500 |
| Windstar | $3,200-4,500 | $2,500-3,500 | $800-1,100 |
| 2000 | |||
| SEL, Limited | $4,300-5,200 | $3,600-4,300 | $1,500-1,800 |
| Windstar | $2,700-3,700 | $2,000-2,800 | $600-800 |
| 1999 | |||
| Windstar | $2,300-3,200 | $1,700-2,300 | $400-600 |
| Windstar SEL | $3,700-4,400 | $3,000-3,600 | $1,100-1,300 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Ford Windstar include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 3-door van | 4-door van |
| Wheelbase, in. | 120.7 | 120.7 |
| Overall Length, in. | 200.9 | 200.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 76.6 | 76.6 |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.1 | 65.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3890 | 4194 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 145.7 | 148.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 26.0 | 26.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.3 | 39.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.7 | 40.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 41.1 | 40.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.8 | 38.6 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
All Windstars had V6 engines and 4-speed automatic transmissions, but the engines came in two sizes. Initially, Cargo and base 3.0L passenger minivans used a 3.0-liter V6, whereas a 3.8-liter engine went into LX, SE, and luxury SEL models. The LX minivan got the 3.8-liter V6 in 2000, and for 2001 the smaller engine was dropped.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 3.8 / 232 | 200 | 240 | 4-speed automatic: 17/23 | 4-speed automatic: 14.8 |
| ohv V6 | 3.0 / 182 | 150 | 186 | 4-speed automatic: 17/23 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Canada
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Ford Windstar include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Windstar |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1999-2003 Ford Windstar directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1999:
Brake master cylinder on certain vehicles is oriented so warning statements are not entirely visible by direct view.
1999:
On certain vehicles, brake-fluid warning statement embossed on top of filler cap, and also on side of master-cylinder reservoir body, is not entirely visible by direct view.
1999-00:
Certain instrument clusters without a "message center" fail to comply with Federal safety requirements.
1999-01:
Auxiliary air-conditioning blower motor stops turning while in the medium-low blower speed setting, there is the potential that the resistor may become hot and smoke.
1999-01:
Wiper-motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, causing loss of wiper function or fire.
2000:
Certain minivans may have incorrect fuel-line end forms that result in insufficient pull-apart force for the fuel-line connection.
2000:
Some minivans may have incorrect urethane, resulting in an adhesive bond rather than the intended molecular bond for the front windshield and rear liftgate glass. If the bond deteriorates, it could provide less than the intended level of glass retention in a crash.
2000-01 w/adjustable pedals:
Driver's floormat could interfere with accelerator pedal, potentially resulting in stuck throttle.
2001:
Certain vehicles were built with a newly designed restraint-control module that, in some cases, does not recognize certain system faults that could result in airbag or seatbelt pretensioner unexpectedly activating during the self-test sequence at start-up time.
2001:
Driver- and/or font passenger-outboard seatbelt buckle may not fully latch.
2001:
Restraint-control module or crash sensor may have one or more screws missing, which could affect performance of occupant restraint.
2001-03:
Lower seat-to-floor latches on second- and third-row seats may fail in a crash, resulting in occupant injury.
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