Skip to main content

1999
Ford Windstar

Starts at:
$18,425
Shop options
New 1999 Ford Windstar
See ratings
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
no listings

We're not finding any listings in your area.
Change your location or search Cars.com to see more!

Change location

Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 121" WB
    Starts at
    $18,425
    17 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3.0L Base
    Starts at
    $20,270
    17 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3.8L Base
    Starts at
    $20,270
    18 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3.8L LX
    Starts at
    $23,710
    18 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3.8L SE
    Starts at
    $27,495
    18 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3.8L SEL
    Starts at
    $30,415
    18 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

The good & the bad

This vehicle doesn't have any good or bad insights yet.

Use our comparison tool to look at this model side-by-side with other vehicles or view the full specifications list .

Start your comparison

Expert 1999 Ford Windstar review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

Sparks, that little voice that resides somewhere between my heart and my brain, wouldn’t shut up.

“How could you?” she asked. “How could you possibly rank DaimlerChrysler’s Town & Country minivan number one?”

The question arose during a long run in Ford Motor Co.’s 1999 Windstar LX minivan. A year ago, the answer would’ve been simple. “That’s easy,” I would’ve said then. “The Town & Country has everything the Windstar doesn’t — performance, comfort, utility, looks.”

But that was then. Today, maneuvering through New York City’s murderous traffic, it was a different story. The new Windstar seemed especially well equipped for that contest — more so, in fact, than the Town & Country.

The Windstar was nimble, which is no small thing for a minivan. Many minivans, because of their high walls and long bodies, seem to move in sections, especially in sharp turns. It’s as if their front sections turn first and the rear portions sort of follow — like driving an articulated bus that has never quite learned the language of the road.

Anyway, there was none of that shimmy-shammy stuff with the Windstar. It was tight! It ran with the best of New York’s cabs, and usually came out ahead. I was impressed. But there was more to come.

Tranquilizers should be included as standard equipment for parking on the streets of New York City, and the dose should be tripled for trying to park something as large as a minivan.

First, you have to find a space. Then you have to pray that the driver in your rearview mirror allows you to back into that space. And when you’re backing in, you have to be certain you aren’t bumping someone else’s car, which is where the new Windstar’s optional Reverse Sensing System (RSS) comes in.

RSS uses sonar to deliver proximity warnings, in the form of beeps, when an object is within 5.9 feet of the Windstar’s rear bumper. The beeps increase in frequency as the Windstar moves closer to the object, and they become a steady, high-pitched whistle when the object is within 10 inches of the minivan’s rear bumper.

If RSS saves you once in this city, it could be the save of a lifetime.

There are numerous other features, such as optional, seat-mounted side-impact air bags for front-seat occupants. And Ford has cleverly designed the mounts for the Windstar’s middle bench seat to allow it to be moved to the left or right side of the vehicle.

Also, the Windstar now comes with sliding doors on both sides — something the Town & Country and other minivans offered earlier. Ford adds the optional spiff of power sliding doors on both sides, which can be opened and closed with an electronic key fob.

On top of all this good stuff is an exceptionally smooth 3.8-liter V-6 designed to produce 200 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 180 pound-feet of torque at 3,250 rpm. The engine is mated to a standard, electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.

How can I rate DaimlerChrysler’s Town & Country number one? I can’t, Sparks, not after driving the new Windstar. Advantage, Ford.

1999 Ford Windstar LX

Complaints: Okay, so Ford has snatched DaimlerChrysler’s idea of putting rollers on its middle and rear seats for easy removal. But taking them out still ain’t easy. Those seats are heavy as heck. And to make matters worse, there is no convenient way to grip ’em and lug ’em, not even with two people doing the heavy lifting.

If DaimlerChrysler wants to take Warren’s No. 1 Minivan ranking back from Ford, it has to come up with middle and rear seats that are light enough to be removed by one person, yet strong enough to seat five people comfortably and safely. If Ford wants to keep that ranking, it ought to beat DaimlerChrysler to the punch.

Praise: Don’t just take my word for it. Drive the 1999 Windstar against any minivan out there, and that includes Honda’s bigger, new Odyssey and Toyota’s Sienna. I think you’ll agree, in this case, that it’s more than a sl ogan: Ford has a better idea .

Head-turning quotient: DaimlerChrysler still makes the prettiest minivans on the market. If this were just a beauty contest, the Town & Country and its minivan siblings would win hands down.

Ride, acceleration and handling: Easily among the best in class in all three categories. I couldn’t believe how well the new Windstar handled, both loaded and unloaded, in some pretty dicey driving situations. Bravo! Also, excellent braking both loaded and unloaded. Brakes include power front discs/rear drums with antilock.

Capacities: Seats seven in tested, four-door wagon configuration. Cargo volume is 148.5 cubic feet. Holds 26 gallons of regular unleaded gasoline.

Product mix: Windstars are available as two-door vans or three- or four-door wagons. There is a base 147-horsepower, 3-liter V-6 engine. Trim levels include L, LX, SE and SEL models, with the SEL version being the most expensive.

Sound system: Four-speaker AM-FM stereo radio and cassette with single-disc in-dash CD player. Okay.

Price: Base price on the tested Windstar LX is $23,660. Price as tested is $26,425, including $2,185 in options and a $580 destination charge. Dealer invoice on base model is $21,361.

Purse-strings note: Compare with any minivan available in the U.S. market. Windstar prices start at $18,375. Control pricing by controlling lust for options.

1999 Ford Windstar review: Our expert's take
By

Sparks, that little voice that resides somewhere between my heart and my brain, wouldn’t shut up.

“How could you?” she asked. “How could you possibly rank DaimlerChrysler’s Town & Country minivan number one?”

The question arose during a long run in Ford Motor Co.’s 1999 Windstar LX minivan. A year ago, the answer would’ve been simple. “That’s easy,” I would’ve said then. “The Town & Country has everything the Windstar doesn’t — performance, comfort, utility, looks.”

But that was then. Today, maneuvering through New York City’s murderous traffic, it was a different story. The new Windstar seemed especially well equipped for that contest — more so, in fact, than the Town & Country.

The Windstar was nimble, which is no small thing for a minivan. Many minivans, because of their high walls and long bodies, seem to move in sections, especially in sharp turns. It’s as if their front sections turn first and the rear portions sort of follow — like driving an articulated bus that has never quite learned the language of the road.

Anyway, there was none of that shimmy-shammy stuff with the Windstar. It was tight! It ran with the best of New York’s cabs, and usually came out ahead. I was impressed. But there was more to come.

Tranquilizers should be included as standard equipment for parking on the streets of New York City, and the dose should be tripled for trying to park something as large as a minivan.

First, you have to find a space. Then you have to pray that the driver in your rearview mirror allows you to back into that space. And when you’re backing in, you have to be certain you aren’t bumping someone else’s car, which is where the new Windstar’s optional Reverse Sensing System (RSS) comes in.

RSS uses sonar to deliver proximity warnings, in the form of beeps, when an object is within 5.9 feet of the Windstar’s rear bumper. The beeps increase in frequency as the Windstar moves closer to the object, and they become a steady, high-pitched whistle when the object is within 10 inches of the minivan’s rear bumper.

If RSS saves you once in this city, it could be the save of a lifetime.

There are numerous other features, such as optional, seat-mounted side-impact air bags for front-seat occupants. And Ford has cleverly designed the mounts for the Windstar’s middle bench seat to allow it to be moved to the left or right side of the vehicle.

Also, the Windstar now comes with sliding doors on both sides — something the Town & Country and other minivans offered earlier. Ford adds the optional spiff of power sliding doors on both sides, which can be opened and closed with an electronic key fob.

On top of all this good stuff is an exceptionally smooth 3.8-liter V-6 designed to produce 200 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 180 pound-feet of torque at 3,250 rpm. The engine is mated to a standard, electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.

How can I rate DaimlerChrysler’s Town & Country number one? I can’t, Sparks, not after driving the new Windstar. Advantage, Ford.

1999 Ford Windstar LX

Complaints: Okay, so Ford has snatched DaimlerChrysler’s idea of putting rollers on its middle and rear seats for easy removal. But taking them out still ain’t easy. Those seats are heavy as heck. And to make matters worse, there is no convenient way to grip ’em and lug ’em, not even with two people doing the heavy lifting.

If DaimlerChrysler wants to take Warren’s No. 1 Minivan ranking back from Ford, it has to come up with middle and rear seats that are light enough to be removed by one person, yet strong enough to seat five people comfortably and safely. If Ford wants to keep that ranking, it ought to beat DaimlerChrysler to the punch.

Praise: Don’t just take my word for it. Drive the 1999 Windstar against any minivan out there, and that includes Honda’s bigger, new Odyssey and Toyota’s Sienna. I think you’ll agree, in this case, that it’s more than a sl ogan: Ford has a better idea .

Head-turning quotient: DaimlerChrysler still makes the prettiest minivans on the market. If this were just a beauty contest, the Town & Country and its minivan siblings would win hands down.

Ride, acceleration and handling: Easily among the best in class in all three categories. I couldn’t believe how well the new Windstar handled, both loaded and unloaded, in some pretty dicey driving situations. Bravo! Also, excellent braking both loaded and unloaded. Brakes include power front discs/rear drums with antilock.

Capacities: Seats seven in tested, four-door wagon configuration. Cargo volume is 148.5 cubic feet. Holds 26 gallons of regular unleaded gasoline.

Product mix: Windstars are available as two-door vans or three- or four-door wagons. There is a base 147-horsepower, 3-liter V-6 engine. Trim levels include L, LX, SE and SEL models, with the SEL version being the most expensive.

Sound system: Four-speaker AM-FM stereo radio and cassette with single-disc in-dash CD player. Okay.

Price: Base price on the tested Windstar LX is $23,660. Price as tested is $26,425, including $2,185 in options and a $580 destination charge. Dealer invoice on base model is $21,361.

Purse-strings note: Compare with any minivan available in the U.S. market. Windstar prices start at $18,375. Control pricing by controlling lust for options.

Safety review

Based on the 1999 Ford Windstar base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
5/5
Frontal passenger
5/5
Side driver
5/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
2 years / 24,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Fords and many non-Ford vehicles up to 10 years old with less than 150,000 miles
Basic
90-Day / 4,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty
Dealer certification
139-point inspection

Consumer reviews

3.7 / 5
Based on 19 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.2
Interior 3.9
Performance 3.8
Value 3.7
Exterior 4.1
Reliability 3.4

Most recent

  • VERY RELIABLE VEHICLE

    This van is a great family van yet heavier and safer than the so-called "Mom's soccer van". It is a bit noisy for me! If the radio is on you don't notice road sounds. Lol! It hasgreat power for a van! I get teased that it isn't the Indy 500! It really hasgreat acceleration and power! Radio and speaker system really rocks!😊
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best van ever in the snow

    Got the 1999 van in 2004 with 82,000 miles. Had check engine light on for 4 years, 5 different mechanics couldn't diagnose problem. Ford said they had lean code caused by bad intake manifold bolts. Broke down, dealer replaced bolts and injector rail. $1,800., at 102,000. Heater hose got pin hole leak. Ford ran this under intake manifold and bolted down out of reach. $18.00 part. Ford estimate, $1,400. You tubed it, and fixed it myself, along with alternator, bushings for idle control, hoses, etc. Finally ran perfect. $100. ,at 201,000. Door locks were acting up, Head gasket started leaking at 224,000, threw rod at 224,400 miles, towed to junk yard. Loved that van though.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • best minivan

    who could ask for more? one owner, leather seats, has room for 7 people, or use as work vehicle, with plenty of room. Rear AC and Heat controls, and low miles at 93,300.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great car with low miles.

    Great car - seats 7, or take out 3rd row seats for more room. New brakes and tires, one owner car, power rear doors, leather interior, dual AC controls, great family car or use for work and storage.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Very reliable for the past 16 years.

    Excellent for 7 all round van.. Paint and interior are still very good condition! Only major work was replacing the Torque Converter about 7 years ago.. Otherwise routine maintence, tires , breaks, etc.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great idea poorly executed. Money pit

    I loved the room when the backs seats were removed. Seats were also very comfortable. I liked having the two armrests in the drivers seat. Good stereo. Van was nice looking. Too bad the transmission went out and had to be replaced. Then the replacement transmission started to go as well. The rear axle started to form a crack which could have caused a serious accident if I hadn't noticed it. Check engine light was always on. For that reason I couldn't have the vehicle tested for our aircare program thus could not insure this vehicle even though it was only 7 year old. spent more time in the shop then it did on the road. Really liked the van but hated the reliability issues.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Fun car to drive & very versitile.

    Very dependable; comfortable; A/C will freeze you out. Leather seats, all power; push button rear doors slide, many extras; great for kids & large adults. Navigation/GPS added. Purchased 27 Feb02; color: Chestnut or Ginger Glow (Brown)
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • ford windstars with 150,000 miles are Trouble!

    they aren't like foreign cars. they have sensor trouble. the transmission starts going out. the sliding doors start sticking. the power steering and rack and pinion can go out. its sad--ive had many of them and enjoyed them for a time. But a 1999 I bought less than a year ago for 2700 with leather seats etc. has needed 2 new batteries 500 dollar+ on check engine lite stuff, a serpentine belt, a power steering pump and pulley, a rack and pinion and trans work. very hard to cope with.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 2.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most Reliable Car I've Owned

    This is not as bad of a van as most people say it is. I know for a fact that this is one of the most reliable vehicles you can own. My family and I live out in the country, and our driveway is a steep gravel hill. In the winter, this van would rarely get stuck. Both of my sisters drove this car when they were in highschool, and both my parents drove from point A to where ever. A couple of years ago, one of my sisters had an accident with this van. She was perfectly fine, but the airbags did not deploy. Hopefullly this would not happen to any of you drivers, but be aware. Other than that, we beat this car up pretty bad, and it still ran great until that one day.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Ford Windstar LX

    A Good van for any family or first time driver, drives and rides good. Handles pretty good and has lots of space.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • worse vehicle anyone can buy.

    This is the worse vehicle anyone can buy, I onwed a 1999 windstar and everything that can possibly go wrong with a vhicle went wrong with this car, I would strongly recomend NOT to buy this vehicle.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I wish I had listened

    My uncle and brother own this van my uncles is a 2000SE my brothers is 1995xl mine was an 1999SE my brother and my uncle both said "don't buy that thing its gonna be nothing but trouble even though its in good shape now" 2500 miles later and i really wish i had listened. the transmission blew, its cheeper to replace the car than drop out the engine wich is what you have to do to replace or fix the transmission and even if we do that its still not safe to drive.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 2.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Latest news from cars.com

See all news

Ford dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1999 Ford Windstar?

The 1999 Ford Windstar is available in 5 trim levels:

  • (1 style)
  • Base (2 styles)
  • LX (1 style)
  • SE (1 style)
  • SEL (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 1999 Ford Windstar?

The 1999 Ford Windstar offers up to 17 MPG in city driving and 23 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 1999 Ford Windstar reliable?

The 1999 Ford Windstar has an average reliability rating of 3.4 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1999 Ford Windstar owners.

Is the 1999 Ford Windstar a good Minivan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1999 Ford Windstar. 63.2% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

3.7 / 5
Based on 19 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.2
  • Interior: 3.9
  • Performance: 3.8
  • Value: 3.7
  • Exterior: 4.1
  • Reliability: 3.4
Your list was successfully saved.
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare
[{"cat":"van_mini","stock_type":"used","bodystyle":"Minivan","page_type":"research/make-model-year","oem_page":false,"search_fuel_types":["Gasoline Fuel"]}]