2000 Ford Windstar consumer reviews

As a carpool mom of two athletic children, this van is a must have. Plenty of room for 7 people and 7 people's stuff - something many vehicles DON'T have. The leather seats are a must have as well. They don't absorb things spilled on them or the unpleasant odors associated with sweaty bodies. Great for taking the family on trips.

Ford almost got the Windstar right. It is a roomy, comfortable van with good performance. But then the repairs start. It also has Ford Quality - Fix Or Repair Daily. Quality is Job None. Let me start with what I like. The interior is unique and curvy. I got 21 mpg driving to work (but many Windstar's didn't). And 200hp is good enough for a mini-van. The Windstar is comfortable. Before the reliablity problems the Windstar was the traveling vehicle of choice. The rear captains chairs are much better than SUV or sedan seats. Its also good for fooling around, with the captain's chairs and the rear bench. (Why let the kids have all the fun?) But then the problems start. The clock-spring assembly breaks (you loose horn, airbags, cruise). The transaxle range sensor fails. The tie rods wear out. The hubcabs fall off. The van stalls several times a month and the dealer has no idea why. Then the transmission needs 2,000$ in work. Then the tranaxle range sensor needs replaced again. The engine needs 1200$ for a blown head gasket. The tranny needs another rebuild. The fuel gauge fails. Engine problems require 1000$ to sort out. The rear A/C blowns hot air all the time. The van still stalls once every two weeks. The repair bill for 5 years and 100K climbs to 8500$ dollars. Judging from the price of used Windstar's, everyone else knowns to stay away. I will never buy another Ford.

This 2000 Ford Windstar definitely served its role / purpose as a handy family hauler and road trip vehicle.