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2001
Ford Windstar

Starts at:
$20,220
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New 2001 Ford Windstar
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 121" WB
    Starts at
    $20,220
    18 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 3dr LX
    Starts at
    $22,185
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr LX
    Starts at
    $25,000
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr SE Sport
    Starts at
    $27,435
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr SE
    Starts at
    $28,595
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr SEL
    Starts at
    $31,115
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr LTD
    Starts at
    $33,765
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Expert 2001 Ford Windstar review

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

Minivans make sense. They did back in 1984 when Chrysler built the first one, and they still do today.

The trouble is, a lot of 30-year-olds gravitate to SUVs instead of minivans when vans would do a better job of carrying around their budding families. Maybe that’s because they grew up being chauffeured around in them, or maybe it’s because they think of minivans as old folks vehicles, like station wagons were to us when we were kids.

Suffice it to say, minivans today are better than ever. Instead of driving like wobbly boxes, they are buttoned down, solid and as nicely equipped as any family sedan. Many, like the Windstar driven here, even come with a built-in video player and a flip-down screen that will keep kids occupied when mom and dad insist on taking the kind of driving vacations lavished upon them by their parents.

For 2001, Ford has updated the Windstar with a chrome grille and 16-inch wheels, and the 200-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine is now standard on all models. Ford says the Windstar is classified as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV). Another key piece of standard equipment is the Personal Safety System that uses sensors to determine the severity of a crash, the position of the front seat and whether seat belts are in use. Two-stage front airbags then deploy according to crash severity and whether the passenger seat is occupied. Retractors tighten the seat belts to help control an occupantÕs forward motion. A low-tire-pressure warning system also alerts the driver if a tire needs air.

In recent crash tests by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the Windstar received a five-star rating for front and rear passengers in a side impact. In 1999, it received five stars for frontal impacts. Results for 2001 are not yet available, but there is no reason to think they would be any lower.

Later in the year, Ford’s AdvanceTrac vehicle stability system will be available. AdvanceTrac uses the anti-lock brakes and traction control systems to help counteract skidding in emergency evasive maneuvers. Our test vehicle was also equipped with the power-operated adjustable pedals so short drivers donÕt have to sit dangerously close to the steering wheel.

The 200-horsepower engine that is now standard has been tweaked to reduce noise and vibration, but it still sounds a tad coarse when accelerating away from a stop. Power and performance are on par with the other minivans.

Inside, the SELÕs leather upholstery and wood trim contributed to its upscale feel. The instrument panel, much the same as before, is easy to read and use thanks to simplified gauges and controls. The requisite dual sliding doors are power operated, which is extremely handy if you need to open the doors with things in your hands.

The Windstar’s third seat has to be removed for maximum cargo space, which is not as handy as one that folds into the floor.

A reverse sensing system consists of four sensors in the bac k bumper that detect obstacles within 6 feet. As you back up, warning beeps grow closer together until there is a steady tone when the vehicle is within 10 inches of the object. Since rear visibility can be challenging, this system makes backing up and parking much less nerve-wracking.

The optional video system has a color monitor that folds down from the ceiling for easy viewing by back-seat passengers. The VCR is handily mounted in the center console between the front seats. Rear-seat passengers can control the system from the back of the console, which has audio/visual inputs, volume control, media selection, seek function and headphone jacks. Dual headphones are included so front-seat passengers can listen to the stereo while the kids in the back watch a movie.

Price The base price of our test model, the top-of-the-line SEL, was $30,920. Options included the reverse parking sensors, trailer towing package and AutoVision family entertainment system. The stic r price was $33,615.

Warranty Three years or 36,000 miles.

To get in touch with Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tstrongman@kc.rr.com.

{Point:} The Windstar’s excellent safety rating, dual power sliding doors and optional family entertainment center make it attractive to families with small children. Power, adjustable pedals and the soon-to-be-available vehicle stability program make it even safer. The 200-horsepower engine is now standard across in all models.

{Counterpoint:} I prefer a third seat that folds into the floor and the engine is not quite as quiet and smooth as some of its competitors.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 3.8-liter V-6
Transmission: automatic Front-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 120.7 inches
Curb weight: 3,988 lbs.
Base price: $30,920
As driven: $33,615
Mpg rating: 18 city, 24 hwy.

2001 Ford Windstar review: Our expert's take
By

Minivans make sense. They did back in 1984 when Chrysler built the first one, and they still do today.

The trouble is, a lot of 30-year-olds gravitate to SUVs instead of minivans when vans would do a better job of carrying around their budding families. Maybe that’s because they grew up being chauffeured around in them, or maybe it’s because they think of minivans as old folks vehicles, like station wagons were to us when we were kids.

Suffice it to say, minivans today are better than ever. Instead of driving like wobbly boxes, they are buttoned down, solid and as nicely equipped as any family sedan. Many, like the Windstar driven here, even come with a built-in video player and a flip-down screen that will keep kids occupied when mom and dad insist on taking the kind of driving vacations lavished upon them by their parents.

For 2001, Ford has updated the Windstar with a chrome grille and 16-inch wheels, and the 200-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine is now standard on all models. Ford says the Windstar is classified as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV). Another key piece of standard equipment is the Personal Safety System that uses sensors to determine the severity of a crash, the position of the front seat and whether seat belts are in use. Two-stage front airbags then deploy according to crash severity and whether the passenger seat is occupied. Retractors tighten the seat belts to help control an occupantÕs forward motion. A low-tire-pressure warning system also alerts the driver if a tire needs air.

In recent crash tests by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the Windstar received a five-star rating for front and rear passengers in a side impact. In 1999, it received five stars for frontal impacts. Results for 2001 are not yet available, but there is no reason to think they would be any lower.

Later in the year, Ford’s AdvanceTrac vehicle stability system will be available. AdvanceTrac uses the anti-lock brakes and traction control systems to help counteract skidding in emergency evasive maneuvers. Our test vehicle was also equipped with the power-operated adjustable pedals so short drivers donÕt have to sit dangerously close to the steering wheel.

The 200-horsepower engine that is now standard has been tweaked to reduce noise and vibration, but it still sounds a tad coarse when accelerating away from a stop. Power and performance are on par with the other minivans.

Inside, the SELÕs leather upholstery and wood trim contributed to its upscale feel. The instrument panel, much the same as before, is easy to read and use thanks to simplified gauges and controls. The requisite dual sliding doors are power operated, which is extremely handy if you need to open the doors with things in your hands.

The Windstar’s third seat has to be removed for maximum cargo space, which is not as handy as one that folds into the floor.

A reverse sensing system consists of four sensors in the bac k bumper that detect obstacles within 6 feet. As you back up, warning beeps grow closer together until there is a steady tone when the vehicle is within 10 inches of the object. Since rear visibility can be challenging, this system makes backing up and parking much less nerve-wracking.

The optional video system has a color monitor that folds down from the ceiling for easy viewing by back-seat passengers. The VCR is handily mounted in the center console between the front seats. Rear-seat passengers can control the system from the back of the console, which has audio/visual inputs, volume control, media selection, seek function and headphone jacks. Dual headphones are included so front-seat passengers can listen to the stereo while the kids in the back watch a movie.

Price The base price of our test model, the top-of-the-line SEL, was $30,920. Options included the reverse parking sensors, trailer towing package and AutoVision family entertainment system. The stic r price was $33,615.

Warranty Three years or 36,000 miles.

To get in touch with Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tstrongman@kc.rr.com.

{Point:} The Windstar’s excellent safety rating, dual power sliding doors and optional family entertainment center make it attractive to families with small children. Power, adjustable pedals and the soon-to-be-available vehicle stability program make it even safer. The 200-horsepower engine is now standard across in all models.

{Counterpoint:} I prefer a third seat that folds into the floor and the engine is not quite as quiet and smooth as some of its competitors.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 3.8-liter V-6
Transmission: automatic Front-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 120.7 inches
Curb weight: 3,988 lbs.
Base price: $30,920
As driven: $33,615
Mpg rating: 18 city, 24 hwy.

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
3 years / 36,000 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

4.0 / 5
Based on 26 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.3
Interior 4.2
Performance 4.0
Value 4.2
Exterior 4.1
Reliability 4.0

Most recent

  • Very reliable

    This van is one of the best vehicles I ever owned. It's built like a tank. I purchased it in 2016 with 72,000 miles. Now I have 162,000 on it never had engine or transmission problems. It's great in the snow especially with snow tires. I never been stuck.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    8 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • The most repaired car I ever owned got recall Yuck

    Although one could sleep in it with back seats removed it took a gorilla to get them ouit. Seat belt gingle a real bug not needed distraction.Motor good ,electrical system fair,Senor wiring poor. Lights come and go shorts. Auto Cruise not working,Tires to small for car in country roads to dang low a van.windows dont work well,Locks in front toasted . Runs fast & Slow at start up when engaged without foot on peddle. Just a usual USA car so we have to buy new every 2 -4 yrs? Fix or Repair daily or yearly ? Put new brakes pads BVearings in back with Hib.new Fuel pump old one toast $$$$$$ Ford best . NO QC of Parts from China always using cheap parts and mechanics to diagnostics and fixes. Not satisfied to say the least .Our fix as you go car ?
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • It's been a great van until my rear axle broke

    I loved this van every since I've had it. That is until the axle broke and i found out a recall had already been done. I was driving it when the rear axle broke and what looked like steam was coming from the rear. The tire didn't come off and I managed to get it off the road in the middle of a turn in heavy downtown Chattanooga traffic. I was scared to death! I had it towed to next available exit ( approximately 4 miles ) for a $60.00 fee. A local garage came and took it for repair. That's when I found out about the recall on the damaged axle. It wasn't for the axle however it was for defective bracket installation. Later did I learn about axle corrosion which had caused the axle to break. I'm now having front end problems which make me scared to drive it. I heard about a subframe recall so now I'm off to research that. It's a shame these vehicles have such problems because they really are nice. I'm just scared of it now thinking my rear axle break may have caused other problems like prompting my front end problems. I know this van was driven to Michigan on a regular basis but was purchased in Tennessee. It has front and back air conditioning controls which i found out they all don't when having my air repaired. Over all I've loved it and wish these problems weren't the reason I'm now scared of it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • I tookout midle seat and use it for my dogs

    Was only around $2200 almost 2 years . 111000mi now. Has rust. Had to replace the real axel. It had the recall fix however still rusted in half. $$$$ Have some sputtering issues epically when raining. Perhaps I will get plugs and crap replaced $$$$$ Advise one to get a used Toyota if you want a van. I will cost more at first.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 2.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great family car

    I bought it three years ago. Have made necessary repairs and kept all maintenance up to date. In May put new tires and front end alignment checked ac and now new battery.
    • Purchased a Used 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?
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  • Great Car!

    We bought a 2001 Windstar brand new with 10 miles. We got rid of it back in 2015/16 with like 152,000 miles. It never really had major problems just the Alternator went bad twice otherwise great car fun to drive.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great Vehicle

    Bought the car used but runs great. I've been very happy with the Windstar. Plenty of leg room and space for 7 people. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Just turned 240575 km. Love it.

    We have been across Canada twice as well from Labrador to Florida 3 times. Hope it will last for another 240575 km. Have friends who have 400000 km and still going strong. Lou and Shirley Mels
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Very reliable until it hit 155,000

    Had very good luck with this car, until we hit 155,000 miles. All was routine maintenance, and I'm not really a car maintenance fanatic.One small speck of rust @168,000. But now passenger front door lock not working, sliding doors intermittent, O/D light comes on intermittently, needed to replace sensor on master cylinder (leaking), didn't see rust issues for recall issues. I would definitely buy one of these again. Popping out backseats allows 4'x8' sheets of plywood and sheetrock (extremely useful). Leather interior looks new.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best Mini Van

    Have owned our Windstar SEL for 10 years. Love it in everyway. Never a breakdown. Low maintenance cost. Built like a tank. Have driven on long vacations out west and everyone(5) were always comfortable and had plenty of room. Recall on the rear axle hurt the reputation of the Windstar especially for those who had no rust or crack on the rear axle. Mine still has the factory paint and no rust like most. Have over 170,000 miles on mine and just replaced the front struts. Even that was inexpensive. Too bad Ford opted out off the mini van market. If they brought the Windstar back, they would sell very well considering the competitors vans today. As long as the routine maintenance is done( oil changes and tune ups) Windstars were built to last a long time.
    • Purchased a Used 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
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • good car for the money

    car runs good just needed new tires, brake job,windshield wiper sprayer&hose, rear door lock mecanism, and auto door module. That's all other than that car is great.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • I've been blessed

    This is the most reliable and comfortable vehicle I have owned. I'm lovin' it. Its spacious, clean, lots of room. CRUZIN!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2001 Ford Windstar?

The 2001 Ford Windstar is available in 6 trim levels:

  • (1 style)
  • LTD (1 style)
  • LX (2 styles)
  • SE (1 style)
  • SE Sport (1 style)
  • SEL (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2001 Ford Windstar?

The 2001 Ford Windstar offers up to 18 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 2001 Ford Windstar reliable?

The 2001 Ford Windstar has an average reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2001 Ford Windstar owners.

Is the 2001 Ford Windstar a good Minivan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2001 Ford Windstar. 80.8% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.0 / 5
Based on 26 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.3
  • Interior: 4.2
  • Performance: 4.0
  • Value: 4.2
  • Exterior: 4.1
  • Reliability: 4.0
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