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1995-98 Ford
Windstar
Ford's Missed
Opportunity
It looked like Chrysler's all-conquering
but aging minivans were finally vulnerable. The year was 1994 and Ford
unveiled their biggest challenge yet - the Windstar. It duplicated and
improved upon almost all of Chrysler's successful formula. Its ride,
comfort and handling were first rate, it was big and it had an air of
technical sophistication that the Chryslers lacked.
But they didn't add the second sliding
door. All their focus groups, interviews and consumer clinics told them
they didn't need it. So they chose not to add it. Big mistake. Chrysler
would've been trumped by nearly two years and it's quite possible that
Ford would've taken a commanding position in the minivan segment.
Sometimes car design requires leadership and original thinking -
something Chrysler clearly has - not decisions by committees.
Strengths
|
Weaknesses
|
- Low noise
levels
- Power (200hp
V6)
- Room
- Interior
Design
- Bang for the
buck
|
- Uninspired
exterior design
- No fourth door
- Power (3.0L
V6)
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What's Available
Windstars were initially available in two
trim levels, the entry level GL and the upmarket LX. The Windstar could
also be ordered as a cargo van. Starting with the 1997 model year, a
price leader base model was added. It was basically a slightly
decontented GL.
For it's final year, the top-of-the-line
Limited was introduced. As you might expect, the limited was largely a
loaded LX, with all kinds of stuff such as quad leather seats, 16-inch
wheels and a chrome grille added to the standard equipment list. A
larger driver's door with a tip/slide driver's seat for easy access was
added in 1997 to LX and later, Limited models. It was offered as an
option on the GL. It helps rear seat entry, but was clearly a stop-gap
measure until the new '99 models arrived with dual sliding rear doors.
The GL interior is a pretty attractive
place to begin with, and the LX and Limited add slightly richer
materials and more standard gizmos. That pretty much holds true with the
exterior as well, with the biggest difference being standard cast
aluminum wheels on the LX and slightly larger tires.
For the introductory model year, only the
3.8 liter V6 was available, coupled with a 4spd automatic overdrive
transmission. Beginning in '96, the 3.8L V6 was standard on the LX and
optional on the GL. A 3.0 liter V6 became the standard powerplant on the
GL and subsequent base models.
Exterior Design
The Windstar broke no new ground in the
styling department. Clean and contemporary would best describe the look.
However, what was contemporary in '94 when the Windstar was introduced
looks somewhat frumpy today. It has not aged particularly well. To make
matters worse, it received a slight facelift for '97 that gave it a
larger grille opening for better cooling. It created a rather somber and
frumpy looking nose.
Interior
Things improve markedly here. A stylish,
integrated, and functional dash greets the driver. A full set of gauges
(on 3.8L equipped vans), logically positioned heating, ventilating and
air-conditioning controls, and convenient power assist controls are an
easy reach away. The rich-looking materials make for quality
presentation.
The stereo controls aren't the greatest
however, and the small buttons and knobs require too much attention to
use -- distracting the driver from the business of driving.
Thoughtful features abound, such as an
optional convex mirror that drops from the headliner so you can keep an
eye on the ruckus in the back, and available integrated child seats,
adding to the family-friendly environment. Fit and finish were excellent
on both the GL and the LX models we examined.
Room and Comfort
The Windstar's strong suits are its
convenient passenger and cargo room and its comfortable cabin. Besides
the already mentioned thoughtfulness of the interior design, the belts
and seating position are very comfortable, as are the seats themselves.
The third seat is rather limited in the leg room department, at least
for adults. Available power front seats offer an array of adjustment,
but are not really necessary to achieve a comfortable position. Seating
arrangements are typical for the class -- 2 front buckets, a middle and
rear bench or 4 buckets and a really heavy (over 100lbs) rear bench.
A tilt steering wheel was standard
equipment, except in the base model introduced in '97.
Many Windstars were equipped with a
center console between the two front seats. While handy for storage and
a great idea on paper, in the real world it often gets in the way --
it's harder to reach the screaming baby in the back!
Noise levels are very low, with road
noise especially well muffled. The LX model, with its extra sound
insulation was particularly quiet. During hard acceleration, however,
the engine note becomes rather obtrusive and it's not a particularly
pleasant on refined sound.
Ride/Handling/Performance
No surprises here - the Windstar's a
smooth, comfortable cruiser with average, but adequate, handling. The
ride conveys a solid, well-built feeling to its occupants. In fact, its
highway ride is still competitive with the newest generation of
mivinvans.
When pushed, the Windstar leans modestly
and the tires howl in protest, but it all remains safe and predictable.
There were no handling options available to firm things up, and the
suspension is the same in the base model right on through the Limited
model, so don't go looking for any suspension options or upgrades. A
heavy-duty suspension came with the optional towing package.
There were two engine choices. We
strongly recommend the larger 3.8L 200hp (155hp in 1995) engine. The
3.0L 145hp motor is barely adequate, most always working hard, making a
bunch of noise, and not moving the big Windstar with any confidence. One
local dealer we know wouldn't even order Windstars with the smaller
engine - he felt they were unsatisfactory. The torquey 3.8 liter V6
makes a big - no huge - difference. The 4-speed overdrive automatic
always shifts smoothly with both engines, but downshifts much more
frequently with the smaller mill.
On most Windstars, braking chores are
handled by the standard ABS equipped front disc/rear drum setup.
Performance was not exceptional, with some pronounced nose-dive, but
stops were straight and smooth.. The ABS pulsates strongly when engaged.
Safety
All Windstars have ABS brakes, dual front
airbags, and adjustable front safety belts. Traction control was an
option beginning in 1996 in combination with 4-wheel disc brakes. This
duo was only available on 3.8L V6 equipped vans.
The government crash tested a '97
Windstar and awarded it 5 stars for both the driver and the front
passenger -- an exceptional performance.
Reliability
Ford's usual weak point, transmissions, tend
to break sooner than, say, GM or Toyota models, but you should get to
100,000 miles before that becomes a factor. Our latest customer hotline
database search, however, shows an upturn in reports of earlier failures
for Ford transmissions. UPDATE 3/05/2000 -
Ford has announced a generous repair allowance and/or buyback program
for owners of 1995 Windstars with the 3.8 liter engine. Over
700,000 engines are believed to have faulty head gaskets. Ford
will reimburse for past repairs, replace the engine or buy the
car. Other models with this engine are also being
covered. Letters will be sent in March to owners outlining the
program. Contact Ford Motor Company
(or 800-392-3673) for details.
There also have been reports of excessive
engine temperatures on the '95 and '96 models. Get the vehicle up to
operating temperature and then let it idle for 10 minutes with the A/C
running. The temperature gauge shouldn't go over the two-thirds mark.
Windstars have had their fair share of
safety recalls, and while not indicative of overall reliability, you
should check to make sure the work was done.
There are also an unusually large number
of technical service bulletins (TSBs) associated with the Windstar, which is a sign of poor reliability. Most
appear to be information bulletins for dealers, or minor isolated issues
on a limited number of models, but the sheer number of them causes some
concern. Again, check the vehicle's history.
Service
Routine maintenance and service weigh in
below average for the Windstar. Helping in this department is the lack
of any timing belt to replace (both engines are overhead valve designs),
a stainless steel exhaust system, and below average prices for most
parts.
Recommendations
The
minivan segment is tough when it comes to picking a winner. All the
players have certain strengths and weakness. Some offer superior
reliability, others more features for the money, still others are downright
bargains. None are bad choices. We can't declare the Windstar the winner among these choices in any of the categories. We'd look
elsewhere.
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What
They Said When New |
| "The
S-shaped dashboard sweeping gradually into the door panels looks
like a design proposal for the Lincoln Mark
VIII."............ Road & Track 1994
"...Clean
lines, unruffled ride; a passenger-friendly motorized
den."....Car & Driver 1995
"Equally
reassuring was the well-fitted and attractive cabin, which
remained in excellent shape even after 36,980 miles. In spite of
it's hard use....the interior still looks
new."......Automobile 1995
"The
Windstar doesn't feel like a house on the road, though, and
perhaps the most pleasant surprise is how will it
drives."......Automobile 1995
"A fine
all-around performer -- but reliability continues to
disappoint.".........Consumer Reports 1997 |
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General
Specifications |
|
| General
Trim Levels: Base
('97 & '98), GL, LX, Limited ('98)
Body Styles: 3-dr
Van
Dimensions &
Capacities
Weight: 3750 -4000
lbs
Length: 201.2"
Wheelbase:
120.7"
Width: 75.4"
Height: 68"
EPA Class:
Specialty Van
Interior Vol: n/a
Trunk Vol : 22 cu
ft (w/3rd seat in place); 66.5 (w/3rd seat out); 144 cu ft. (max)
Fuel: 20 gallons
(25 on LX & Ltd.) |
Mechanical
Layout:
Front-engine, Front-wheel drive;
Engines: 3.0L
(6cyl-145/150hp) 3.8L (6cyl-155hp) (1995) 3.8L (6cyl-200hp)
(1996-1998)
Transmission:
4-speed automatic w/overdrive
Brakes: Front
disc/rear drum; front & rear disc available
Performance (3.8L-200hp)
0-60mph: 9.5
seconds 1/4 mile: 17.0 seconds Top Speed: 105 mph
EPA Mileage: 17/25
(city/hwy) (3.0L) 17/23 (city/hwy) (3.8L)
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Safety
ABS Brakes:
Standard
Air Bags: Dual
standard
NHTSA Safety
Rating:
Driver *****
Passenger *****
Overall:
Excellent
Key:
Best: ***** No or
minor injuries probable
Worst: * Serious
injury probable
IIHS 40 mph Crash
Rating:
Not tested
Original Warranty:
3yr/36,000 mile
bumper-to-bumper 6yr/unlimited miles corrosion |
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Running
Changes
|
| 1995:
New
model.
1996: 3.8
Liter V6 gets big power boost to 200hp along with a higher final
drive ratio; traction control with 4-wheel disc brakes optional;
GL model now has 3.0L V6 as base engine.
1997: New
front fascia; wider driver's door for easier rear seat entry;
new alloy wheels and exterior moldings; interior gets headrests
on second and third row seats; new entry-level base model
introduced.
1998: Base
3.0L V6 boosted to 150hp; carryover year - all new model arrived
for 1999. |
| Parts/Service
Costs |
Parts
Only |
Parts
& Labor |
| Accessory
belt(s) |
$30-$40 |
$50-$80 |
| Alternator
(new) |
$180-$410 |
$240-$390 |
| *Brakes
(pads only) Front |
$40-$60 |
$150-$190 |
| Rear |
$20-$40 |
$150-$190 |
| CV
Joints (outer ea.) |
$100-160 |
$225-325 |
| Exhaust
(full) |
$n/a |
$250-$350 |
| Headlamp
assembly |
$130 |
$200 |
| Struts-
Front (ea.) |
$50-$65 |
$90-140 |
| Tube
shocks-Rear (ea.) |
$50-$65 |
$90-$140 |
| Timing
belt |
$35-$45 |
$180-$150 |
| Water
pump |
$90-$175 |
$200-$300 |
|
Note:
Pricing comes from dealers, wholesale mail-order companies and
independent parts stores. Average labor rate computed at $50/hr.
Pricing can vary widely -
shop around.
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*Brakes include
turning rotors/pricing for front disc/rear drum setup
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Safety
Recalls
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| Number:
94V222000: Potential Number of Units Affected: 72000
Model Year: 1995:
Manufactured From: JAN 1994 To: JUN 1994
Year of Recall:
'94
Summary: THE
WIRING HARNESS INSULATION CAN ABRADE ON A BRACE THAT RUNS FROM
THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TO THE COWL. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND POSSIBLY A VEHICLE FIRE. DEALERS
WILL INSTALL A SHIELD ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TO COWL BRACE, AND
INSTALLATION OF A PIECE OF CONVOLUTE WRAP MATERIAL ON ONE OF THE
ADJACENT HARNESSES.
Number:
94V223000: Potential Number of Units Affected: 112000
Model Year: 1995:
Manufactured From: JAN 1994 To: SEP 1994
Year of Recall:
'94
Summary: THE
ALTERNATOR OUTPUT WIRE WAS NOT CONNECTED TIGHTLY TO THE POWER
DISTRIBUTION BOX. THIS CAN RESULT IN OVERHEATING OF THE
CONNECTION AND A POSSIBLE VEHICLE FIRE. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND
TIGHTEN THE CONNECTION. VEHICLES
WITH VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE PLASTIC POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX
HOUSING WILL HAVE THE UNDERHOOD HARNESS, INCLUDING THE POWER
DISTRIBUTION BOX, REPLACED.
Number:
95E006002: Potential Number of Units Affected: 8600
Model Year: 1995:
Manufactured From: JAN 1995 To: FEB 1995
Year of Recall:
'95
Summary: THE
PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG HAS AN INFLATOR BODY THAT CRACKED DURING
FORMING OF THE CURL THAT RETAINS THE IGNITER PLUG IN THE END OF
THE INFLATOR. ALSO THE IGNITER END CAP CAN SEPARATE FROM THE
INFLATOR. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT INFLATE PROPERLY
RESULTING IN REDUCED OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
IF THE IGNITER END CAP SEPARATES IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, HOT
GASES CAN BE RELEASED AND IGNITE FLAMMABLE MATERIAL OR CAUSE
BURN INJURIES. DEALERS
WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MODULE.
Number:
96V086000: Potential Number of Units Affected: 100000
Model Year: 1996:
Manufactured From: JUL 1995 To: OCT 1995
Year of Recall:
'96
Summary: THE
PARK PAWL SHAFT WAS IMPROPERLY POSITIONED WHEN THE ROLL PIN THAT
RETAINS IT WAS INSTALLED DURING TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY. IF THE
SHAFT WAS NOT PROPERLY POSITIONED, THE ROLL PIN MAY NOT HAVE
LINED UP WITH THE GROOVE IN THE SHAFT AND HAVE BEEN CRUSHED AT
ASSEMBLY. ALSO, A BURR COULD HAVE BEEN RAISED ON THE SHAFT. THIS
COULD RESULT IN THE PARK PAWL OCCASIONALLY
NOT ENGAGING WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN
THE PARK POSITION. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AS
IF IN NEUTRAL IF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR DOES NOT APPLY THE PARKING
BRAKE. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE
PARK PAWL SHAFT ROLL PIN. IF THE ROLL PIN IS DAMAGED, BOTH THE
ROLL PIN AND THE PARK PAWL SHAFT WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION,
OWNERS WILL BE REMINDED TO FULLY APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE, IN
ADDITION TO PLACING THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK.
Number:
96V114000: Potential Number of Units Affected: 200
Model Year: 1996:
Manufactured From: MAY 1996 To: MAY 1996
Year of Recall:
'96
Summary: THE
FOUR FASTENERS SECURING THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO THE FLOORPAN WERE
NOT TORQUED TO PROPER SPECIFICATIONS. THE DRIVER'S SEAT MAY NOT
PROPERLY HOLD IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT RESULTING IN
PERSONAL INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT. DEALERS
WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER'S SEAT FASTENERS AND RETORQUE TO PROPER
SPECIFICATIONS.
Number:
96V166000: Potential Number of Units Affected: 40000
Model Year: 1996:
Manufactured From: AUG 1996 To: AUG 1996
Year of Recall:
'96
Summary: The
park pawl abutment bracket has a sharp edge which can cause the
parking pawl to hand up and no engage the park gear. This would
allow the vehicle to move even though the gear shift indicator
shows that the vehicle is in park. Unintended and unexpected
vehicle movement can result in personal injury and property
damage. Dealers will inspect
and, if necessary, replace the park pawl abutment bracket.
Number:
97V051000: Potential Number of Units Affected: 202
Model Year: 1998:
Manufactured From: JAN 1997 To: JAN 1997
Year of Recall:
'97
Summary: Vehicle
Description: Minivan equipped with second row bench seats with
optional integrated child seat (ICS). The headrest lockout
mechanism on the seats may not engage and lock the headrests in
the "down" position, as intended, when the ICS is
deployed. A vehicle occupant could move the headrest to the
"up" position. As a result of the headrest being in
the "up" position, a child seated in the ICS would
receive less than the intended protection in the child head area
in the event of a crash. The
second row bench seats have been replaced with seats built with
revised headrest lockout mechanisms. Owner Notification: All
owners have been notified and the seats have been replaced in
the affected vehicles.
Number:
97V097000: Potential Number of Units Affected: 100000
Model Years:
1997-1998: Manufactured From: NOV 1996 To: MAR 1997
Year of Recall:
'97
Summary: Vehicle
Description: Passenger vehicles equipped with AX4S automatic
transaxles. The low/intermediate servo cover can separate from
the transaxle while the vehicle is being driven. If this occurs,
transmission fluid will leak contacting the catalytic converter.
The catalytic converter temperature may be hot enough to ignite
the transmission fluid and cause a vehicle fire. Dealers
will inspect the transmission and replace these servo covers.
Number:
97V165000/97V1650001: Potential Number of Units Affected:
2250/750
Model Year: 1998:
Manufactured From: SEP 1997 To: SEP 1997
Year of Recall:
'97
Summary: Vehicle
Description: Passenger Vehicles and Mini-Vans. The rack and
pinion steering gears may have damaged input shaft bearings.
This condition can increase steering efforts, affecting steering
control. Dealers will inspect the date code on the rack and
pinion steering gear, and, if
necessary, replace those rack and pinion assemblies that fall
within the suspect date code range. The date codes for Windstar
model vehicles are 97JC08; 97JC09 or 97JC08.
Number:
97V180000: Potential Number of Units Affected: 769000
Model Years:
1995-96: Manufactured From: JAN 1994 To: DEC 1995
Year of Recall:
'97
Summary: Vehicle
Description: Passenger vehicles and mini vans. Tearing of
the bond between the inner and outer hood panels during minor
front end collisions can result in a gap at the leading edge of
the hood. Air forced between the inner and outer panels can
produce enough pressure to force the outer panel upward. This
condition can result in total separation of the outer hood
panel. Dealers will inspect the hood area for any damage along
the leading edge of the hood. If
there is any evidence of bond separation, the hood will be
replaced. If there is no evidence of bond separation, additional
adhesive will be applied between the inner and outer hood
panels.
Number:
98I003000: Potential Number of Units Affected: 174000
Model Year: 1998:
Manufactured From: DEC 1996 To: MAY 1997
Year of Recall:
'98 |
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