Please! Whoever reads this do not EVER consider buying this vehicle of any year. A coworker bought this same vehicle new and has had the same experiences AND replaced the transmission last year. We bought this used and did of course anticipate that there will be problems along the way. This thing has left me stranded/broke down every few months since the day I bought it. I have two payments left and just found out yesterday that I might as well junk it. I have continuously dumped hundreds into it and have still not caught up with all the repairs, including the air conditioning that crapped out three months after purchase. It is due for inspection. The "new" repairs far exceed 4000 dollars, which does not include the motor mounts that need replaced.

A bit of a rundown, Recently paid for and had fixed: new front brake lines (lost brakes recently), replaced rack and pinion that broke, new starter, new alternator, antilock module(800.00),power steering hose(236.00), body/rust repair was done for this anticipated inspection, fuel pump replaced, front end alignment, hood latch replaced(probably from opening and closing hood so many times!!)

Repairs needed now: Air conditioner broken, intake manifold gasket, gasket/oil cooling pan leaking(950.00 estimate), tensioner needs replaced,Loud constant squealing!(135.00 estimate), both front control arms need replaced, it leaks oil AND antifreeze now, which is a new symptom, both rear brake cylinders need replaced, engine mounts rusted out need replaced, door ajar sensor malfunctions, rear wiper not working now(new), automatic lock does not work on rear hatch, drivers side window wont open, needs recall repair on the speed sensor which could result in fire even when parked( I could not get that lucky), there is a new hissing sound that you can hear now too when driving that is very loud.

Simply put, I have no choice but to junk it...count my losses...I am sick to my stomach and now must go out there and try to find another car...I am scared to death and scarred for life.

The check engine light came on, so I had a mechanic test it. He said the oxygen censors went out (2 of them). He fixed them and the light came back on. I took it back to him and he says the other 2 censors are out. So we fixed them. Each censor cost around $70.00.

It passed inspection and we drove it about 75 miles and the check engine light came back on. we took it back to the mechanic and he says it's the oxygen censors. Replaced them again ( under warranty). Ended up replacing all 4 again. Every time we replace them they go bad. This has been going on now for about 5 years now and the engine block cracked.

I will never buy another ford vehicle.

this light has been coming of and off for three years. each time 300-400 to have it come on again with a different reason. this last time the car did not pass smog again because of light. had BAR help pay for the problem #3 #4 misfire. the mechanic billed the bar government help 480.00 to basic change the spark plugs. two days later the light is back on. took car back to him. this time he says it says that a router (not sure if thats the right word) is sticking occasionally which will turn the light on again. and would gladly take 80 for reevaluation and then 200-300 to fix this supposedly new problem. needless to say i did not have the money. the light goes on and off daily. but runs ok. only when the light flashes does the engine seem to loose power, then kicks back in. does anyone know if this is something i need to get fixed, and did this mechanic just take me and the government for a ride.

This is not the first time I had this problem with the windstar. I would have to ask for a print out from the dealer to give the exact dates and costs. I have been given reasons from a module problem to a switch and bulb problem. The last time this was fixed (about 3 or 4 months ago) I had to take it to the dealer twice because the light came on right after it was "fixed". The excuse to my best recollection for the replay was that "the diagnostic (which cost about $80) can't catch everything" so that's why this other problem existed and it wasn't found the first time. Oh and am I not paying also for their so called expert technician service?? It seems to me that there should be no charge for causing a customer to return again FOR THE SAME PROBLEM and what a lame excuse!!!! One time (about 2 years ago) this "engine light" problems cost me about $650-700!!! My mood changes immediately when that light comes on because I know my money will roll out of my pocket in the hundreds!!! I am totally furious with Ford about this, because on 12/24/04 that engine light came on again!! Now what's it going to cost to fix it? I know one thing, I will not buy another Ford product!!!