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Is the Ford Windstar FWD or RWD?

The Ford Windstar is a front-wheel-drive (FWD) minivan. It was produced by Ford Motor Company from the 1995 to 2003 model years as a replacement for the Ford Aerostar.

Detailed Explanation

The Ford Windstar was designed and engineered as a front-wheel-drive vehicle, which means the engine's power is delivered to the front wheels rather than the rear wheels. This configuration is common for minivans and other family-oriented vehicles, as it provides better traction and handling characteristics, especially in inclement weather conditions.

Front-wheel-drive vehicles typically have a more compact and efficient layout, with the engine and transmission located in the front of the vehicle, directly driving the front wheels. This design allows for more interior space and a lower floor, which is beneficial for a minivan intended to transport passengers and cargo.

In contrast, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicles have the engine and transmission located in the front, but the power is delivered to the rear wheels. RWD is more common in performance-oriented vehicles, such as sports cars and some larger SUVs, as it can provide better weight distribution and handling characteristics at the expense of interior space and efficiency.

The Ford Windstar was never offered with a rear-wheel-drive configuration. It was exclusively available as a front-wheel-drive minivan throughout its production run, which was a common design choice for the segment at the time.

What were common Ford Windstar problems?

Top Ford Windstar Problems

Vacuum Leaks From Intake Area Causing Lean Condition.
Knocking Noise Due to Broken Intake Runner.
Ford Windstar ABS light and electrical issues with flashing interior lights and door lock malfunctio...
Engine Oil Pan Gasket May Leak.
Warped Front Brake Rotors Can Cause Steering Wheel Shimmy.

Are Ford Fiestas FWD or RWD?

The Ford Fiesta is a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle, and it has been designed this way throughout its history. While some custom or one-off modified versions may exist with different drivetrains, all standard production models have been FWD.

This video shows a custom-built rear-wheel drive Ford Fiesta: 57sTwin Engine CorsaYouTube · Apr 15, 2025

Standard Drivetrain: All factory-produced Ford Fiestas are front-wheel drive (FWD).
Historical Context: The Fiesta is known as Ford's first globally successful front-wheel-drive model.
Model Variations: This applies to all trim levels, including the sporty ST models, as well as the sedan and hatchback versions.
Custom Builds: While rare and not representative of the standard model, some custom or one-off builds may feature different drivetrains.

This video is a review of the Ford Fiesta ST, which is a front-wheel drive model: 57sIt's JoelYouTube · Jun 17, 2020

How much is a 2001 Windstar worth?

2001 Ford Windstar Value - $616-$3,469 | Edmunds.

Is the Ford Windstar AWD?

Chassis specification. The first generation Ford Windstar is codenamed WIN88, sharing the front-wheel drive DN5 platform with the first-generation Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.