When was the last year they made the Ford Windstar?
The Ford Windstar was last produced as the 2003 model year.
The Windstar was Ford's family minivan introduced in the mid-1990s and produced through the early 2000s. After 2003, Ford shifted to a redesigned minivan named the Freestar for the 2004 model year, and the Windstar name was not continued in Ford's U.S. lineup.
Production timeline
The following timeline highlights the key transitions from Windstar to its successor.
- The last Windstar model year in the U.S. market was 2003.
- Ford introduced the Freestar as Windstar’s successor for the 2004 model year, with production continuing through 2007.
- Since 2003, the Windstar name has not been revived for Ford’s U.S. minivans.
In summary, the Windstar ended with the 2003 model year, and Ford’s minivan lineup moved on to the Freestar starting with 2004.
Historical context
The Windstar emerged in the mid-1990s as Ford’s front-wheel-drive minivan, aimed at competing in the growing family-van segment. After nearly a decade, Ford retired the Windstar nameplate in favor of the Freestar for the 2004 model year, signaling a new generation of design and features for the company’s minivan lineup.
Summary
The last year Ford produced the Windstar was 2003. The following model year saw the introduction of the Freestar (2004–2007) as Windstar’s replacement, and the Windstar name has not reappeared in Ford’s U.S. minivan lineup since then.
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.
Is it expensive to maintain a Windstar?
The estimated cost to maintain and repair a Ford Windstar ranges from $105 to $2695, with an average of $328.
Which Ford minivan is the most reliable?
Ford Transit
The Ford Transit emerges as the most reliable van for the majority of users, combining dependable mechanics with exceptional service accessibility.
Why did Ford stop making the Windstar?
The Ford Windstar was discontinued due to a combination of factors, primarily reliability issues and a significant drop in customer demand. The van was plagued by numerous recalls, including serious concerns about its rear axle and transmission, which damaged its reputation. Despite a redesign into the Ford Freestar, sales continued to decline, and the minivan market ultimately lost ground to three-row SUVs, leading to the discontinuation of the vehicle line.
Reliability and safety concerns
- Rear axle and transmission: The Windstar had a history of severe problems, including a high-profile recall for rear axle failures, often caused by corrosion in rust-belt states. The transmission was also prone to failure, especially with the 3.8L engine, because it was not designed to handle the vehicle's weight.
- Other issues: Other problems reported included a faulty head gasket on early models, electrical glitches, and issues with its sliding door and child-restraint systems.
Declining sales and market shift
- Reputation damage: The numerous recalls and reliability complaints severely damaged the Windstar's reputation, causing sales to drop significantly.
- Lack of updates: The vehicle was left without major updates for several years, allowing competitors to gain an advantage.
- Market shift to SUVs: By the time of the redesign and rebranding as the Freestar, the overall popularity of minivans was declining as customers increasingly preferred three-row crossover SUVs.
Final discontinuation
- Freestar failure: The redesigned Freestar was not able to reverse the downward trend in sales.
- End of the line: The Freestar was ultimately discontinued after the 2007 model year due to poor customer demand.
