Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Ford Windstar shopping experience:

1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Ford Windstar offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Ford Windstar at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.

2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about

3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Ford Windstar? Wrong! If the Ford Windstar is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.

4. Questions - Got a question about Ford Windstar then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....

5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Ford Windstar? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Ford Windstar and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.

6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Ford Windstar wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.

7. Feedback - happy with your Ford Windstar then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.

8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Ford Windstar site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site

9. Contact - got a question about Ford Windstar, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.

10. Payment - ready to pay for your Ford Windstar, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.

{{Infobox Automobile|name=Ford Windstar|image=|manufacturer=Ford Motor Company|production=1995-2003|assembly=[Oakville, Ontario|successor=[Ford Freestar|designer=[Moray Callum-->{{Infobox Automobile generation]|engine=3.0 L Ford Vulcan V6 engine V6
3.8 L Ford Essex V6 engine (Canadian) V6Author: Bill Russ. " New Car Review 1995 FORD WINDSTAR GL MINIVAN". Publication: The Auto Channel. Date Retrieved [August 19/06. Author: John Lowell. " Light trucks: the hottest segment - light truck market trends and new products for 1994 - Industry Overview". Publication: Look Smart. Date Retrieved August 27/06. "4-Wheel Drive / Offroading" on about.com
Lincoln Continental
Mercury Sable|width=1995-96:
1997-98: |height=1995-96:
1997-98 Cargo:
1997-98: |weight=3800 lb|transmission=4-speed [automatic transmission AX4S-->{{Infobox Automobile generation]
3-door minivan [V6
3.8 L Ford Essex V6 engine (Canadian) V6|wheelbase=|length=
2001-03 Base/LX/SE/SEL/Limited: |width=
2001-03 Cargo: |height=
Cargo:
1999-2000 SE/SEL: |transmission=4-speed automatic [AX4S AX4N-->The Ford Windstar was a minivan produced and sold by the Ford Motor Company from March 1994 (for the 1995 model year) to 2003. The new front-wheel drive minivan would eventually replace Ford's aging rear-wheel drive Ford Aerostar minivan. The two ran concurrently for three model years until the Aerostar's demise in 1997. For the 2004 model year, it was replaced by the Ford Freestar. All Windstars were built in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.

It was available with 3.0 L and 3.8 L V6 engines. The smaller 3.0 L engine was discontinued with the 2000 model year.

When the Windstar premiered in 1994, the only available engine was the Taurus/Sable's 3.8 L V6 which produced just 155 hp (116 Watt) but 220 Foot-pound force of torque. The engine was susceptible to head gasket failures, like in the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable; however, the Windstar's problem was exacerbated by an even tighter Internal combustion engine bay and higher loads, the van being 700 Pound (mass) heavier. Only a base model was available for the first year, but a more luxurious model followed for 1996. This year, the 3.0 Liter 150 Horsepower (112 kW) Ford Vulcan V6 engine V6 was made the base engine, with the 3.8 L engine upgraded to 200 hp (149 kW). The engine also received better head gaskets. Unfortunately Windstars suffered from very poor Transmission (mechanics), which often failed. There was originally a design problem with an internal part which broke, and supposedly the later replacement part was corrected. However, many owners have reported multiple transmission failures on vehicles with only normal use. The Windstar automatic transmission has a very unusual shift characteristic which is difficult for many drivers to become accustomed to, and it constantly hunts between drive and overdrive at normal traffic speeds around 40 Miles per hour. Undoubtedly this flaw contributes to the failure of the transmission.

During its years on the market, the Windstar received two major design alterations. The last model year of its first generation, 1998, featured a slightly altered grill and headlights along with the rear blue oval "Ford" badge moved to the center of the tailgate above the license plate, rather than the opposite side of the Windstar badge. In 1999, the vehicle was redesigned, making it look more modern and sporty. The grille was also changed into a grid array and the B-pillars were hidden. In 2001, Ford refreshed the Windstar once again by changing the grille, using a tighter array of smaller rectangles.

Image:01-03 Ford Windstar Limited.jpg]. Although Ford claims the Freestar is "all new", it is essentially an updated Windstar.

Trivia

• For the 1998 model year, Ford added an extension of 6 inches to the driver's side door to allow easier access to the middle and rear seats. This was done because with the current bodyshell, it was not possible to create a driver's side sliding door, which was introduced by its competitor Nissan in 1984 with the Nissan Prairie and standardized in 1996 with the redesigned Chrysler minivans.
• When the Windstar was redesigned for 1999, provisions were made for the driver's side sliding door (an option until 2001).
• The television series How it's Made featured on how to build cars such as this one built in the factory.

External links References



{{Infobox Automobile|name=Ford Windstar|image=|manufacturer=Ford Motor Company|production=1995-2003|assembly=[Oakville, Ontario|successor=[Ford Freestar|designer=[Moray Callum-->{{Infobox Automobile generation]|engine=3.0 L Ford Vulcan V6 engine V6
3.8 L Ford Essex V6 engine (Canadian) V6Author: Bill Russ. " New Car Review 1995 FORD WINDSTAR GL MINIVAN". Publication: The Auto Channel. Date Retrieved [August 19/06. Author: John Lowell. " Light trucks: the hottest segment - light truck market trends and new products for 1994 - Industry Overview". Publication: Look Smart. Date Retrieved August 27/06. "4-Wheel Drive / Offroading" on about.com
Lincoln Continental
Mercury Sable|width=1995-96:
1997-98: |height=1995-96:
1997-98 Cargo:
1997-98: |weight=3800 lb|transmission=4-speed [automatic transmission AX4S-->{{Infobox Automobile generation]
3-door minivan [V6
3.8 L Ford Essex V6 engine (Canadian) V6|wheelbase=|length=
2001-03 Base/LX/SE/SEL/Limited: |width=
2001-03 Cargo: |height=
Cargo:
1999-2000 SE/SEL: |transmission=4-speed automatic [AX4S AX4N-->The Ford Windstar was a minivan produced and sold by the Ford Motor Company from March 1994 (for the 1995 model year) to 2003. The new front-wheel drive minivan would eventually replace Ford's aging rear-wheel drive Ford Aerostar minivan. The two ran concurrently for three model years until the Aerostar's demise in 1997. For the 2004 model year, it was replaced by the Ford Freestar. All Windstars were built in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.

It was available with 3.0 L and 3.8 L V6 engines. The smaller 3.0 L engine was discontinued with the 2000 model year.

When the Windstar premiered in 1994, the only available engine was the Taurus/Sable's 3.8 L V6 which produced just 155 hp (116 Watt) but 220 Foot-pound force of torque. The engine was susceptible to head gasket failures, like in the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable; however, the Windstar's problem was exacerbated by an even tighter Internal combustion engine bay and higher loads, the van being 700 Pound (mass) heavier. Only a base model was available for the first year, but a more luxurious model followed for 1996. This year, the 3.0 Liter 150 Horsepower (112 kW) Ford Vulcan V6 engine V6 was made the base engine, with the 3.8 L engine upgraded to 200 hp (149 kW). The engine also received better head gaskets. Unfortunately Windstars suffered from very poor Transmission (mechanics), which often failed. There was originally a design problem with an internal part which broke, and supposedly the later replacement part was corrected. However, many owners have reported multiple transmission failures on vehicles with only normal use. The Windstar automatic transmission has a very unusual shift characteristic which is difficult for many drivers to become accustomed to, and it constantly hunts between drive and overdrive at normal traffic speeds around 40 Miles per hour. Undoubtedly this flaw contributes to the failure of the transmission.

During its years on the market, the Windstar received two major design alterations. The last model year of its first generation, 1998, featured a slightly altered grill and headlights along with the rear blue oval "Ford" badge moved to the center of the tailgate above the license plate, rather than the opposite side of the Windstar badge. In 1999, the vehicle was redesigned, making it look more modern and sporty. The grille was also changed into a grid array and the B-pillars were hidden. In 2001, Ford refreshed the Windstar once again by changing the grille, using a tighter array of smaller rectangles.

Image:01-03 Ford Windstar Limited.jpg]. Although Ford claims the Freestar is "all new", it is essentially an updated Windstar.

Trivia

• For the 1998 model year, Ford added an extension of 6 inches to the driver's side door to allow easier access to the middle and rear seats. This was done because with the current bodyshell, it was not possible to create a driver's side sliding door, which was introduced by its competitor Nissan in 1984 with the Nissan Prairie and standardized in 1996 with the redesigned Chrysler minivans.
• When the Windstar was redesigned for 1999, provisions were made for the driver's side sliding door (an option until 2001).
• The television series How it's Made featured on how to build cars such as this one built in the factory.

External links References