I used to hate my Windstar. I bought it used from a Ford dealer. I thought I'd be better protected. I was, a little. But the Ford of the 90's took lousy care of me, and lost me as a customer for life. Even if the company is better now, I'll never buy another Ford.

My problems were the usual. My head gasket blew, like they all do, and Ford would not cover me, despite its recall for this very problem. It was absolutely infuriating. Other problems that recurred were the starter (repaired poorly and repeatedly by the dealer service center, which would not honor its own warranty.) Transmission problems. I grew to hate this car. It was my only car for a while.

Then I got a newer sedan for my main use, and kept the Windstar for hauling large loads, which I do fairly often. Since the Windstar became a car for occasional use rather than daily use and long drives, the problems have stopped almost completely. It now has 185,000 miles, and it is quite some time since it needed any serious repair.

Perhaps this means that I and my mechanics have finally replaced all the defective elements that Ford installed at the factory? I don't know. But driving it just a few thousand miles a year, I actually have come to trust this vehicle again. I would never buy another one, but my perseverance with this vehicle does seem to have paid off.

I will never, ever buy another Ford. Anyone can build a lemon. What separates car companies is how they handle the problem. Ford stonewalled me and sure, saved themselves a few thousand bucks. But that was stupid of them. It's bad enough I'll never buy one of their vehicles again, but I've told my story to lots of people, who also avoid Fords as a result of my experience.

In the meantime, I'll drive this car until it croaks. It owes me.
Amount Paid (US$): 15,000
Condition: Used
Model Year: 1995
Model and Options: LX, upgraded audio, V6 engine