Chris of Cheseapeake VA writes (8/4/03):
In reference to the automan: I too own a 1996 Ford Windstar and had problems with the head gasket at 70,000 miles. After spending $2,000 on a head gasket job, I was able to get another 25,000 miles out the vehicle. The check engine light appeared yet again and I was told that I needed a new engine.
Stop making excuses for a bad product!
I took care of the vehicle by following the maintenance schedule but still had problems. Ford customer service was no help concerning the issue. As far as your comment regarding that an automobile owner cannot expect to get 100,000 miles out of any vehicle, I disagree. Before I wasted my money on the Windstar, I owned a Toyota van. It had 166,000 miles on it when I sold it and was a wonderful vehicle and I never had engine problems.
Ford is well aware of the problem but refuses to acknowledge them on vehicle models after 1995. I decided that it would be in my best interest to buy a family vehicle that I could rely on, so I purchased a Honda and I love it! The Ford Windstar is sitting in my driveway with a bad engine and I am still making payments on it. You've got to love the American automakers that are so concerned about the average American family. I have owned Toyota, Mazda, and Honda vehicles all of my life but decided to give American made vehicles a chance. BOY DID I MAKE A BAD DECISION!!!
