Ford Windstar (1st generation)
Ford's front-wheel-drive answer to the Chrysler minivan dominance.
- Power
- 147 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 13.1 s
- Top speed
- 112 mph
- Est. value
- $600–$5k
About the Ford Windstar
Launched in March 1994 as an early 1995 model, the Windstar was Ford's first clean-sheet front-wheel-drive minivan, designed to compete directly with the segment-leading Chrysler Voyager. It sat on the DN5 platform shared with the Taurus, offering a more car-like driving experience and superior safety ratings compared to its predecessor, the Aerostar. The 3.0-litre Vulcan V6 was the entry-level engine, prioritising fuel economy over the more powerful 3.8-litre unit. While it lacked a driver-side sliding door until the second generation, its five-star crash test rating made it a popular choice for safety-conscious families in the mid-1990s.
Ford Windstar specs
The Ford Windstar produces 147 bhp (110 kW) and 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 13.1 seconds and has a top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h).
| Make | Ford |
|---|---|
| Model | Windstar |
| Generation | First Generation (1st generation) |
| Trim | 3.0 V6 |
| Years | 1994–1998 |
| Type | Van |
| Body style | Minivan |
| Country | United States |
| Original price | About $20,000 when new |
| Engine | 3.0-litre V6 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,986 cc (3.0 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 147 bhp (110 kW) at 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 5,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 13.1 s |
| Top speed | 112 mph (180 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,785 kg (3,935 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 82 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Ford Windstar worth?
A typical Ford Windstar is estimated to be worth $600 – $4,500 (about £447 – £3,400).
Its original price when new was about $20,000.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Ford Windstar rarity in CarSpot
The Ford Windstar is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 7 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Ford Windstar fun facts
- The Windstar was the first minivan to receive a five-star safety rating for both the driver and front passenger from the NHTSA.
- Despite being a new design, it initially lacked a driver-side sliding door, a feature Chrysler introduced shortly after the Windstar's launch.
- The 3.0-litre V6 engine used in the Windstar is the 'Vulcan' V6, a legendary workhorse also found in the Ford Taurus and Ranger.
