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Ford Windstar 1995-2003

1995–2003 · DN5 (1st gen) / MV1 (2nd gen) · van

Front-wheel-drive minivan built to take on the Chrysler minivans. First generation (1995-1998) on the DN5 platform; second generation (1999-2003) on the MV1 platform with a 5-door layout (sliding doors on both sides from 1999). Engine options across the run: 3.0L Vulcan V6 (early base), 3.8L Essex V6 (volume engine). 4-speed automatic throughout. Replaced by the rebadged Freestar for 2004.

Watch out: The August 2010 NHTSA recall of roughly 575,000 1998-2003 Windstars for rear-axle corrosion (the axle could fracture in salt-belt states) is the defining issue - Ford's remedy varied from inspection to outright buyback depending on severity. Subframe corrosion is a related salt-belt concern. The 3.8L Essex V6 has well-documented head-gasket failures (a generational issue across many Ford 3.8L applications). 4-speed automatic transmissions are also flagged for early failure if fluid service is neglected.