Ford Windstar: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Ford Windstar choice comes down to two generations and three distinct performance levels. The first-generation minivan, produced from 1994 to 1998, offers 3.0 AT and 3.8 AT versions with outputs from 152 to 203 hp. The second generation, produced from 1998 to 2003, adds a 147 hp 3.0 AT alongside 152 hp 3.0 AT and 203 hp 3.8 AT alternatives.
The Ford Windstar choice comes down to two generations and three distinct performance levels. The first-generation minivan, produced from 1994 to 1998, offers 3.0 AT and 3.8 AT versions with outputs from 152 to 203 hp. The second generation, produced from 1998 to 2003, adds a 147 hp 3.0 AT alongside 152 hp 3.0 AT and 203 hp 3.8 AT alternatives. Every listed Windstar has a Gasoline engine, a 4-speed Automatic gearbox and FWD. On the available figures, the second-generation 3.8 AT is the performance choice; the first-generation 3.0 AT is the lowest-consumption option; and the second-generation 3.0 AT with 152 hp is the strongest all-round alternative when a 3.0-litre engine is preferred.
Ford Windstar generations compared
The first-generation Ford Windstar covers 1994–1998 and is a Minivan with three listed versions. These are the 3.8 AT with 157 hp, the 3.8 AT with 203 hp and the 3.0 AT with 152 hp. All three use naturally aspirated, front-transverse, V-shaped 6-cylinder Gasoline engines with 2 valves per cylinder and Distributed injection (multi-point).
The second-generation Ford Windstar covers 1998–2003 and is also a Minivan with three listed versions. Its range consists of two separate 3.0 AT versions—one with 147 hp and another with 152 hp—and a 3.8 AT with 203 hp. Their shared specification remains a naturally aspirated, front-transverse, V-shaped 6-cylinder Gasoline engine with 2 valves per cylinder and Distributed injection (multi-point).
The clearest generational change in the supplied specifications is capacity rather than a uniform improvement in every measurement. Tank volume rises from 76 litres in every first-generation version to 98 litres in every second-generation version, a gain of 22 litres. Kerb weight ranges from 1,692 to 1,720 kg in the first generation and from 1,700 to 1,785 kg in the second. Performance and consumption must therefore be compared version by version.
Ford Windstar engine options and specs
| Generation and exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994–1998 3.8 AT, 157 hp | 157 hp (115 kW) at 4,000 rpm | 298 Nm at 3,000 rpm | 3,797 cc | 92 | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 1994–1998 3.8 AT, 203 hp | 203 hp (149 kW) at 5,000 rpm | 312 Nm at 3,000 rpm | 3,797 cc | 92 | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 1994–1998 3.0 AT, 152 hp | 152 hp (112 kW) at 5,000 rpm | 231 Nm at 3,250 rpm | 2,986 cc | 95 | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 1998–2003 3.0 AT, 147 hp | 147 hp (108 kW) at 5,000 rpm | 253 Nm at 3,650 rpm | 2,986 cc | 95 | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 1998–2003 3.0 AT, 152 hp | 152 hp (112 kW) at 5,000 rpm | 252 Nm at 3,750 rpm | 2,986 cc | 95 | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 1998–2003 3.8 AT, 203 hp | 203 hp (149 kW) at 5,000 rpm | 326 Nm at 3,600 rpm | 3,813 cc | 92 | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
Among the 3.0 AT choices, the first-generation 152 hp version produces about 50.9 hp per litre. The second-generation versions produce about 49.2 hp per litre with 147 hp and 50.9 hp per litre with 152 hp. The later 152 hp 3.0 AT also raises torque from the earlier version’s 231 Nm to 252 Nm, an increase of 21 Nm, although its torque peak moves from 3,250 to 3,750 rpm.
The two 203 hp 3.8 AT versions each deliver about 53.5 hp per litre. The second-generation version has 326 Nm, 14 Nm more than the first-generation 203 hp version’s 312 Nm. Compared with the first-generation 157 hp 3.8 AT, either 203 hp alternative provides 46 additional horsepower. The later 203 hp engine also has 28 Nm more torque than that 157 hp version.
Ford Windstar performance and fuel economy
| Generation and exact version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994–1998 3.8 AT, 157 hp | not measured | 165 km/h | 13.8 L/100 km | 9.8 L/100 km | 11.8 L/100 km |
| 1994–1998 3.8 AT, 203 hp | not measured | not measured | 13.8 L/100 km | 10.2 L/100 km | 11.8 L/100 km |
| 1994–1998 3.0 AT, 152 hp | 13.5 seconds | 180 km/h | 13.8 L/100 km | 9.4 L/100 km | 11.8 L/100 km |
| 1998–2003 3.0 AT, 147 hp | 12.6 seconds | 168 km/h | 18.3 L/100 km | 10.4 L/100 km | 13.2 L/100 km |
| 1998–2003 3.0 AT, 152 hp | 13.5 seconds | 180 km/h | 13.8 L/100 km | 9.2 L/100 km | 12.4 L/100 km |
| 1998–2003 3.8 AT, 203 hp | 10 seconds | 177 km/h | 13.8 L/100 km | 10.2 L/100 km | 12.4 L/100 km |
The second-generation 3.8 AT is the quickest version with a measured acceleration result: its 10-second time is 3.5 seconds faster than either measured 152 hp 3.0 AT. Its 12.4 L/100 km combined consumption matches the second-generation 152 hp 3.0 AT, while offering 51 hp and 74 Nm more.
The second-generation 147 hp 3.0 AT is less persuasive on the supplied economy figures. It uses 18.3 L/100 km in the city, 4.5 L/100 km more than every other listed version, and its 13.2 L/100 km combined figure is the highest in the range. Although its measured 12.6-second acceleration is 0.9 seconds quicker than the two measured 152 hp 3.0 AT versions, its top speed is 168 km/h rather than 180 km/h.
All first-generation versions return 11.8 L/100 km combined, the lowest supplied combined figure. For highway driving, the first-generation 3.0 AT with 152 hp records 9.4 L/100 km, but the second-generation 3.0 AT with 152 hp is lower still at 9.2 L/100 km. This makes the later 152 hp 3.0 AT the highway-economy leader in the available data, even though its 12.4 L/100 km combined consumption is 0.6 L/100 km higher than the earlier version’s result.
Ford Windstar weight, clearance and tank specs
| Generation and exact version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Fuel tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994–1998 3.8 AT, 157 hp | 1,693 kg | 2,385 kg | 150 mm | 76 L | not measured |
| 1994–1998 3.8 AT, 203 hp | 1,720 kg | 2,400 kg | 150 mm | 76 L | not measured |
| 1994–1998 3.0 AT, 152 hp | 1,692 kg | 2,385 kg | 150 mm | 76 L | not measured |
| 1998–2003 3.0 AT, 147 hp | 1,785 kg | 2,381 kg | 150 mm | 98 L | not measured |
| 1998–2003 3.0 AT, 152 hp | 1,700 kg | 2,500 kg | 150 mm | 98 L | not measured |
| 1998–2003 3.8 AT, 203 hp | 1,730 kg | 2,460 kg | not measured | 98 L | not measured |
Exterior length, overall width and height, passenger-compartment dimensions, and cargo dimensions are not measured in the supplied data. Wheel sizes are also not measured for any version.
Weight per horsepower highlights the difference between the engines. The first-generation 3.8 AT with 157 hp carries about 10.8 kg per hp, while the first-generation 203 hp 3.8 AT improves that to about 8.5 kg per hp. The first-generation 152 hp 3.0 AT has about 11.1 kg per hp.
In the second generation, the 147 hp 3.0 AT has about 12.1 kg per hp, the least favourable ratio of the listed versions. The 152 hp 3.0 AT has about 11.2 kg per hp, while the 203 hp 3.8 AT reaches about 8.5 kg per hp. The later 3.8 AT weighs only 30 kg more than the later 152 hp 3.0 AT but provides 51 additional horsepower.
All versions use Independent, spring suspension at both ends and Ventilated disc front brakes. Rear brakes are Drum on every first-generation version and on the second-generation 152 hp 3.0 AT. The second-generation 147 hp 3.0 AT and 203 hp 3.8 AT have Disc rear brakes.
Which Ford Windstar version should you buy?
Choose the 1998–2003 3.8 AT with 203 hp when measured acceleration and power-to-weight performance matter most. It combines 203 hp, 326 Nm and a 10-second 0–100 km/h result with about 8.5 kg per hp. Its combined consumption is 12.4 L/100 km—the same figure as the later 152 hp 3.0 AT—and its kerb weight is only 30 kg greater. Ground clearance is not measured for this version.
Choose the 1994–1998 3.0 AT with 152 hp when the priority is the lowest supplied combined consumption with a fully measured acceleration and top-speed result. It records 11.8 L/100 km combined, reaches 100 km/h in 13.5 seconds and has a top speed of 180 km/h. Its 1,692 kg kerb weight is also the lowest listed, although its 76-litre tank is 22 litres smaller than those of second-generation versions.
Choose the 1998–2003 3.0 AT with 152 hp for the most balanced 3.0-litre specification. Against the first-generation 152 hp 3.0 AT, it keeps the same power, acceleration and top speed, adds 21 Nm of torque and reduces highway consumption by 0.2 L/100 km. In exchange, combined consumption increases by 0.6 L/100 km, kerb weight rises by 8 kg and the tank grows by 22 litres.
The 1994–1998 3.8 AT with 203 hp offers the same 203 hp as the later performance version while using 11.8 L/100 km combined, 0.6 L/100 km less. However, its acceleration and top speed are not measured, so the supplied data cannot show whether it matches the later 3.8 AT in road performance.
The 1994–1998 3.8 AT with 157 hp suits a buyer who wants 298 Nm at 3,000 rpm and the first generation’s 11.8 L/100 km combined figure without selecting the 203 hp tune. Its 0–100 km/h result is not measured, and it gives up 46 hp and 14 Nm to the first-generation 203 hp 3.8 AT while weighing only 27 kg less.
Finally, the 1998–2003 3.0 AT with 147 hp has a measured 12.6-second acceleration result and Disc rear brakes, but it combines the highest kerb weight, the weakest weight-to-power ratio and the highest city and combined consumption figures. Based strictly on the catalogue numbers, the later 152 hp 3.0 AT or 203 hp 3.8 AT presents a stronger numerical case unless the 147 hp version’s specific braking configuration is the deciding requirement.