The van started stuttering, especially when speeding up and climbing hills around town and on the hi-way. At the beginning it was a nuisance, but the more that I drove it became a pain in the ass. Took it down to my local Ford dealership to have it taken a look at. The guy quoted me a damn price of over $2000 to fix the problem. I just stared the guy down and told him that there is NO way that I could afford to fix it and I drove off. I'm a grad student and don't have that kind of money to pay for the $1000 part and over $1000 in labor. I mean what the hell! Getting damn tired of owning TWO ford vehicles, might be time to switch to a Chevy.

Problem was engine shuddering while warming up, but ran fine once warm. Part of TSB repair for defective Lower Intake Manifold Isolator bolts and gasket. I fixed this myself thanks the extensive help at http://leckemby.net/windstar/windstar01.html. Engine runs fine post repair and mpg went up 5%. As other have noted, this van is not the most durable- our's has had extensive repairs under warranty (A/C compressor, Alternator, side mirror motor, driver's window motor, power steering unit, flickering dome light, and VCR unit were all replaced/fixed).