Re: 2002 windstar or taurus wagon?

Question

2002 windstar or taurus wagon?    Group:  Date: Mon, Jul 21, 2003, 12:53am (EDT+4) From:     (boss351) We're looking to buy a used Taurus wagon or a Windstar. We've looked atseveral other options and have pretty much narrowed it down to one ofthese two. My wife likes both of them, so I need to get some more infobefore making any descissions. Both are large enough for our family, butI some people on this list have some idea which one has a better servicerecord, resale, etc. Also, is the Vulcan or the Duratec engine more reliable? I want theDuratec for the extra hp, but I'm not sure if it's more prone tomechanical problems. Thanks, Brian

Andrew Rossmann · Accepted Answer

[This followup was posted to  and a copy was sent to the cited author.]  The Windstar has had transmission problems, even within the past few years. It's 3.8L engine has much higher torque, and the transmission is hard pressed to handle it. I believe it's the same transmission used in the Taurus/Sable, and has problems with the greater weight and power.  The Taurus/Sable don't seem to have any widespread transmission problems anymore. The peak was back in '92 or so with the 3.8L when they changed the forward clutch piston from steel to aluminum. Ford has made many changes, especially with a change back to steel in 2000.  Unless you need the towing capacity or the extra interior height, the Taurus/Sable sound more reliable, and would be cheaper, too.

Re: 2002 windstar or taurus wagon?

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