Against 419 other V6 cars rated 2001–2003, the Windstar sits right on their 18.8 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1995, the 3L 6-cyl (1995–1998), does 18.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.8L 6-cyl (1999–2003), 18: $57 a year apart.
Every Ford Windstar engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl | 15.5 / 23 | 1995–1998 | $2,076 | |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 16 / 21.4 | 1999–2003 | $2,133 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Kia Sedona gets 16 mpg, the Nissan Quest 18 mpg and the Chevrolet Venture 20 mpg, next to 18 mpg for the 2003 Windstar.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2003) | $0.178 |
| Fuel per year | $2,133 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,665 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2001–2003 | +$90 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,417 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2003 Ford Windstar gives up 6 mpg in town: 22 on the highway against 16 in the city, $655 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2003) | 16 mpg | $2,400 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 22 mpg | $1,745 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6 mpg (38%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Windstar changed over the years
The Windstar peaked in 1998 at 19 mpg (16 city, 23 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2003 at 18 — 1 mpg apart, or $112 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2003 car does 18.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2002 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2001 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2000 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1999 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1998 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1997 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1996 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1995 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
- Fuel profile built from your actual mileage and local prices
- Fuel tracker: what you really spend, month by month
- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
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How we count
This page rests on 9 EPA ratings of the Ford Windstar — 2 engines across 1995–2003. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,417. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2003 Ford Windstar get?
18 mpg combined, 16 city and 22 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1995 the Windstar has averaged 18.2 mpg.
Is the 2003 Windstar more efficient than the 2002?
About the same: 18 against 18 mpg combined.
Which Windstar year has the best gas mileage?
The 1998, at 19 mpg combined (16 city, 23 highway).
Does the Windstar get better gas mileage than the Kia Sedona?
Yes: 18 mpg for the 2003 Windstar against 16 for the 2004 Kia Sedona, about $267 a year less to run.
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