Ford Windstar FWD Wagon
18 MPG The 2003 Ford Windstar FWD Wagon is EPA-rated at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 22 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 833 gallons, $2667 a year in fuel, or $0.178 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1995–2003 run it averages 17.8 MPG, essentially flat across 9 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.139 | $1389 | $2083 | $2778 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.178 | $1778 | $2667 | $3556 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.194 | $1944 | $2917 | $3889 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.222 | $2222 | $3333 | $4444 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.278 | $2778 | $4167 | $5556 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
| 2002 | 18 MPG | 16 | 21 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
| 2001 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
| 2000 | 17 MPG | 15 | 21 | $3650 | 523 | 2 |
| 1999 | 17 MPG | 15 | 21 | $3650 | 523 | 2 |
| 1998 | 18.5 MPG | 16 | 22.5 | $3375 | 481 | 2 |
| 1997 | 17.5 MPG | 15 | 22 | $3550 | 508 | 2 |
| 1996 | 18 MPG | 15 | 22.5 | $3450 | 494 | 2 |
| 1995 | 18.5 MPG | 15.5 | 22.5 | $3375 | 481 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 20 minivan - 2wd models tracked here, the Ford Windstar FWD Wagon ranks 18 on current figures, against a class average of 21.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chrysler Town and Country/Voyager/Grand Voy. 2WD (18.5), Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan 2WD (18.5), Chevrolet Venture FWD (19), Chrysler Town and Country (20), Dodge Grand Caravan (20).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 494 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.4 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Ford Windstar FWD Wagon get?
The 2003 Ford Windstar FWD Wagon is rated at 18 MPG combined by the EPA — 16 city and 22 highway. Across all 9 model years in the database it averages 17.8 MPG, ranging from 17 to 19 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Ford Windstar FWD Wagon cost in fuel per year?
At 18 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 833 gallons — roughly $2667 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.178 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2003 model is $3450.
Has the Ford Windstar FWD Wagon become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 18 MPG today against 18.5 in 1995 — essentially flat across 9 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Ford Windstar FWD Wagon efficient for its class?
It ranks 18 of 20 in the Minivan - 2WD class on current figures, against a class average of 21.5 MPG. That is 3.5 worse than typical for the class.
Compare with similar models
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.