Apologies if I've posted a thread like this before, but I looked and didn't see one. Please post the following so that this thread serves as a "data" thread instead of discussion. I am curious because of the long standing problems I'm having. ConsumerGuideAuto (http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/1995-to-1998-ford-windstar-6.htm) observes 15.9mpg for the 95-98 models 3.8L engines. I'm beginning to wonder if because of this that maybe I have nothing wrong with my van at all, though it sure seems like it at 17mpg hwy and 9-10mpg city.

If ya'll wanna discuss come on over to my current house here: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=5875112#post5875112

If ya'll go to my thread, honestly I'd really like to know what separates the Windstars that get 17hwy/10city as opposed to 23hwy/17city - Something is definitely wrong here cause in the posts I've seen that seems to be the divide.

Please post your MPG info in the following format:

Year / Engine Size / Hwy MPG / City MPG / Average Hwy Speed / Miles per TANK (down to E or if you can figure it out ACCURATELY)
1995 / 3.8L / 17 mpg / 10 mpg / 65-80 / 400 about

*Please make sure your numbers are based on:
Miles driven DIVIDED by Gallons (according to the pump) filled. In my case the other day I drove 108 miles / 6.347 gallons = 17 mpg roughly

2001 Windstar 3.8 with new transmission. City now 15.5 mpg..Hwy 22MPG. old transmission 16 to 17 city and 25 MPG Hwy. I guess New trans needs to be broke in.

Awww come'on ya'll this'll help a lot of people. :)

1996/ 3.8L /

I'd answer, but the only numbers I have are aggregate.

As far as the transmission change goes, I had my transmission replaced in April '07 (190k miles) with a used one (which needed to be rebuilt at the time), and my fuel economy increased from something like 14 mpg to 20 mpg. I've also noticed a 2 mpg drop for interstate road driving at 70 mph on 'flat' terrain verses driving at 75 mph on mountainous interstates.

This link might be helpful... https://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=browseList2&make=Ford&model=Windstar%20FWD%20Van

2001/3.8/28-32HWY (depends on how much crap in van)/18-19 City/60-65 mi/h on HWY

Year / Engine Size / Hwy MPG / City MPG / Average Hwy Speed
2000 / 3.8L / 21-24 mpg / 12-13 mpg / 65-75

49k miles, original owner. Wife's car and does lots of short trips around town (errands and such) which account for my low city mpg's.

My "city" mileage is all over the place.
PLEASE do not become concerned about fuel econmy in the winter when you have been driving is crappy, snowy weather....it is just plain going to be in the tank.

I have gotten as high as 25mpg+ out of my '96....but that is in Indiana (flat) driving at 62mph (in a posted 70mph....) above the 60-62mph......fuel economy goes down.
Now......I don't feel comfortable going 70mph at night during deer mating season.

A 21-23mph on the freeway is pretty consistant for me.

I would ONLY look at a freeway mileage that is at a nice consistant speed (not over 65mph) in a level area....the up and down hills is going to add additional variables.

And....City mileage......if you spend most of the time in stop and go.....where you spend time sitting.....creep forward.....sit..... your mileage is gonna be terrible....if you are cruising down the street....a few stop light......a little better.....etc....
Point being, really hard to compare "city" mileage to the point of asking "is there something wrong with my vehicle"


So....to be

2002 / 3.8 eng/ 23 hwy/ 16-17 city / 70mph
The computer says average 20mpg

I have 125,000 miles on it with original engine/trans. full tuneup this fall, didn't really improve gas mileage. I think my 96 windstar got better mileage, but this is the SEL so with the added toys come added weight. My Suburban with a 350 gets around 19 hwy and its alot bigger :eek7:

Yes, Winter gas mileage is pretty much in the tank no matter what vehicle you drive. I've seen 4-6 MPG lowering in the winter on my Eagle Premier and on my wife's Windstar. Both vehicles run like tops with no misfires or anything, it's just that cold powertrain drag and winter-blend fuels that are responsible. In the summer, without air on, we get about 23-24 MPG at 70 MPG but will go somewhat higher at speeds below 60. In the city, we average about 16-17 MPG. Subtract a fair amount from those figures for winter driving, even without snow. My Premier levels are somewhat higher proportionately since it's more streamlined and lighter than the Windstar. Of course it's 10 years older than the Windstar too. It has 178K miles on it and the Windstar has about 150K miles on it.

I have added "Miles Per Tank" to the end of the data in post 1. If you all who have posted see it go edit and put in yer number.

Everyone else just mozy right along with new data. :) Thanks for posting!

Come'on ya'll! Get to posting some numbers!

Year / Engine Size / Hwy MPG / City MPG / Average Hwy Speed
2000 3.8 22 15 60-70

Varies...as low as 13, as high as 24.
Put in a K&N air filter to see if there would be improvement...not too much.

Roly