Background: Ford Motor Company introduced its Windstar minivan in 1994 as a 1995 model. Ford was the last of the Big Three domestic automakers to introduce a front-wheel-drive minivan into its model line up. Windstar is available in one long wheelbase length and four trim levels. Chrysler Corp., which virtually started the minivan craze in the mid 1980s, offers standard or extended lengths of its Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan minivans. Shoppers looking for a shorter wheelbase minivan from Ford Motor Co. need to look at the Mercury Villager. General Motors redesigned its Silhouette/Venture/Transport trio of minivans in the 1997 model year, dropping the less-than-successful, long-snooted, "dustbuster" exterior design. Adding to the fray this year is the all-new 1998 Toyota Sienna, a minivan based on the popular Camry platform.
Trim levels: Windstar passenger minivans are available in four editions. Base 3.0L, GL, LX and the new-for-1998, top-of-the-line Limited.
New for '98: Ford is the last of the domestic minivan automakers to offer a sliding door on the driver's side. This option becomes available in the 1999 model year. In the meantime, Windstar offers a "family entry driver's door" on all trim levels that is six inches longer than its previous door, providing easier access to the middle seat area from the driver's side. Ford also offers a "tip-slide driver's seat," which easily slides and tips forward. This feature is standard in LX and Limited trim levels and a $150 option in GL. Also, Windstar updates its front fascia and front grille insert trim work. A new overhead console is available in GL and standard in LX and Limited editions. A neat beveled mirror folds down from the console, providing the driver with a wide-angle view of what's going on in the back two rows. The console also holds coins, sunglasses and a garage-door opener.
Safety features: Dual air bags, anti-lock brakes, five-mile-per hour bumpers and child safety door locks are standard in all trim levels. Windstar was the first minivan to offer dual front air bags. All-speed electronic traction control, introduced in the 1997 model year, is optional in most trim levels. Remote keyless entry is available when ordering the power convenience group of options. Windstar is the industry's only minivan to earn the government's five-star rating in crash tests.
Price: Ford's new, top-of-the-line Limited Windstar starts at $29,205. With options including traction control, upgraded stereo/compact disc player and luggage race, the bottom line added up to $31,305 including a $580 destination charge. Other trim level starting prices are as follows: 3.0L: $19,960; GL: $21,540 and LX: $26,785. Prices include destination charge.
Standard equipment: Four-speed automatic transmission, rear radio controls and phone jacks, intermittent windshield wipers, rear window washer and wiper, dual outside mirrors and power steering is standard on every trim level.
Optional equipment: Windstar offers an array of preferred equipment and power packages which include air conditioning, rear window defogger, cruise control and power windows, door locks and mirrors.
Interior: The wrap-around cockpit design places controls and dials within easy reach of the driver. Large, easy-to-find toggle switches on the driver's door control power locks, windows and mirrors. All cruise control functions are conveniently mounted on the steering wheel; a nice touch. The automatic transmission gear shift is found on the steering column. Front windshield wipers operate from the turn signal stalk while the rear wiper operates from a dashboard button. Four easy-to-grab dials control temperature settings and fan speed and situate below the stereo. Ford's rectangular, AM/FM stereo continues utilizing small preset and volume buttons, inconvenient to use when driving. Between the front captain's chairs sits a hand-operated emergency brake and a floor storage console with cupholders in the front and back. This deep bin also houses an optional, multi-load compact disc magazine. Two additional front cup holders retract from the center dashboard. Limited editions include a large, convenient pull-out storage bin under the passenger chair.
Engines: Engine selections remain unchanged from the 1997 model year. The larger 3.8-liter, V-6 engine delivers 200 horsepower in the LX and Limited trim levels while the 3.0-liter V-6 generates 150 horsepower in 3.0L and GL editions. The larger 3.8-liter engine is a $685 option in GL trim levels. The 3.8-liter engine is one of the most powerful powertrains available in the minivan market. If you're planning on hauling the kids and other family members around on a regular basis, opt for the larger 3.8-liter engine. Fuel mileage estimates are about the same and it's quieter, smoother and it delivers 25 percent more horsepower, useful during merging and highway passing maneuvers.
Dimensions: Wheelbase: 120.7 inches Overall length: 201.2 inches Overall height: 68.0 inches Front headroom: 39.3 inches Front legroom: 40.7 inches Cargo volume: 144 cubic feet (with rear seat removed) Cargo volume: 21.7 cubic feet (behind third seat)
Exterior: Both GM and Chrysler redesigned their minivan offerings after Windstar's 1995 model year introduction. But Windstar looks just as eye appealing when parked next to its competitors. Ford refreshed Windstar's exterior for 1998 adding to its appeal. It's hood, grille and headlamps are all new. Limited editions include larger, 16-inch wheels and tires. Other trim levels feature 15-inch tires as standard equipment. The spare tire stows conveniently under the vehicle. Color choices include white, vibrant white, spruce green, deep forest green, Caribbean green, deep emerald green, light prairie tan, silver frost, light denim blue deep navy blue, toreador red and cabernet red
Fuel economy: Mileage estimates check in at 17 miles per gallon city and 24 mph highway for the 3.8-liter V-6. With 10,000 odometer miles, our test-drive van averaged 19 mpg in combined driving. Windstars with the 3.0-liter V-6 average 18 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. The gas tank holds 20 gallons of unleaded fuel. Windstar also offers an optional 25-gallon tank in GL editions. The outside fuel door does not lock.
Final thoughts: Front seat travelers enjoy one of the lowest step-in heights in the minivan community. It's almost as easy as entering and exiting a passenger car. Even with the third seat intact, there is a decent amount of cargo room. Minivan sales have softened a bit during the last couple of years, due in part to the exploding popularity of sport utility vehicles. This along with increased competition from GM's redesigned minivans helped fuel rebates and discounts during the 1997 calendar year. |