1998 Ford Windstar Review

The 1998 Ford Windstar ($19,085 to $29,205) is the raciest of America's minivans.

The minivan market is more competitive than ever, with Chrysler's new-generation models and General Motors' first truly competitive ones. Still, the $19,085-to-$29,205 Windstar's 200-horsepower V-6 easily makes it the hot rod of the minivan field.

Power from that 3.8-liter V-6 gives the Windstar sparkling acceleration, even when packed with people and cargo. But lower-line Windstars have only a marginal, 3-liter, 150-horsepower V-6. The 3.8 is standard in the LX and posh, pricey, leather-upholstered Limited and a $685 option for the GL model.

City fuel economy of both engines is only an estimated 17 m.p.g., but they deliver about 24 m.p.g. on highways with the four-speed overdrive automatic transmission.

The steering is spongy, but handling is very car-like. A long wheelbase and supple suspension deliver an outstanding ride, and braking is good.

The Windstar still lacks a driver-side sliding door, which is in high demand by consumers and offered by GM and Chrysler. Ford didn't design the Windstar to have such a door, so it has given its 1998 model a driver-side door that is six inches longer and a driver's seat that tips and slides forward to allow entry into the rear of the vehicle.

The "extended door" is standard on all 1998 Windstars, and the tip/slide seat is standard on LX and Limited models and optional on base and GL models. The seat/door combination is called the "Family Entry System," and is handy--although still not as convenient as a sliding driver-side door.

Of course, the Windstar has a passenger-side sliding door, as do most rivals. And the Windstar's huge rear hatch allows easy loading, with a big strap that makes it easier for shorter motorists to yank the hatch shut.

The new Windstar also gets a slicker front appearance, with items such as a new "power dome" hood.

If nothing else, family-oriented minivans are supposed to be ultrasafe. The Windstar has many standard safety-enhancing items, including anti-lock brakes. New for 1998 is an optional Family Security Package that includes all-speed traction control and self-sealing tires.

A clever new item is a panoramic convex mirror. An industry first, it folds down from an optional overhead console to give front-seat occupants a wide-angle view of second- and third-row passengers. Parents thus can keep tabs on the kids without turning around or adjusting the rearview mirror.

The Windstar seats seven adults, although a safety belt hinders entry when climbing into the third-row seat from the right side. And the sliding and removable third-row seat must be pushed all the way back to give decent leg space to tall occupants in the third row.

It's easy to get in and out of the fairly low Windstar, which has a lot of glass area for good visibility. The dashboard is nicely laid out, although the turn-signal lever is too short and radio controls should be larger. Sturdy pop-up front cupholders are conveniently adjustable to handle large beverage containers.

The Windstar has the personality of a big, user-friendly sedan, but is even more practical.