Ford Windstar

Ford Windstar in Nigeria

One of the quickest minivans on the road is the Ford Windstar. Its powerful 200-horsepower V6 engine provides rapid acceleration. Windstar is one of the largest of the so-called minivans, with a configurable interior that can accommodate up to seven passengers or significant quantities of baggage. It has two sliding doors and may be customized with video systems and other features to suit any preference.

Lineup

Air conditioning, a 3.8-litre V6 engine, anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EDB), and dual airbags are standard on all Windstars. All of them have two sliding doors.

Colour-keyed bumpers, child-proof door locks, and a tire-pressure monitoring system are all standard on the 2003 Windstar LX. The SE adds a chrome grille and side mouldings, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear-seat audio controls, cornering lamps, heated mirrors, inside storage nets, and low-back bucket seats in the second row to the Deluxe LX's kit.

The popular SEL trim adds leather upholstery, a power front passenger seat, and power sliding doors, as well as two-tone body cladding, automated headlights, an electronic message centre, an electrochromic rear-view mirror, and a Homelink universal remote. The Limited is the top-of-the-line Windstar, with side-impact airbags, a perimeter alarm, a wood-and-leather steering wheel, heated seats, woodgrain inside trim, and a 6-CD changer in the dash.

Specifications of the Ford Windstar model

Interior

The Ford Windstar is as big as the biggest minivans, so it has plenty of space inside. The large ambience appeals to children, while adults appreciate the ample legroom and headroom, particularly in the centre bucket seats. The driver is surrounded by a well-designed and sizable dashboard that places the radio and climate controls within easy reach. Two cup holders are coupled to a sliding tray that may handle a variety of containers due to the spring-loaded sides. The driver can keep an eye on what's going on in the back seats thanks to a handy wide-angle mirror.

You may have problems settling into the SEL. The front seats are flat and lack bolstering on the sides. It'll be easier to get in and out, but you won't have any side assistance when going around corners.

Driving impression

The Windstar is one of the fastest minivans on the market, thanks to its powerful V6 engine. It accelerates quickly and has enough power to pass safely even with a full load of passengers. The Windstar's powertrain runs smoothly for the most part. However, the V6 makes a boisterous noise at high rpm, and the transmission shifts suddenly at times.

The steering on the Windstar is about correct, with enough feedback to let the driver know how the front tires are performing. At high speeds, it appears to be steady. And, thanks to the largest wheelbase of any minivan, the ride is pleasant. Windstar provides a more comfortable ride than SUVs. However, the suspension is flimsy. When you utilize the Windstar's brakes, it allows the car to wallow in corners and nose-dive. Also, the brakes appeared to be lacking.

Fatter tires (225/60R16) and larger wheels (16-inch) are standard on the LX Deluxe, SE, SEL, and Limited, which increase handling and stability. Despite this, the package adds no noise or harshness to the ride.

Do you want to get yours?

The Ford Windstar has plenty of power, plenty of space, and most of the latest minivan technologies. It performs well in official crash tests and has the option of side-impact airbags. New active safety technologies may be able to help you prevent an accident altogether. Its flexible seating arrangement is effective. On Cars45, you can get one for yourself.