![]() ![]() The optional video system has a color monitor that folds down from the ceiling for easy viewing by back-seat passengers. Since rear visibility can be challenging, this system makes backing up and parking much less nerve-wracking. As you back up, warning beeps grow closer together until there is a steady tone when the vehicle is within 10 inches of the object. The Windstar’s third seat has to be removed for maximum cargo space, which is not as handy as one that folds into the floor.Ī reverse sensing system consists of four sensors in the bac k bumper that detect obstacles within 6 feet. The requisite dual sliding doors are power operated, which is extremely handy if you need to open the doors with things in your hands. The instrument panel, much the same as before, is easy to read and use thanks to simplified gauges and controls. Inside, the SELÕs leather upholstery and wood trim contributed to its upscale feel. Power and performance are on par with the other minivans. The 200-horsepower engine that is now standard has been tweaked to reduce noise and vibration, but it still sounds a tad coarse when accelerating away from a stop. Our test vehicle was also equipped with the power-operated adjustable pedals so short drivers donÕt have to sit dangerously close to the steering wheel. AdvanceTrac uses the anti-lock brakes and traction control systems to help counteract skidding in emergency evasive maneuvers. Later in the year, Ford’s AdvanceTrac vehicle stability system will be available. Results for 2001 are not yet available, but there is no reason to think they would be any lower. In 1999, it received five stars for frontal impacts. In recent crash tests by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the Windstar received a five-star rating for front and rear passengers in a side impact. A low-tire-pressure warning system also alerts the driver if a tire needs air. Retractors tighten the seat belts to help control an occupantÕs forward motion. ![]() Two-stage front airbags then deploy according to crash severity and whether the passenger seat is occupied. Another key piece of standard equipment is the Personal Safety System that uses sensors to determine the severity of a crash, the position of the front seat and whether seat belts are in use. Ford says the Windstar is classified as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV). Many, like the Windstar driven here, even come with a built-in video player and a flip-down screen that will keep kids occupied when mom and dad insist on taking the kind of driving vacations lavished upon them by their parents.įor 2001, Ford has updated the Windstar with a chrome grille and 16-inch wheels, and the 200-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine is now standard on all models. ![]() Instead of driving like wobbly boxes, they are buttoned down, solid and as nicely equipped as any family sedan. Suffice it to say, minivans today are better than ever. Maybe that’s because they grew up being chauffeured around in them, or maybe it’s because they think of minivans as old folks vehicles, like station wagons were to us when we were kids. The trouble is, a lot of 30-year-olds gravitate to SUVs instead of minivans when vans would do a better job of carrying around their budding families. They did back in 1984 when Chrysler built the first one, and they still do today. ![]()
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