1996 Ford Windstar Review (continued)
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Walkaround

The best tribute to Windstar's appearance may well be the remarkable similarity between it and the latest Chrysler minivans. This is less a matter of plagiarism than common sense; it would be difficult to make a shape that combines packaging efficiency and aerodynamics so well look much different.

The rounded nose, sloping windshield and flush window glass all do their part to help Windstar cut cleanly through the air, to the benefit of both fuel economy and interior noise reduction. The sculptured flanks contribute too, increasing stiffness while adding a touch of style.

Entry and exit are aided by large doors and a low step-in height; Windstar is far better than a 4-door sedan in this respect. The passenger-side rear sliding door is equally easy to use, and provides plenty of access to the second and third seats. However, the Windstar's one real shortfall compared to the new Chrysler minivans is the absence of a fourth door option. A very high percentage of Chrysler minivan buyers are stepping up to this feature, although a few do have safety concerns. For example, a driver approaching a parked van from behind has no warning of the open door until a passenger pops out of it.

Getting cargo in through the giant rear liftgate is a snap, and there's lots of room to walk around underneath without worrying about whacking your head. There's also a handy pulldown strap to make closure easy, regardless of your personal stature.

The word mini- is something of a misleading prefix when applied to the Windstar. It falls midway between Taurus and Crown Victoria in overall length and width, though its wheelbase is longer than either sedan.

Interior Features

Front-seat occupants will think they're in a passenger car. The look of the dashboard and controls, and the seating positions owe more to sedans than vans, and are the better for it. It's a high-style environment made up of top-quality plastics and fabrics.

Ford's leadership in interior design is especially evident here. The dashboard has a complete array of gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, coolant temp., oil pressure and voltmeter), plus large soft-touch rotary knobs for lighting and climate control. Window switches are mounted in the door panel armrests; these also have soft-touch surfaces and are large enough to use without fumbling.

The rest of the interior is excellent as well. Amenity content is high: Cupholders are supplied in abundance (two in front, one for the left-side passenger in the center seat, and two in back); there are storage pockets everywhere; and center-seat passengers can have their own controls and headphone jacks for the audio system. The center seats are almost as comfortable as the front buckets, and that's saying a lot. The third seat is tolerable for long distances as well. Second and third seats are removable--by two people, and with some effort--to create a large load space.

That load space is not quite as large as that of a Chrysler minivan, however, even though the latter has slightly smaller exterior dimensions. While the difference will be important mainly to those who need to carry loose ping-pong balls or equally odd cargo, it's an area where the Chrysler designers clearly did a better job.

Windstar is offered in three versions: The basic model is a commercial window van, shorn of all amenities aft of the front seats and rather limited in options.

Next up is the GL, a nicely equipped passenger van that needs only air conditioning to make it suitable for most use. It can be dressed up with numerous options.

Many GL options--including air conditioning--are standard on the luxurious Windstar LX. Aluminum wheels, power mirrors, locks and windows (including powered swing-out rear quarter glass), tilt steering wheel, speed control and an adjustable track for the rearmost seat are only a few of its premium features.

A large variety of options can be added to both GL and LX. Keyless entry, all-speed traction control, leather seats, privacy glass and a rear seat that can fold into a bed are among the individual offerings. Package options include a trailer-towing group that increases towing capacity from 2000 to 3500 lbs. (though rear-wheel drive is a better bet for heavy towing chores), and a digital instrument group that includes gauge cluster, automatic on/off headlights and a self-dimming photochromic mirror.

Another option worth a serious look in hot climates is Ford's high-capacity air conditioning system. With overhead ducts blowing into the rear of the van, as well as the standard dashboard ducting, this unit can take the interior temperature from 100 degrees down to 70 almost as quick as you can say, Boy, it's really hot out there today.""