1999 Ford Windstar Review

This year the Windstar has been totally redesigned. The biggest news for '99, in addition to the completely new exterior and interior styling, is a left-hand sliding door. The second- and third-row seats are now on rollers for easier removal/interchangeability and the instrument panel has been redesigned for improved ergonomics. There's also a more powerful and cleaner-burning 3.8-liter V6 plus upgraded suspension, transmission, brakes and air conditioning components. New options include side airbags and a trick reverse sensing system.

This is the Windstar's first major redesign since it was introduced in 1995. It now boasts a bevy of high-tech features like key fob operated, dual-power sliding doors, head and chest side airbags, and a sonar-based reverse sensing system.

Safety has also been addressed in the new Windstar with a government crash rating of five stars for both the driver and front passenger. The optional side airbags mean you can carry your family in style, comfort, and confidence.

The 3.8-liter V6 offers a robust 200 horsepower while still meeting the current low-emission vehicle (LEV) and Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards, meaning if produces 65 percent less hydrocarbon emissions than required for the average vehicle in its class.

An innovative seating design allows the second-row bench seat to be positioned on either the right or left side of the vehicle, meaning the aisle to the third row seat can be set-up based on owner preference. And speaking of preference, the Personal Audio System means that front seat passengers can listen to one type of media (radio, cassette, CD) while rear-seat passengers listen to a totally separate media, complete with volume control, through headphones.

With a list of standard equipment that includes an anti-theft system, power windows, a 26-gallon fuel tank and antilock brakes, the 1999 Windstar will enter 1999 ready to challenge all comers for minivan supremacy. It should prove an interesting battle