Ford Windstar
From Free net encyclopedia
{{Infobox Automobile
|name=Ford Windstar
|manufacturer=Ford Motor Company
|class=Minivan
|production=1995–2003
|predecessor=Ford Aerostar
|successor=Ford Freestar
|similar=Dodge Caravan
Chevrolet Venture
Plymouth Voyager
Toyota Sienna
Mazda MPV
}}
{{Infobox Automobile generation
|name=First generation
|image=Image:1995-98-Ford-Windstar-95114101991202.jpg
|production=1995–1998
|body_style=3-door minivan
|engine=3.0 L Vulcan V6
3.8 L Essex V6
|wheelbase=120.7 in
|length=201.2 in
|width=75.4 in
|height=68 in
|weight=3,800 lb
}}
{{Infobox Automobile generation
|name=Second generation
|image=Image:2001 Windstar.jpg
|production=1999–2003
|body_style=4-door minivan
3-door minivan
|engine=3.0 L Vulcan V6
3.8 L Essex V6
}}
The Ford Windstar was a minivan produced and sold by the Ford Motor Company from 1995 to 2003. When it was introduced to the market, the Windstar was a replacement for the Ford's first minivan, the Aerostar, and for the 2004 model year, it was replaced by the Freestar. All Windstars were built in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.
It was available with 3.0 L and 3.8 L V6 engines. The smaller 3.0 L engine was discontinued with the 2000 model year.
When the Windstar premiered in 1995, the only available engine was a 3.8 L V6 which produced just 155 hp (116 kW). Only a base model was available for the first year, but a more luxurious model followed for 1996. This year, the 3.0 L 150 hp (112 kW) Vulcan V6 was made the base engine, with the 3.8 upgraded to 200 hp (149 kW).
During its years on the market, the Windstar received two major changes of its design. In 1999, the vehicle was redesigned, making it look more modern and sporty. The grille was also changed into a grid array and the B-pillars were hidden. In 2001, Ford refreshed the Windstar once again by changing the grille, using a tighter array of smaller rectangles.
The original project codename for the Windstar was WIN88, which stood for "wagon, intermediate, North America". Some say that the codename inspired the Windstar name. Subsequent freshenings of the vehicle for 1999 and 2001 model years used the VN (for "van, North America") nomenclature.
The Windstar was replaced by the Ford Freestar. Although Ford claims the Freestar is "all new", it is essentially an updated Windstar.
Trivia
- For the 1998 model year, Ford added an extension of 6 in to the driver's side door to allow easier access to the middle and rear seats. This was done because with the current bodyshell, it was not possible to create a driver's side sliding door which was introduced by its competitor Chrysler in 1996.
- When the Windstar was redsigned for 1999, provisions were made for the driver's side sliding door (a option until 2001).