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Back
in 1998, we had a one-year, long-term loan with the Ford Windstar. It was one
of the most loyal and trouble-free vehicles we've ever had the opportunity to
get to know. And since then, it's been completely overhauled and is now better
than ever and one of the most popular minivans on the U.S. market.
Ranging
in price from the low $20K's to the mid-to-high $30K's, the Windstar is available
in a wide variety of arrays. The base Windstar is somewhat unpleasant, though,
lacking features that we have started to take for granted even on $15K passenger
cars. But check a few more option boxes and life gets better, gradually adding
things like captain's chairs, soft velour seats, CD player and a driver's side
sliding door. The top-of-the-line Limited gets leather, "wood," a reverse
sensing system and an optional overhead DVD entertainment system for rear-seat
passengers.
Every Windstar is powered by a 200-hp V-6, which is somewhat
course, but torquey enough to get the Windstar out of its own way. The real story
of Windstar, however, is safety. With over 40 standard safety features, and several
worthwhile options such as self-sealing tires, side air bags and stability control,
the Windstar protects your family like no other. And if safety isn't the most
important consideration in family transportation, we don't know what is.
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