1999-2003 Ford Windstar: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Dual sliding doors as well as some minivan "firsts" were part of a comprehensive 1999 makeover for the Ford Windstar. Wheelbase was unchanged, but interior dimensions grew slightly and styling was fresh. Windstars came in a single body length with a standard right-side sliding door. All Windstars had a V6 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. The Cargo and base 3.0L passenger models used a 3.0-liter V6. LX, SE and luxury SEL editions got a 3.8-liter engine. A left-side sliding door was standard on SE and SEL minivans, optional on the others. Power operation for both sliding doors was standard on the SEL and optional for the SE. All except the 3.0L could have a power-operated right-hand sliding door. Front seat-mounted side airbags were optional, designed to protect both the head and chest in a side impact. Antilock brakes were standard, though rear brakes were now drums rather than discs. Traction control was an option. Windstars seated up to seven, in a 2-2-3 format. Base and LX models had a middle bench that could be positioned to either the left or the right side of the vehicle, while SE and SEL models came with second-row bucket seats. The 3-passenger third-row bench got built-in rollers to ease removal/installation. Another minivan "first" was the Reverse Sensing System option for 4-door models. It sounded a warning if the vehicle came within six feet of an obstacle, while backing up.