2001 Ford Windstar: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Due later in the model year for Windstar is a class-exclusive antiskid system, designed to automatically apply select brakes to counteract skids in turns. Also, the 3.8-liter V6 is now standard instead of optional. Automatic is the only transmission. Windstar comes in a single, seven-passenger body length. Dual sliding doors are standard except on base LX model. Power side doors are available. ABS is standard. Most models can have traction control, and head/torso front side-airbags are available. Also offered are power adjustable gas and brake pedals, and a rear-seat video entertainment system with removable VCR.

COMPETITION

Though the competition has heated up, we feel that the new Dodge Caravan is still one of the best minivans you can buy. It offers all of the creature comforts in a pleasing package at a fair price. Our other Best Buy is the Honda Odyssey. It's a little bit smaller than the Dodge, but more sporty to drive, and it has a super-convenient flip-and-fold-away rear seat.

Trailing at a close second are the Recommended Chevy Venture, Ford Windstar, and Toyota Sienna. Though these vans are comparably priced and offer loads of neat features, we feel they can't match the road manners of our two Best Buys. Also garnering Recommended ratings are the Chrysler Town & Country and Chrysler Voyager. Though they are mechanically similar to the class-leading Caravan, they don't offer the breadth of model choices.