2003 Ford Windstar: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

This minivan closes out its run under the Windstar label for 2003. A revamped version renamed the Freestar is due for the 2004 model year. Windstar for '03 offers LX, SE, SEL, and Limited models. All use a single, 7-passenger body length. A 3.8-liter V6 with automatic transmission is the only powertrain. ABS is standard. Traction control and head/torso front side airbags are standard on Limited, and available on most other models. Also offered are power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, power sliding side doors, rear-obstacle-warning system, and a rear-seat entertainment system with removable VCR. An antiskid system arrived midyear '03. Called AdvanceTrac, it's designed to help maintain control in turns by selectively applying individual brakes or reducing engine power. The system is standard on Limited, optional for SE and SEL. Also offered is a 2-seat cargo model. Due in late calendar '03, the similarly sized--and styled--2004 Freestar will offer a larger engine, a 3rd-row seat that folds into the floor, and a DVD-based entertainment system. Freestar will be accompanied by a Mercury version called the Monterey.

COMPETITION

Though the competition has heated up, we feel that 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 Honda Odyssey. It's sportier to drive, and it has a super-convenient flip-and-fold-away rear seat, but the ride can grow harsh at times.

Recommended Chevy Venture and Toyota Sienna are comparably priced and offer loads of neat features, but they can't match the road manners of our Best Buys. Mazda MPV makes it to the Recommended list this year as a reliable family hauler offering better fuel economy than competitors at a reasonable price. Also garnering Recommended ratings are the Chrysler Town & Country and Chrysler Voyager. Though they don't offer the Caravan's breadth of model choices, they are mechanically similar. Their entry-level models are a super value for the price.