REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Constant refinement

Designers have done a good job refining the Windstar last year, but engineers have been even more spectacular in their effort. See for yourself: a personalized safety system with a weight sensor for the front-seat passenger (the air bag will not deploy if the seat’s occupant is too lightweight), an electronic device that detects under- inflated tires, higher headrests for front-seat passengers.

As a premium, a family audiovisual system to keep children busy and stop them from yelling the dreaded: "Are we there yet?" over and over again.. The Windstar’s interior is airy and attractively designed. But some details are still annoying. First of all, the power seat control, which is hard to access because it’s squeezed between the door panel and the seat itself and secondly, the very limited space available for third-seat passengers. Cargo space is sufficient, but don’t even think of closing the hatchback if you’re transporting 4′x8′ plywood sheets.The only engine offered is the 200-hp 3.8-liter, which proves to be smooth, powerful and relatively economical given the weight it has to haul around. Besides which, this V6 gets along swimmingly with its automatic transmission. In exchange for the stability it provides in the fast lane, the Windstar is harder to manoeuvre at lower speeds. The variable assist steering system isn’t as responsive as it should be and the suspension is too soft to control roll. Like all minivans, the Windstar needs four disc brakes (combined with an excellent optional traction control system) to maximize your chances of never having to test its crash resistance.

PROS
Passive safety
Good road stability
3.8-liter V6 powerful

CONS
Slow-responding steering system
Soft suspension
Certain hard-to-reach controls

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: * * * * *
Passenger: * * * *