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1995 FORD WINDSTAR GL MINIVAN

by: BILL RUSS

SEE ALSO:Ford Buyer's Guide

Before 1984 only one American automaker produced minivans and it accounted for less than one-percentof truck industry sales. Ten years later every domestic manufacturer makes one, as do many overseas

 producers. This popular vehicle class now accounts for a market share of around 20 percent and sales of 

over one million units annually. The newest entry in this field is from Ford. Its all-new 1995 Windstar 

minivan was originally to be the replacement for the aging but still popular Aerostar van which, due to

 popular demand, will still be in Ford's lineup for awhile.

The all-new Windstar is the minivan in Ford's future. The Windstar was designed to possess very passenger 

car-like comfort, handling and performance characteristics. It is based on the popular Taurus sedan and

offers a similar powertrain, plus an extended platform and a longer wheelbase, wider width and higher 

cabin. The result is a very roomy minivan with flexible interior arrangement patterns, a quite low step-in

for easy access, and a higher seating position for improved visibility with 65 square feet of curved tinted

glass. The Windstar can comfortably accommodate a driver and from one to six passengers, with a cargo

area varying from a high of 144 cubic feet with just the front seats occupied down to 24 cubic feet whenthree rows of seats accommodating up to seven passengers are in position.

APPEARANCE: The Windstar is a well-rounded vehicle that follows the design trends that Ford has

 pursued in its automotive products for the last ten years. Its appearance bears resemblance to its corporate

logo, Ford's blue oval trademark. The now-familiar two-box minivan design is highlighted by a short

steeply sloped hood and large cabin. Up front there are three oval air intakes and wide wrap-around

headlights. The sculpted side panels have contrasting bumper strips for parking lot protection. A large top-

opening rear hatch plus three wide easy opening doors provide easy access.

COMFORT: The roomy interior of the seven-passenger Windstar GL is cloth upholstered. Each front

 bucket seat is manually adjustable, while the two rows of rear seats are easily removable. The back bench

seat provides seven inches of fore and aft travel. Both the sound and climate systems have dual controls for 

the rear area of the large cabin. Earphone connections allow the two back seat passengers to listen to and

tune the radio when the sound is off for the rest of the vehicle. Separate switches control the temperature

and volume of air for the rear area. The rear side windows can be opened and closed remotely by the driver.

The large rear hatch features a convenient pull-down strap, plus a nearby remote lock/unlock switch for the

rest of the doors. The curved dash carries a complement of analog instruments plus audio and climatesystems and cup holders. A 30-second accessory delay allows powered accessories to be used after the

engine has been turned off.

SAFETY: As standard equipment the Windstar is equipped with dual front airbags and front knee bolsters,

side impact beams, sliding door child safety lock, five-mph front and rear bumpers and three point safety

 belts for all outboard passengers. Vision from all seats is excellent.

ROADABILITY: Ford's Windstar GL is an above average highway cruiser that also offers a smooth quietride. Its ride is passenger-car like in softness and corner lean. It is quite stable at highway speeds, and wind

noise is practically unnoticeable. As in most vehicles the about of road noise is dependent upon the type of 

tires and the road surface, and in this area the Windstar is very quiet when cruising down the road. The

Michelin XW4 P205/70R 15 inch all-season tires provide a good grip on the road, while the standard anti-

lock brakes assure safe stopping qualities.

PERFORMANCE: The heart of the Windstar's powertrain is its well-proven 3.8 liter, overhead valve, balance-shaft-equipped V-6 engine, coupled to an electronically controlled four-speed automatic overdrive

transmission. This combination is similar to that used in the Lincoln Continental, and generates 155

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horsepower and 220 lb. ft. of torque at low rpm's to provide excellent maneuvering and driving qualities.

This powertrain is managed by Ford's latest electronic engine control - EEC-V, which provides quicker 

response and smoother shifting in varying traffic and driving conditions.

CONCLUSIONS: In the Windstar Ford has developed one of the largest, quietest and well-equipped

minivans that almost falls into the midivan class. The GL model provides combines functionality and

economy along with comfort, performance and convenience.

SPECIFICATIONS:

1995 FORD WINDSTAR GL MINIVAN 

Base Price $ 19,240

Price As Tested $ 22,225

Engine Type V-6, ohv - pushrod, efi

Engine Size 3.8 liter/232 cid

Horsepower 155 @ 4000

Torque (ft/lbs) 220 @ 3000

Wheelbase/Length 121"/201"

Transmission 4-speed auto w/odCurb Weight 3740

Pounds per Horsepower 24

Fuel Capacity 20

Fuel Requirement Unleaded regular (87 octane)

Tire Michelin XW4 P205/70R 15 M+S

Brake anti-lock standard disc/drum

Drive Train front engine, front drive

 

PERFORMANCE

EPA Economy - miles per gallon,

city/highway/observed 17/24/18.6

0 to 60 mph 11.0 sec

1/4 mi (E.T.) 18.1 secCoefficient of drag (cd) .32