1999 Ford Windstar...Continued

At long last, Windstar is available with a fourth sliding door. Power sliding doors -- which are extremely convenient -- are standard in the SEL version and optional in the LX and SE. Ford gains an advantage over its competition by providing the first dual sliding doors that are operated with the key fob. This is an optional feature. When the driver double clicks a button on the fob, the passenger doors on either or both sides glide open. Once everyone is inside, seated and buckled up, a tap on the buttons located in the overhead console closes the doors. The doors are designed to sense objects in their path and stop closing. They are sensitive enough to sense an arm or leg -- yes, we tried -- but not small hands. At least not yet. Undoubtedly, this technology will evolve and fingers will be protected also. Additionally, it is not possible to open the doors when the car is in motion.

The front bucket seats are very comfortable and roomy for wide hips with plenty of support. The leather seating surfaces in our SE trim test van gave the feeling of a luxury sedan not a minivan. Second row seating is available in two configurations, dual bucket seats or a bench. In the Windstars with the optional fourth sliding door, middle row seating has an indexing feature. The middle row of seats, be it buckets or bench, can be positioned on the right or left side of the vehicle creating an aisle to the rear bench on either side depending on the owner's preference. So, if the kids tend to climb into the van from the driver's the seats can be configured to accommodate that preference, or vice versa. If the Windstar is purchased with bucket seats for the middle row, those can be removed and the third row bench moved forward to seat five while increasing the cargo area in the back -- great for camping trips and shopping sprees. Removing the second and third row seats is made easier with the addition of rollers -- unlock the seats, roll them out of the vehicle and right into storage.

A great feature available on the Windstar -- which will keep peace in the family especially on long trips -- is the Personal Audio System. The system allows front-seat passengers to listen to a radio or cassette while rear seat passengers listen to another media (like a CD player) through headphones. The radio faceplate has been enlarged so the buttons are easier to read and there are more individual controls so less scrolling through functions is required when driving.

For those living in areas where there is more air pollution or who are or transport smokers, the Windstar's air-conditioning system features a Particulate Air Filtration system. This system effectively removes unwanted elements from the air the passengers breathe.