Reviews
Print this Email this diggDigg this! del.icio.us

A few years ago, minivans appeared to be fading out of the automotive scene. More recently, they've hinted at a comeback. Plenty of shoppers still like the interior space and versatility of a minivan despite its often-mocked, family-focused image. Owners get many of the merits of a sport-utility vehicle, with more car-like ride and handling as well as better gas mileage.


Even so, total minivan sales dropped by 11.7 percent in 2001, according to the trade paper Automotive News. Sales of Ford's Windstar sunk even further, down 19 percent. However, with 179,595 units sold, Ford placed second in the minivan sales race, comfortably ahead of the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna though trailing the league-leading Dodge Caravans.


The Windstar LX Deluxe features 16-inch wheels. New LX cues for '02 are body-colored fascias and standard driving lights.

First launched in 1995, the front-drive Windstar comes in a single size—201.5 inches long overall on a 120.7-inch wheelbase. Those dimensions are comparable to extended-length versions of the Dodge Caravan or Chevrolet Venture. Four trim levels are available: the high-volume LX, sporty SE and SEL, and luxurious Limited. Last year's SE Sport model has been dropped, but Ford continues to produce a Windstar panel van for commercial use.


Windstar LX models earned a freshened appearance for the 2002 model year, including standard driving lamps and body-colored front/rear fascias. The LX edition comes in Base, Standard or Deluxe form, the latter equipped with 16-inch machined aluminum wheels. All current Windstars have dual sliding doors, with power operation available.


Only one powertrain is offered. Driving a four-speed automatic transmission, the 3.8-liter V-6 engine generates 200 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque. All-speed traction control is an option (standard on the Limited). As for the environment, the Windstar qualifies as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle.

Continued on Page 2

Copyright autoMedia.com 2000-2008

 


Related Articles
2002 Honda Odyssey EX
2002 Chevrolet Venture Warner Bros. Edition
2002 Chrysler Town & Country LXi
2002 Mazda MPV ES
2002 Pontiac Montana


autoMedia Car Blog
Toyota Sells 1 Million Prius Hybrids Worldwide
Sales of the consummate gasoline/electric Toyota Prius hybrid reached a milestone mark of more than one million worldwide, Toyota announced today. Sin ... more...

Smart ForTwo Crash Test
The smallest car sold in America has been crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), earning the highest rating of Good for bo ... more...

Sneak Peek: 2009 Ford Focus Coupe
Ford will debut the 2009 Focus coupe in an “American Idol” music video on Wednesday, revealing a modest update inspired by customer feedback, includin ... more...


Forum Highlights
Re: HELP PLEASE 2001 BUICK REGAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS
Did anyone check the ignition switch itself? (The place where the key goes.) Are you using a replacement key? Perhaps the chip in the key is bad. Or ... more...

Re: HELP PLEASE 2001 BUICK REGAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS
I'm having the exact same issue with my 2002 Buick Regal. I can't seem to get any answers from the shops I'm taking it to either. Did you ever find ou ... more...


Car Buying Guide

QUICK SEARCH:


Specs, prices, photos & more
SEARCH BY BODY STYLE:
FREE New Car Price Quote
Get the best price - it's easy!

Used Car Buying Guide


2000-2008 autoMedia.com Inc. All Rights Reserved.