Advanta-STAR Consumer Research on the Ford Windstar 2003
Ford Windstar compared with the Chevrolet Astro..1 Ford Windstar compared with the Chevrolet Venture..4 Ford Windstar compared with the Chrysler Town & Country..8 Ford Windstar compared with the Chrysler Voyager..10 Ford Windstar compared with the Dodge Caravan..13 Ford Windstar compared with the GMC Safari...17 Ford Windstar compared with the Honda Odyssey..21 Ford Windstar compared with the Kia Sedona...23 Ford Windstar compared with the Mazda MPV...27 Ford Windstar compared with the Oldsmobile Silhouette..30 Ford Windstar compared with the Pontiac Montana...32 Ford Windstar compared with the Toyota Sienna...35 Ford Windstar Van compared with the Chevrolet Astro Cargo Van..39 Ford Windstar Van compared with the GMC Safari Cargo..41
2002, Advanta- STAR, All rights reserved.
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Ford Windstar compared with the Chevrolet Astro

Safety

To maximize occupant safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Ford Windstar have pretensioners to eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Chevrolet Astro doesnt offer pretensioners. The Ford Windstar offers optional built in child seats. Theyre more crash worthy than an added child seat because of their direct attachment to the seat and because they provide five point harnesses like those in race cars. Chevrolet doesnt offer the convenience and security of a built-in child safety seat in the Astro. Their owners must carry a heavy child seat in and out of the vehicle; Windstar owners can just fold their built-in child seat up or down. The Windstar offers optional front seat tall, head-protecting side-impact airbags, which act as a forgiving barrier between the passengers and the door. Combined with high-strength steel door beams this system increases protection from broadside collisions. The Astro doesnt offer side-impact airbags. Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the Windstar deploy with different levels of force or dont deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The Windstars side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The Astros airbags dont have smart features and will always deploy full force. For much better traction, the Windstar has front wheel drive. The Astro 4x2 is rear wheel drive. While accelerating, the rear wheels of the Astro can break loose, causing it to fishtail or even spin and lose control completely. Oversteering or spinning in a rear wheel drive car requires counter-steering, and backing off the gas may not help. The Windstar will understeer if traction is lost at the drive wheels. Understeer is highly stable and easy to control by backing off the accelerator and turning the steering wheel harder. The Windstar (late availability) offers optional AdvanceTrac, which uses the antilock brake hardware along with powerful software and additional sensors to detect the beginning of a skid. AdvanceTrac then intervenes by automatically applying the brake at one appropriate wheel, preventing a skid. The Astro doesnt offer skid prevention. The Windstar (except base/LX) offers an optional Reverse Sensing System to help warn drivers about vehicles, pedestrians or other obstacles behind their vehicle. This collision warning system uses radar to detect obstacles behind the rear bumper. The Astro doesnt offer a rear collision sensor. Both the Windstar and the Astro have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks and four wheel antilock brakes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new cars. In this test, results indicate that the Ford Windstar is safer than the Astro: Windstar Astro Driver STARS 5 Stars 3 Stars Head Injury Index Chest forces 32 gs 65 gs Leg injuries (L/R) 846 / / 1060 Passenger STARS 5 Stars 4 Stars Chest forces 36 gs 51 gs Leg injuries (L/R) 634 / / 1393
More stars indicate a better overall result. Lower numbers indicate better individual test results.
The Astros 65 drivers chest forces index is 8.33% higher than the threshold that indicates possible serious injuries or death.

Economic Advantages

The Windstar is less expensive to operate than the Astro because it costs $207 less to do the manufacturers suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the Windstar than the Astro, including $46 less for front brake pads, $64 less for a starter, $2 less for fuel injection, $341 less for a fuel pump, $13 less for a timing belt/chain and $174 less for a power steering pump.

Recommendations

The Ford Windstar outsold the Chevrolet Astro by over three to one during the 2002 model year.
Ford Windstar compared with the Chevrolet Venture
The Windstar offers available tall side airbags which act as a forgiving barrier between the driver and passengers upper bodies and the window and pillars. Combined with high-strength steel door beams this system increases head protection in broadside collisions. The Venture doesnt offer airbag protection for the head. Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the Windstar deploy with different levels of force or dont deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The Windstars side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The Ventures side airbags dont have smart features and will always deploy full force. page 4
The Windstar (late availability) offers optional AdvanceTrac, which uses the antilock brake hardware along with powerful software and additional sensors to detect the beginning of a skid. AdvanceTrac then intervenes by automatically applying the brake at one appropriate wheel, preventing a skid. The Venture doesnt offer skid prevention. Both the Windstar and the Venture have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four wheel antilock brakes, available front seat side-impact airbags and traction control. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new cars. In this test, results indicate that the Ford Windstar is safer than the Venture: Windstar Venture Driver STARS 5 Stars 4 Stars Head Injury Index Chest forces 32 gs 39 gs Leg injuries (L/R) 846 / / 1821 Passenger STARS 5 Stars 4 Stars Head Injury Index Chest forces 36 gs 43 gs Leg injuries (L/R) 634 / / 1120
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH front offset crash tests on new cars. In this test, results indicate that the Ford Windstar is safer than the Venture: Windstar Venture Overall Evaluation GOOD POOR Structure ACCEPTABLE POOR Restraints ACCEPTABLE MARGINAL Front Headrests ACCEPTABLE MARGINAL Head injury index Tibia index.91/.48 2.08/1.6
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 38.5 MPH side impact tests on new cars. In this test, results indicate that the Windstar is safer than the Venture: Windstar Venture Front Seat STARS 5 Stars 5 Stars Thoracic Trauma Rear Seat STARS 5 Stars 4 Stars Thoracic Trauma Pelvis Deceleration 70 Gs 81 Gs

More stars indicate a better chance of avoiding serious injuries. Lower numbers indicate better actual numeric test results.
The Windstars bumpers sustained $2947 less damage than the Venture in an IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) 5 MPH bumper test.
The Windstars corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Ventures (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).
The Windstars 3.8 V6 produces 15 more horsepower (200 vs. 185) and 30 lbs.-ft. more torque (240 vs. 210) than the Ventures 3.4 V6. Page 5
As tested in Motor Trend the Ford Windstar is faster than the Chevrolet Venture: Windstar Venture Zero to 60 MPH 8.9 sec 10.7 sec Quarter Mile 16.8 sec 17.6 sec Speed in 1/4 Mile 81.8 MPH 79.8 MPH
The Windstar has 6 gallons more fuel capacity than the Venture SWB (26 vs. 20 gallons), for longer range between fill ups. The Windstar has almost a gallon more fuel capacity than the Venture LWB (26 vs. 25.1 gallons).

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Windstars front brake rotors are larger than those on the Venture: Windstar Venture AWD Venture Front Rotors 11.1 inches 10.83 inches 10.94 inches The Windstars brakes have 15% more swept area (the area covered by the brake pads) than the Venture (391.36 vs. 339.2 square inches), so the Windstar has more braking power available. The Windstar stops much shorter than the Venture: Windstar Venture 80 to 0 MPH 243 feet 273 feet 70 to 0 MPH 194 feet 219 feet 60 to 0 MPH 134 feet 154 feet 60 to 0 MPH (Wet) 166 feet 176 feet 30 to 0 MPH 33 feet 38 feet
AutoWeek Car and Driver AutoWeek Consumer Reports AutoWeek
The Windstar offers an available full size spare tire. A full size spare isnt available on the Venture.
The Windstar has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads The Ventures suspension doesnt offer front gas-charged shocks. For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Windstar is 2.8 inches wider in the front than on the Venture.
As tested by Popular Mechanics, the interior of the Windstar is quieter than the Venture Extended LS: Windstar Venture At idle 51.6 dB 55.6 dB Full-Throttle 79 dB 80.6 dB 60 MPH Cruising 70.9 dB 71.6 dB
The Windstar has.8 inches more front legroom, 2.4 inches more front hip room, 1.1 inches more front shoulder room, 1.8 inches more rear headroom, 2.2 inches more rear shoulder room and.4 inches more third row hip room than the Venture Extended.

page 6

The Windstars cargo area provides more volume than the Venture SWB. Windstar Venture Behind Third Seat 29.1 cubic feet 19.9 cubic feet Third Seat Removed 76.3 cubic feet 67.5 cubic feet Max Cargo Volume 136.4 cubic feet 119.8 cubic feet The Windstars cargo area is larger than the Ventures in almost every dimension: Windstar Venture SWB Length to seat (3rd/2nd/1st) 26.3/93.2 18.1/50.7/86.1 Max Width 69.6 n/a Min Width 48.7 48.3 Height 48.4 45.8
The battery on the Venture has side-mounted terminals, which make giving or receiving a jump-start very difficult. The Windstar has top mount battery posts.
To help each driver find a more comfortable driving position, the Windstar offers a power adjustable foot pedal set. Much better than just a tilt steering wheel or adjustable seat, this allows a short driver to sit further from the steering wheel while maintaining pedal contact. The Venture doesnt offer adjustable foot pedals. When three different drivers share the Windstar Limited, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the seat position and outside mirror positions. The Venture doesnt offer a memory system. The Windstars standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. Chevrolet does not offer a locking feature on the Ventures optional power windows. The Windstar has standard power remote mirrors. The Venture only comes with remote mirrors at extra cost. Without them the driver will have to roll down the windows and reach across the car to adjust the mirrors. The Windstars optional rear view mirror has an automatic dimming feature. This mirror can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on it, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Venture doesnt offer the luxury of an automatic dimming rear view mirror. The Windstars optional heated front seats keep the driver and front passenger extremely comfortable in the winter. The Venture doesnt offer heated seats. The Windstars optional steering wheel mounted cruise control is close at hand. The Ventures optional cruise control is on an over-crowded turn signal stalk.
The Windstar is less expensive to operate than the Venture because it costs $85 less to do the manufacturers suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost less on the Windstar than the Venture, including $171 less for an alternator, $24 less for front brake pads, $58 less for a starter, $76 less for fuel injection, $187 less for a fuel pump, $96 less for front struts, $158 less for a power steering pump and $161 less for a tuneup.
Popular Mechanics performed a comparison test in its November 1999 issue and they ranked the Ford Windstar SE three places higher than the Chevrolet Venture Extended LS. The Ford Windstar outsold the Chevrolet Venture by 81% during the 2002 model year. Page 7

Ford Windstar compared with the Chrysler Town & Country
Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the Windstar deploy with different levels of force or dont deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The Windstars side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The Town & Countrys side airbags dont have smart features and will always deploy full force. The Windstar (late availability) offers optional AdvanceTrac, which uses the antilock brake hardware along with powerful software and additional sensors to detect the beginning of a skid. AdvanceTrac then intervenes by automatically applying the brake at one appropriate wheel, preventing a skid. The Town & Country doesnt offer skid prevention. The Windstar (except base/LX) offers an optional Reverse Sensing System to help warn drivers about vehicles, pedestrians or other obstacles behind their vehicle. This collision warning system uses radar to detect obstacles behind the rear bumper. The Town & Country doesnt offer a rear collision sensor. Both the Windstar and the Town & Country have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four wheel antilock brakes, available front seat side-impact airbags, head airbags and traction control. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new cars. In this test, results indicate that the Ford Windstar is safer than the Town & Country: Windstar Town & Country Driver STARS 5 Stars 4 Stars Head Injury Index Chest forces 32 gs 53 gs Passenger STARS 5 Stars 4 Stars Head Injury Index Chest forces 36 gs 52 gs Leg injuries (L/R) 634 / / 596
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH front offset crash tests on new cars. In this test, results indicate that the Ford Windstar is safer than the Town & Country: Windstar Town & Country Overall Evaluation GOOD ACCEPTABLE Structure ACCEPTABLE ACCEPTABLE Restraints ACCEPTABLE ACCEPTABLE Front Headrests ACCEPTABLE ACCEPTABLE Head injury index Peak Head G-forces no hit 71 Gs Chest compression 27 mm 51 mm Tibia index.91/.48.68/1.06
The Windstars bumpers sustained $2439 less damage than the Town & Country in an IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) 5 MPH bumper test.
The Windstars 5 year corrosion warranty has no mileage limitations, but the corrosion warranty on the Town & Country runs out after 100,000 miles. There are over 39 percent more Ford dealers than there are Chrysler dealers, which makes it easier to get service under the Windstars warranty. page 8

The Windstars 3.8 V6 produces 20 more horsepower (200 vs. 180) and 30 lbs.-ft. more torque (240 vs. 210) than the Town & Countrys standard 3.3 V6. As tested in Motor Trend the Ford Windstar is faster than the Chrysler Town & Country 3.8 V6: Windstar Town & Country Zero to 60 MPH 8.9 sec 10.1 sec Quarter Mile 16.8 sec 17.3 sec Speed in 1/4 Mile 81.8 MPH 79.1 MPH
The Windstar has 6 gallons more fuel capacity than the Town & Country (26 vs. 20 gallons), for longer range between fill ups.
For better traction, the Windstars optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Town & Country (225/60R16 vs. 215/70R15). The Windstars optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) which provides a stiffer sidewall than the Town & Countrys optional 65 series tires. Having a flat tire is dangerous, inconvenient and expensive. The self-sealing tires optional on the Windstar can automatically seal most punctures up to 3/16 of an inch, effectively preventing most flat tires. The Town & Country doesnt offer self-sealing tires.
For superior ride and handling, the Ford Windstar has fully independent front and semi-independent rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Chrysler Town & Country has a solid rear axle, with a non-independent rear suspension. The front and rear suspension of the Windstar uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the Town & Country, which uses leaf springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out. For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Windstar is 1.3 inches wider in the front than on the Town & Country.
The Windstar has.1 inches more front legroom,.7 inches more front hip room and 1.5 inches more rear headroom than the Town & Country.
The Windstars cargo area provides more volume than the Town & Country. Windstar Town & Country Behind Third Seat 29.1 cubic feet 17.8 cubic feet Third Seat Removed 76.3 cubic feet 51.3 cubic feet
The Windstars standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. Chrysler does not offer a locking feature on the Town & Countrys standard power windows. To improve comfort and visibility, the Windstar Limited has standard secondary sun visors that block glare from two directions simultaneously. The Town & Country doesnt offer any similar feature. Page 9
The Windstars optional heated front seats keep the driver and front passenger extremely comfortable in the winter. The Town & Country LX/eX/eL doesnt offer heated seats.

page 10

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 38.5 MPH side impact tests on new cars. In this test, results indicate that the Windstar is safer than the Voyager: Windstar Voyager Front Seat STARS 5 Stars 4 Stars Thoracic Trauma Rear Seat STARS 5 Stars 5 Stars Thoracic Trauma Pelvis Deceleration 70 Gs 105 Gs
The Ford Windstar has a better injury history. The Windstar was involved in injury causing accidents at a rate 31% lower per vehicle registered than the Voyager, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute.
The Windstars 5 year corrosion warranty has no mileage limitations, but the corrosion warranty on the Voyager runs out after 100,000 miles. There are over 39 percent more Ford dealers than there are Chrysler dealers, which makes it easier to get service under the Windstars warranty.
The camshaft in the Windstars engine is driven by a hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs. The Voyager 2.4 DOHC 4 cyl.s camshafts are driven by a rubber belt which eventually needs to be replaced. If the Voyagers cam drive belt breaks the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.
The Windstars 3.8 V6 produces 50 more horsepower (200 vs. 150) and 73 lbs.-ft. more torque (240 vs. 167) than the Voyagers standard 2.4 DOHC 4 cyl. The Windstars 3.8 V6 produces 20 more horsepower (200 vs. 180) and 30 lbs.-ft. more torque (240 vs. 210) than the Voyagers optional 3.3 V6. As tested in Motor Trend the Ford Windstar is faster than the Chrysler Voyager V6: Windstar Voyager Zero to 60 MPH 8.9 sec 11.1 sec Quarter Mile 16.8 sec 17.9 sec Speed in 1/4 Mile 81.8 MPH 78.3 MPH
The Windstar has 6 gallons more fuel capacity than the Voyager (26 vs. 20 gallons), for longer range between fill ups.
The Windstars brakes have 8% more swept area (the area covered by the brake pads) than the Voyager (391.36 vs. 362.5 square inches), so the Windstar has more braking power available. The Windstar with its standard antilock brakes stops much shorter than the Voyager with antilock brakes: Windstar Voyager 70 to 0 MPH 194 feet 216 feet Car and Driver
For better traction, the Windstars optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Voyager (225/60R16 vs. 215/70R15). Page 11
The Windstars optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) which provides a stiffer sidewall than the Voyagers 70 series tires. For better load carrying, ride, handling and brake cooling the Windstar offers optional 16 inch wheels. The Voyagers largest wheels are only 15 inches. The Windstar has a standard tire pressure monitoring system, which uses the ABS sensors to measure slight differences in wheel speed to alert the driver to a drop in tire pressure before damage to the tire or an accident might occur. The Voyager doesnt offer a low tire pressure warning system. Having a flat tire is dangerous, inconvenient and expensive. The self-sealing tires optional on the Windstar can automatically seal most punctures up to 3/16 of an inch, effectively preventing most flat tires. The Voyager doesnt offer self-sealing tires.

For superior ride and handling, the Ford Windstar has fully independent front and semi-independent rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Chrysler Voyager has a solid rear axle, with a nonindependent rear suspension. The front and rear suspension of the Windstar uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the Voyager, which uses leaf springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out. For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Windstars wheelbase is 7.4 inches longer than on the Voyager (120.7 vs. 113.3 inches). For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Windstar is 1.3 inches wider in the front than on the Voyager.
The Windstar has.1 inches more front legroom, 1.2 inches more front hip room, 1.8 inches more rear headroom,.5 inches more rear legroom and 2 inches more third row legroom than the Voyager.
The Windstars cargo area provides more volume than the Voyager. Windstar Voyager Behind Third Seat 29.1 cubic feet 15.1 cubic feet Third Seat Removed 76.3 cubic feet 44.2 cubic feet The Windstars cargo area is larger than the Voyagers in almost every dimension: Windstar Voyager Length to seat (3rd/2nd/1st) 26.3/93.2 16/44.5/86.4 Max Width 69.Min Width 48.7 49.1 Height 48.4 48.5 The Windstars optional folding rear seats are split to accommodate bulky cargo. The Voyagers standard single piece folding rear seat is not as flexible; long cargo and a passenger cant share the rear seat.

Towing

The Windstars standard towing capacity is much higher than the Voyagers (2000 vs. 0 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Chrysler Voyager is only 2000 pounds. The Windstar offers up to a 3500 lbs. towing capacity.

page 12

When three different drivers share the Windstar Limited, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the seat position and outside mirror positions. The Voyager doesnt offer a memory system. The Windstars standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. Chrysler does not offer a locking feature on the Voyagers optional power windows. The Windstar SEL/Limited has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. The Voyager doesnt offer automatic headlights. To improve comfort and visibility, the Windstar Limited has standard secondary sun visors that block glare from two directions simultaneously. The Voyager doesnt offer any similar feature. The Windstar has standard power remote mirrors. The Voyager only comes with remote mirrors at extra cost. Without them the driver will have to roll down the windows and reach across the car to adjust the mirrors. The Windstars optional rear view mirror has an automatic dimming feature. This mirror can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on it, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Voyager doesnt offer the luxury of an automatic dimming rear view mirror. The Windstars optional heated front seats keep the driver and front passenger extremely comfortable in the winter. The Voyager doesnt offer heated seats. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Windstar offers optional rear a/c vents to keep rear occupants more comfortable. The Voyager doesnt offer rear vents.

The Windstar will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. Kiplingers estimates that the Windstar will retain a greater percentage of its original price after two and four years than the Voyager. Windstar Voyager Four Year 32% 31% Two Year 46% 43% The Windstar is less expensive to operate than the Voyager because of its higher resale value. It also costs $25 less to do the manufacturers suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost less on the Windstar than the Voyager, including $98 less for a water pump, $1 less for an alternator, $43 less for front brake pads, $25 less for a starter, $90 less for a fuel pump and $10 less for a tune-up.
The Ford Windstar outsold the Chrysler Voyager by over four to one during the 2002 model year.
Ford Windstar compared with the Dodge Caravan
Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the Windstar deploy with different levels of force or dont deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The Windstars side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The Caravans side airbags dont have smart features and will always deploy full force. The Windstar has standard four wheel antilock brakes for quicker stops and controlled steering ability, especially under poor traction conditions. Antilock brakes cost extra on the Caravan.

Page 13

The Windstar (late availability) offers optional AdvanceTrac, which uses the antilock brake hardware along with powerful software and additional sensors to detect the beginning of a skid. AdvanceTrac then intervenes by automatically applying the brake at one appropriate wheel, preventing a skid. The Caravan doesnt offer skid prevention. The Windstar (except base/LX) offers an optional Reverse Sensing System to help warn drivers about vehicles, pedestrians or other obstacles behind their vehicle. This collision warning system uses radar to detect obstacles behind the rear bumper. The Caravan doesnt offer a rear collision sensor. Both the Windstar and the Caravan have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, available front seat side-impact airbags and head airbags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new cars. In this test, results indicate that the Ford Windstar is safer than the Grand Caravan: Windstar Caravan Driver STARS 5 Stars 4 Stars Head Injury Index Chest forces 32 gs 53 gs Passenger STARS 5 Stars 4 Stars Head Injury Index Chest forces 36 gs 52 gs Leg injuries (L/R) 634 / / 596

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH front offset crash tests on new cars. In this test, results indicate that the Ford Windstar is safer than the Caravan: Windstar Caravan Overall Evaluation GOOD ACCEPTABLE Structure ACCEPTABLE ACCEPTABLE Restraints ACCEPTABLE ACCEPTABLE Front Headrests ACCEPTABLE ACCEPTABLE Head injury index Peak Head G-forces no hit 71 Gs Chest compression 27 mm 51 mm Tibia index.91/.48.68/1.06
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 38.5 MPH side impact tests on new cars. In this test, results indicate that the Windstar is safer than the Caravan: Windstar Caravan Front Seat STARS 5 Stars 4 Stars Thoracic Trauma Rear Seat STARS 5 Stars 5 Stars Thoracic Trauma Pelvis Deceleration 70 Gs 105 Gs
The Ford Windstar has a better injury history. The Windstar was involved in injury causing accidents at a rate 6% lower per vehicle registered than the Caravan, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute. The Windstars bumpers sustained $2439 less damage than the Caravan in an IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) 5 MPH bumper test.

page 14

The Windstars 5 year corrosion warranty has no mileage limitations, but the corrosion warranty on the Caravan runs out after 100,000 miles. There are over 33 percent more Ford dealers than there are Dodge dealers, which makes it easier to get service under the Windstars warranty.
The camshaft in the Windstars engine is driven by a hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs. The Caravan 2.4 DOHC 4 cyl.s camshafts are driven by a rubber belt which eventually needs to be replaced. If the Caravans cam drive belt breaks the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.
The Windstars 3.8 V6 produces 50 more horsepower (200 vs. 150) and 73 lbs.-ft. more torque (240 vs. 167) than the Caravans standard 2.4 DOHC 4 cyl. The Windstars 3.8 V6 produces 20 more horsepower (200 vs. 180) and 30 lbs.-ft. more torque (240 vs. 210) than the Caravans optional 3.3 V6. As tested in Consumer Reports the Ford Windstar is faster than the Dodge Caravan V6: Windstar Caravan Zero to 30 MPH 3.5 sec 3.8 sec Zero to 60 MPH 9.5 sec 11.4 sec Quarter Mile 17.3 sec 18.5 sec
The Windstar has 6 gallons more fuel capacity than the Caravan (26 vs. 20 gallons), for longer range between fill ups.

The Windstars brakes have 8% more swept area (the area covered by the brake pads) than the Caravan with its standard brakes (391.36 vs. 362.5 square inches), so the Windstar has more braking power available. The Windstar with its standard antilock brakes stops much shorter than the Caravan with antilock brakes: Windstar Caravan 80 to 0 MPH 243 feet 273 feet AutoWeek 60 to 0 MPH 134 feet 152 feet AutoWeek 30 to 0 MPH 33 feet 35 feet AutoWeek
For better traction, the Windstars optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Caravan (225/60R16 vs. 215/70R15). Having a flat tire is dangerous, inconvenient and expensive. The self-sealing tires optional on the Windstar can automatically seal most punctures up to 3/16 of an inch, effectively preventing most flat tires. The Caravan doesnt offer self-sealing tires.
For superior ride and handling, the Ford Windstar has fully independent front and semi-independent rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Dodge Caravan has a solid rear axle, with a nonindependent rear suspension.

Page 15

The front and rear suspension of the Windstar uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the Caravan, which uses leaf springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out. For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Windstar is 1.3 inches wider in the front than on the Caravan.
As tested by AutoWeek while at idle, the interior of the Windstar SEL is quieter than the Grand Caravan ES AWD (43 vs. 46 dB).
The Windstar has.1 inches more front legroom,.7 inches more front hip room and 2 inches more rear headroom than the Grand Caravan.
The Windstars cargo area provides more volume than the Caravan SWB. Windstar Caravan Behind Third Seat 29.1 cubic feet 15.3 cubic feet Third Seat Removed 76.3 cubic feet 45.6 cubic feet The Windstars cargo area provides more volume than the Grand Caravan. Windstar Caravan Behind Third Seat 29.1 cubic feet 17.6 cubic feet Third Seat Removed 76.3 cubic feet 51.3 cubic feet The Windstars cargo area is larger than the Caravans in almost every dimension: Windstar Caravan SWB Length to seat (3rd/2nd/1st) 26.3/93.2 16/44.5/86.4 Max Width 69.Min Width 48.7 49.1 Height 48.4 48.5
The Windstars standard towing capacity is much higher than the Caravans (2000 vs. 0 pounds).
When three different drivers share the Windstar Limited, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the seat position and outside mirror positions. The Caravan doesnt offer a memory system. The Windstars standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. Dodge does not offer a locking feature on the Caravans optional power windows. To improve comfort and visibility, the Windstar Limited has standard secondary sun visors that block glare from two directions simultaneously. The Caravan doesnt offer any similar feature. The Windstar has standard power remote mirrors. The Caravan only comes with remote mirrors at extra cost. Without them the driver will have to roll down the windows and reach across the car to adjust the mirrors.

The Windstar will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. Kiplingers estimates that the Windstar will retain 46% of its original price after two years, while the Caravan only retains 44% to 45%. page 16

FORD WINDSTAR 1994-2003 VEHICLE WIRING
Copyright 2002-2004 Triple S Customs
WIRING INFORMATION: 1994 Ford Windstar WIRE 12V CONSTANT WIRE STARTER WIRE IGNITION WIRE SECOND IGNITION WIRE ACCESSORY WIRE SECOND ACCESSORY WIRE POWER DOOR LOCK: (Models without factory keyless entry: 5-wire reverse polarityModels with factory keyless entry: negative trigger) POWER DOOR UNLOCK (Models without factory keyless entry: 5-wire reverse polarityModels with factory keyless entry: negative trigger) PARKING LIGHTS (+) HEADLIGHTS (+) DOOR TRIGGER (+) REAR HATCH TRIGGER HOOD TRIGGER (-) FACTORY ALARM ARM FACTORY ALARM DISARM (-) TACHOMETER WIRE BRAKE WIRE (+) HORN TRIGGER (-) LEFT FRONT WINDOW UP LEFT FRONT WINDOW DOWN RIGHT FRONT WINDOW UP RIGHT FRONT WINDOW DOWN NOTES: WIRING INFORMATION: 1995 Ford Windstar WIRE 12V CONSTANT WIRE STARTER WIRE IGNITION WIRE SECOND IGNITION WIRE ACCESSORY WIRE SECOND ACCESSORY WIRE POWER DOOR LOCK: (-) POWER DOOR UNLOCK (-) PARKING LIGHTS (+) HEADLIGHTS (+) DOOR TRIGGER (+) REAR HATCH TRIGGER HOOD TRIGGER (-) FACTORY ALARM ARM FACTORY ALARM DISARM (-) TACHOMETER WIRE BRAKE WIRE (+) HORN TRIGGER (-) LEFT FRONT WINDOW UP LEFT FRONT WINDOW DOWN RIGHT FRONT WINDOW UP RIGHT FRONT WINDOW DOWN NOTES:
WIRE COLOR YELLOW WHITE/PINK or RED/BLUE RED/GREEN BLACK/GREEN GRAY/YELLOW BLACK/PINK PINK/YELLOW
WIRE LOCATION Ignition Harness Ignition Harness Ignition Harness Ignition Harness Ignition Harness Ignition Harness Harness Coming Into Vehicle From Drivers Door Harness Coming Into Vehicle From Drivers Door At Light Switch At Light Switch Harness In Drivers Kick Panel At Factory Hood Pin Switch Harness In Drivers Kick Panel Module On Passenger Side Fender Wall Under Hood At Brake Pedal Switch Harness Coming From Steering Wheel At Ignition Harness At Driver Window Motor Inside Door At Driver Window Motor Inside Door Harness In Drivers Kick From Driver Door Harness In Drivers Kick From Driver Door

PINK/GREEN

WHITE/BLACK RED/YELLOW BLACK/BLUE COMMON WITH DOORS BLACK ARMS ON LOCK WITH A DOOR OPEN GREEN/PURPLE GRAY/ORANGE RED/LT. GREEN YELLOW/GREEN WHITE/YELLOW YELLOW/BLUE WHITE/YELLOW YELLOW/BLUE
WIRE COLOR YELLOW WHITE/PINK or RED/BLUE RED/GREEN BLACK/GREEN GRAY/YELLOW BLACK/PINK PINK/YELLOW PINK/GREEN WHITE/BLACK RED/YELLOW BLACK/BLUE COMMON WITH DOORS BLACK ARMS ON LOCK WITH A DOOR OPEN GREEN/PURPLE GRAY/ORANGE RED/LT. GREEN YELLOW/GREEN WHITE/YELLOW YELLOW/BLUE WHITE/YELLOW YELLOW/BLUE
WIRE LOCATION Ignition Harness Ignition Harness Ignition Harness Ignition Harness Ignition Harness Ignition Harness Harness In Drivers Kick Panel Harness In Drivers Kick Panel At Light Switch At Light Switch Harness In Drivers Kick Panel At Factory Hood Pin Switch Harness In Drivers Kick Panel Module On Passenger Side Fender Wall Under Hood At Brake Pedal Switch Harness Coming From Steering Wheel At Ignition Harness At Driver Window Motor Inside Door At Driver Window Motor Inside Door Harness In Drivers Kick From Driver Door Harness In Drivers Kick From Driver Door
WIRING INFORMATION: 1996 Ford Windstar WIRE 12V CONSTANT WIRE STARTER WIRE IGNITION WIRE SECOND IGNITION WIRE ACCESSORY WIRE SECOND ACCESSORY WIRE POWER DOOR LOCK: (-) POWER DOOR UNLOCK (-) PARKING LIGHTS (+) HEADLIGHTS (+) DOOR TRIGGER (+) REAR HATCH TRIGGER HOOD TRIGGER (-) FACTORY ALARM ARM FACTORY ALARM DISARM (-) TACHOMETER WIRE BRAKE WIRE (+) HORN TRIGGER (-) LEFT FRONT WINDOW UP LEFT FRONT WINDOW DOWN RIGHT FRONT WINDOW UP RIGHT FRONT WINDOW DOWN NOTES: WIRING INFORMATION: 1997 Ford Windstar WIRE 12V CONSTANT WIRE STARTER WIRE IGNITION WIRE SECOND IGNITION WIRE ACCESSORY WIRE SECOND ACCESSORY WIRE POWER DOOR LOCK: (-) POWER DOOR UNLOCK (-) PARKING LIGHTS (+) HEADLIGHTS (+) DOOR TRIGGER (+) REAR HATCH TRIGGER HOOD TRIGGER (-) FACTORY ALARM ARM FACTORY ALARM DISARM (-) TACHOMETER WIRE BRAKE WIRE (+) HORN TRIGGER (-) LEFT FRONT WINDOW UP LEFT FRONT WINDOW DOWN RIGHT FRONT WINDOW UP RIGHT FRONT WINDOW DOWN NOTES:

WIRE COLOR YELLOW WHITE/PINK or RED/BLUE RED/GREEN BLACK/GREEN GRAY/YELLOW BLACK/PINK PINK/YELLOW PINK/GREEN WHITE/BLACK RED/YELLOW BLACK/BLUE COMMON WITH DOORS BLACK ARMS ON LOCK WITH A DOOR OPEN GREEN/PURPLE 3.0L models: YELLOW/BLACK 3.8L models: DK.BLUE/LT.GREEN RED/LT. GREEN YELLOW/GREEN WHITE/YELLOW YELLOW/BLUE WHITE/YELLOW YELLOW/BLUE
WIRE LOCATION Ignition Harness Ignition Harness Ignition Harness Ignition Harness Ignition Harness Ignition Harness Harness In Drivers Kick Panel Harness In Drivers Kick Panel At Light Switch At Light Switch Harness In Drivers Kick Panel At Factory Hood Pin Switch Harness In Drivers Kick Panel Ignition Coil At Brake Pedal Switch Harness Coming From Steering Wheel At Ignition Harness At Driver Window Motor Inside Door At Driver Window Motor Inside Door Harness In Drivers Kick From Driver Door Harness In Drivers Kick From Driver Door
WIRING INFORMATION: 1998 Ford Windstar WIRE 12V CONSTANT WIRE STARTER WIRE IGNITION WIRE SECOND IGNITION WIRE ACCESSORY WIRE SECOND ACCESSORY WIRE POWER DOOR LOCK: (-) POWER DOOR UNLOCK (-) PARKING LIGHTS (+) HEADLIGHTS (+) DOOR TRIGGER (+) REAR HATCH TRIGGER HOOD TRIGGER (-) FACTORY ALARM ARM FACTORY ALARM DISARM (-) TACHOMETER WIRE BRAKE WIRE (+) HORN TRIGGER (-) LEFT FRONT WINDOW UP LEFT FRONT WINDOW DOWN RIGHT FRONT WINDOW UP RIGHT FRONT WINDOW DOWN NOTES:
WIRING INFORMATION: 1999 Ford Windstar WIRE 12V CONSTANT WIRE STARTER WIRE IGNITION WIRE SECOND IGNITION WIRE ACCESSORY WIRE SECOND ACCESSORY WIRE POWER DOOR LOCK (-) POWER DOOR UNLOCK (-) Must use relays to trigger door locks. PARKING LIGHTS (-)
WIRE COLOR LT GREEN/PURPLE, RED GREEN WHITE/YELLOW PURPLE/ORANGE BLACK/GREEN BLACK LT BLUE/ORANGE LT GREEN/YELLOW
WIRE LOCATION Ignition Harness Ignition Harness Ignition Harness Ignition Harness Ignition Harness Ignition Harness FEM Module In Drivers Kick Panel FEM Module In Drivers Kick Panel
Must ground the BLACK/GREEN and interrupt the DK.BLUE/WHITE and TAN/WHITE wires at the headlight switch to avoid feedback to the headlights. DOOR TRIGGER (-) BROWN/PINK Passenger D Pillar A diode must be placed in-line on this wire to avoid falsing problems. Cut the wire and put the cathode side away from the dome light, then tie the door trigger input on the cathode side on the BROWN/PINK. On models with the puddle lamps on the doors, can also use orange/white in a 20-pin plug at the FEM for door trigger. DO NOT USE THE ORANGE/WHITE FOR DOME LIGHT SUPERVISION. DOME SUPERVISION USE DOOR TRIGGER REAR HATCH TRIGGER TIED IN WITH DOOR HOOD TRIGGER (-) PURPLE/ORANGE FEM Module In Drivers Kick Panel FACTORY ALARM ARM ARMS WITH LOCK WITH A DOOR OPEN FACTORY ALARM DISARM (-) LT. BLUE/BLACK FEM Module In Drivers Kick Panel TACHOMETER WIRE PINK/WHITE, RED/LT.BLUE, or Ignition Coil BLUE/LT.GREEN BRAKE WIRE (+) RED/LT. GREEN Brake Pedal Switch HORN TRIGGER (-) ORANGE/RED FEM Module In Drivers Kick Panel LEFT FRONT WINDOW UP BLACKYELLOW At Driver Window Motor Inside Door LEFT FRONT WINDOW DOWN ORANGE/YELLOW At Driver Window Motor Inside Door RIGHT FRONT WINDOW UP WHITE/YELLOW Harness In Drivers Kick From Driver Door RIGHT FRONT WINDOW DOWN TAN/BLUE Harness In Drivers Kick From Driver Door LEFT REAR WINDOW UP BROWN/YELLOW Harness In Drivers Kick From Driver Door LEFT REAR WINDOW DOWN BROWN Harness In Drivers Kick From Driver Door RIGHT REAR WINDOW UP YELLOW/BLUE Harness In Drivers Kick From Driver Door RIGHT REAR WINDOW DOWN YELLOW/BLACK Harness In Drivers Kick From Driver Door This vehicle is equipped with PATS (Passive Anti Theft System). This must be bypassed when installing a remote start system.

WIRING INFORMATION: 2000 Ford Windstar WIRE 12V CONSTANT WIRE STARTER WIRE IGNITION WIRE SECOND IGNITION WIRE ACCESSORY WIRE SECOND ACCESSORY WIRE POWER DOOR LOCK (-) POWER DOOR UNLOCK (-) Must use relays to trigger door locks. PARKING LIGHTS (-)
WIRING INFORMATION: 2001 Ford Windstar WIRE 12V CONSTANT WIRE STARTER WIRE IGNITION WIRE SECOND IGNITION WIRE ACCESSORY WIRE SECOND ACCESSORY WIRE POWER DOOR LOCK (-) POWER DOOR UNLOCK (-) Must use relays to trigger door locks. PARKING LIGHTS (-)
WIRING INFORMATION: 2002 Ford Windstar WIRE 12V CONSTANT WIRE STARTER WIRE IGNITION WIRE SECOND IGNITION WIRE ACCESSORY WIRE SECOND ACCESSORY WIRE POWER DOOR LOCK (-) POWER DOOR UNLOCK (-) Must use relays to trigger door locks. PARKING LIGHTS (-)
WIRING INFORMATION: 2003 Ford Windstar WIRE 12V CONSTANT WIRE STARTER WIRE IGNITION WIRE SECOND IGNITION WIRE ACCESSORY WIRE SECOND ACCESSORY WIRE POWER DOOR LOCK (-) POWER DOOR UNLOCK (-) Must use relays to trigger door locks. PARKING LIGHTS (-)