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Ford Windstar I 3.0 V6 (152 Hp)
Overall Rating
Ford Windstar:
The Ford Windstar is a minivan that was produced and sold by Ford from the 1995 to 2007 model years. The second minivan line designed by Ford, the Windstar moved closer in line to the design of the Chrysler minivans. The successor of the Ford Aerostar, the model line adopted front-wheel drive and a "two-box" body design. Three generations of the model line were produced, with the final generation taking on the Ford Freestar nameplate.
Unrelated to the Nissan-developed Mercury Villager, the Windstar was marketed without a Lincoln-Mercury counterpart. Coinciding with the introduction of the Ford Freestar for 2004, Mercury introduced its first Ford-produced minivan in a revival of the Mercury Monterey nameplate....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Overview:
Ford Windstar (I). With 252 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1810 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 13.5 s). The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.
The Ford Windstar I was primarily designed for the North American market before Euro NCAP testing became widespread. While it featured ABS, specific modern safety ratings are unavailable.
3.0 V6 (152 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 3.0L Vulcan V6 provides adequate power for daily driving and family hauling, though acceleration is modest at 13.5 seconds to 100 km/h. It's more suited for cruising than spirited driving.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is typical for a mid-90s V6 minivan, with urban consumption at 15.4 l/100 km and extra-urban at 8.5 l/100 km, highlighting its better efficiency on highways.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and versatile interior with 7 seats
- • Comfortable ride quality for long journeys
- • Reliable V6 engines (Vulcan/Essex) for the era
- • Good cargo capacity with removable seats
- • Hydraulic power steering for easy maneuverability
Cons:
- • Modest acceleration, especially with the 3.0L engine
- • Fuel economy is average for its class and era
- • Rear drum brakes might feel dated compared to discs
- • Lacks modern safety features and ratings (e.g., side airbags)
- • Some models prone to rust in certain climates
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Ford |
| Model: | Windstar |
| Generation: | I |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.0 V6 (152 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1995 |
| End of production: | 1996 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Minivan |
| Seats: | 7 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 152 Hp @ 5000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 50.9 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 252 Nm @ 3750 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | Vulcan |
| Engine displacement: | 2986 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.3 l |
| Coolant: | 13 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 89 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 80 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.3:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 15.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 13.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 13.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 180 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.9 kg/Hp, 84 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.2 kg/Nm, 139.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 12.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1810 |
| Max. weight: | 2440 |
| Max load: | 630 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 4080 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 615 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 95 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5125 mm mm |
| Width: | 1915 mm mm |
| Height: | 1790 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 3066 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1640 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1600 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/75 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Ford Windstar!