To compete with the minivan models produced by car companies GM and Chrysler, Ford came up with a more competitive minivan known as the Ford Windstar in March 1994. The Windstar replaced the aging Ford Aerostar which only had a rear-wheel drive. Although the Windstar was smaller, it boasted a more sleek design, a front-wheel drive, and better handling that was similar to that of a smaller-sized car. Thanks to being released a year before the Dodge Caravan model, Ford was able to gain a large market share for the minivan and it was considered a big success.
The first generation Ford Windstar boasted several standard features which appealed to people who wanted a car that was reliable and eye-catching at the same time. Being a minivan, the Ford team's target demographic veered more towards people who needed the space of a minivan, or to starting families who had kids. The Ford team knew that practicality should not compromise the beauty or design of the minivan. Thus, they created the Windstar's smooth and stylish body and put in it an engine that was borrowed from Ford's very popular Taurus models, the 3.8L V6 engine. The said engine provided 155 horsepower. The Windstar also had dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, and seating for seven passengers, ideal for families or for people who needed the bigger car space. For its first year, the Windstar was available in three trims, the base GL, the luxury LX, and the cargo-version, called Cargo Van. The succeeding years after 1994 saw several changes to the Windstar. In 1996, the base engine was changed to the new 3.0 L 150 HP Vulcan V6, while the 3.8 L V6's horsepower was increased to 200 from 155. In 1997, a CD player became a new option for the models. The year 1998 saw distinct changes to the first generation Windstar's frame or body, such as new grille and headlights, and an extended driver's door. Also, it was during this year that an ultra-luxurious Limited model was introduced, which featured faux wood interiors and leather seats.
The Windstar was subjected to a complete redesign for model year 1999. It was fitted with dual power-sliding doors, front seat-mounted airbags, and rear reverse sensors. The engines were not changed and were carried over from the previous generation. Trim versions made available during this year were the Cargo Van, Base, LX, SE, and SEL models. The dual-sliding doors were standard to the higher trims, the SE and SEL, and were optional for the lower trims. Several changes were also made to the second generation Windstar in the succeeding years. The Limited model was again released in 2000, a new SE Sport model was introduced and only one engine choice, the 3.8 L V6 was made available in 2001, and in 2002, dual-sliding doors became standard on all models. In 2004, the Windstar's name was changed to Freestar in keeping with Ford's new theme to have all their car names start with "F".
The Ford team succeeded in making a minivan that appealed to many people, mainly because of its stylishness and practicality. If you are someone who needs a bigger space but is mindful of how the car you're driving looks, then the Windstar is for you.
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