1999 Ford Windstar SEL

'99 Ford Windstar SEL
When it comes to sheer people- and cargo-moving duties, we're not ashamed to order up another well-trimmed minivan. Far more comfortable than either a sedan or sport/ute, our Ford Windstar offers truly luxurious travel accommodations for passengers on short commutes and multi-state vacation tours. Starting with an upscale SEL model, the $30K Windstar window sticker read like it was lifted from a Lincoln: power everything, leather upholstery, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, aluminum wheels, auxiliary climate controls, rear defrost, and so on. With such a heady base price, options were kept to a minimum, including side airbags ($390), floor console ($155), reverse sensing system ($245), tow package ($435), security package ($275), and power driver's seat/quad package ($1070). Factor in discounts and delivery, the total tallies $32,535. This is a sizeable amount for a minivan, but it should prove a popular getaway vehicle. Though the staff continues to prefer the Honda Odyssey, the Windstar remains our number-two choice in this versatile segment.

'99 Honda Odyssey EX
Though the staff is extremely pleased with the Odyssey's overall performance thus far, the near-perfect Honda shows a couple signs of weakness as it enters the last leg of its year-long evaluation. With 210 horsepower on tap, the Odyssey is reasonably quick, inspiring comparisons in our 50th Anniversary issue (Sept. '99) to automotive legends. However, the mid-range is a bit soft, and the overactive transmission has the Honda downshifting more frequently than some competitors. Windshield noise has been tempered by our fiddling with the trim material. Other recent criticisms include: hard door armrests, front 12-volt power point too low, CD player skips too easily, and merely average stereo sound. The most-loved feature continues to be the "magic" third-row seat that folds neatly away into the cargo load floor. Driving pleasure, comfort, convenience, and capacity have lead the Odyssey to be a real mileage champ, averaging 2600 miles a month. Consequently, the Odyssey is experiencing significant front tire wear, having us consider fresh rubber at the next servicing.