We recently traded in our 1996 Dodge Caravan for a 2000 Ford Windstar. We had had the Caravan for three years, and I was very happy with it, so when it came time to make the change, I was a little leary. However, I found that the Windstar had almost all the features that I had had in the Caravan. When I found out that the Windstar had a five-star safety rating, I was convinced.
The first time I drove our new Windstar, I was amazed at the amount of power it had. Our Caravan had always been rather sluggish when pulling out of our driveway and onto our uphill street. But the Windstar took right off. I've been guilty of giving it too much gas many times, because I expect it to need the extra push. It doesn't!
One of the most important features to me, especially with getting three kids in and out, is the sliding door on the driver side. I was so glad to hear that the new Windstars had this. It makes it so much easier getting small children and packages in and out, without having to climb all the way inside. Plus, I feel much safer, knowing that if we were in an accident, there would be better accessibility to my children.
The Windstar is also a much heavier vehicle. It does not get swayed by the wind nearly as much as the Caravan. I feel that it would hold up in a collision much better than the Caravan. I feel much safer driving the Windstar, knowing that it has a good safety rating. I have three children of my own, and always have my friends' children in the car as well, so safety is extremely important to me.
The only thing missing from our new Windstar is the built-in child restraints in the middle seat. I don't use them for my own children, but it is handy to have when extra kids are in the car unexpectedly. These are available in the Windstar, but we did not want to add the cost of having them installed.
Our new Windstar is a beautiful vehicle. It is practical and safe. I would recommend it to anyone.