The 2001 Ford Windstar. The Autovision entertainment system features a 6.4-in pull-down liquid-crystal display. Power-adjustable pedals are a Windstar option.

In what the company calls a minivan first, Ford is offering interactive vehicle dynamics control on the 2001 Ford Windstar. It previously had been available on only the Focus and Lincoln LS.

Called AdvanceTrac, the system combines advanced sensor technology with ABS and traction control to give drivers more control on slippery roads or in emergency situations. With the help of an algorithm, AdvanceTrac compares the steering wheel's angle to data such as vehicle speed, wheel speed, and lateral acceleration to apply braking to the appropriate wheel(s) and, if necessary, reduce engine torque.

The system was developed with Continental Teves, but the Advance-Trac brand name belongs to Ford. Additional models will employ AdvanceTrac in the future, although the system for those vehicles will not necessarily be developed with Continental Teves.

Also employed on the 2001 Windstar is passenger seat-weight sensing technology that detects objects or occupants with a mass of less than 20 kg (45 lb), such as a child or child-safety seat, and turns off the airbag. The seat weight sensors are part of Windstar's new Personal Safety System. The system combines a passenger seat weight sensor, a driver safety-belt usage sensor, a crash severity sensor, safety-belt pretensioners, and load-limiting retractors with dual-stage inflating airbags. The system analyzes crash and passenger conditions to tailor the deployment of the airbag to the situation.

A common concern of minivan owners is that oncoming cars might not see an open sliding door on the driver's side, creating a potential hazard. The 2001 Windstar is the first minivan to address that concern: when the door is opened, a high-visibility strobe incorporated into the exterior rearview mirror flashes to warn oncoming traffic of the open door. The mirrors are heated, another minivan first, for improved visibility.

The 2001 Windstar Limited offers a new Personal Profile System that for the first time combines memory presets for the power seats, heated signal mirrors, and power adjustable pedals for up to two drivers.

Optional for all models is a new optional Autovision rear-entertainment system featuring a 6.4-in liquid-crystal display that folds down from the center roof to offer viewing for all rear-seat passengers. The VHS videocassette player can be removed from the center console to open extra storage space. Customers can connect a variety of game systems to Autovision. An available power converter allows the video player to be used at home or in a hotel.

The 3.8-L OHV V6, which is standard on the 2001 model, has been improved for smoother operation with a fully counterweighted crankshaft, main bearing ladder brace, and structural cast aluminum oil pan. Other new engine features include a new engine cast oil pan with transmission attachments to improve rigidity; ribbed transaxle chain cover case and structural main control cover; front-end accessory drive stiffening and catalytic converter assembly bracing; and increased muffler volume for reduced noise level and improved sound quality. The engine produces 150 kW (200 hp) at 4900 rpm and 325 N¥m (240 lb¥ft) of torque at 3600 rpm.

Patrick Ponticel

AEI October 2000