New York Car Rental and the Ford Windstar

- Pontiac Grand Prix
- Nisan Sentra
- Nissan Altima
- Ford Windstar
- Ford Taurus
- Ford Focus
- Economy Cars
- Dodge Caravan
- Chrysler Sebring
- 15 Passenger Rental
The Ford Windstar minivan is a front wheel-drive vehicle based on the poplar Ford Taurus platform and is built exclusively at the assembly plant in Oakville, Ontario. When the Windstar appear in 1995 it was bigger and roomier than competitor models like the Caravan and Voyager, while offering a low maintenance engine. The initial engine available in the Windstar was a 3.9 liter V6 that was capable of 155 horsepower. Although not a super powerful machine, the hydraulic engine mounts helped to suppress engine vibrations, producing a smother ride. A split-port induced system was introduced in '96 which helped to increase the horsepower to 200, which coincided with a new 3.0 liter V6 motor.
Safety was a huge concern on this family vehicle, as Ford went above and beyond the safety stringent in place for minivans. Equipped with dual airbags, antilock ABS brakes, and damage resistant bumpers in both the front and rear the Ford Windstar was the first minivan ever to receive a five-star crash test rating for both the front passenger and driver side! In '98 the Windstar underwent a partial redesign as a loaded Limited was added to the lineup. In order to stay competitive with other models who were now offering a second a sliding door on the drivers side, Windstar enlarged the driver door, allowing easier access to the rear passenger area. This approach was preferred by a large number of consumers nervous of a traffic facing rear door, but the next year a second door was added to stay competitive with other labels.
The '98 also had some exterior changes including a new hood, new grille, and a new bumper and headlight fascia. The Windstar's interior is notably larger than many of its competitors and the low step-in height was preferred by families with smaller members. Adjustable head and shoulder restraints were added on the third and second row seats while the second row also included dual integrated child seats. The '99 Windstar came equipped with a new air filtration system along with a rear obstacle sensing system. Side airbags were also available, built into the front seats.
The 2000 model of the Ford Windstar included new features like power adjustable pedals and an audio/visual entertainment system, great for keeping rowdy young travelers occupied! The exterior also underwent a variety of upgrades including a change in the front grille, which now showcased a tighter array of tiny rectangles along with the blue and white Ford insignia. The Ford Windstar was replaced on the market by the Ford Freestar in 2004, which is essentially just the next generation of Ford Windstar New Yor car rental vans. Obvious changes in the Freestar included a quieter V6 and a new fold into the floor third row of seating.

