2000 Ford Windstar's Additions for Optimum Driver Comfort

Building on a reputation for safety, comfort and convenience features, the 2000 Windstar is offers new innovations adding power adjustable pedals for optimum driver comfort and a video entertainment center for the kids.

Windstar is the only minivan available to have earned the U.S. government’s highest frontal crash test rating, five stars for driver and front passenger, for five straight years. Additionally, Windstar with optional side impact air bags is the only minivan to combine a double five-star frontal crash rating with a double five-star side impact rating.

Minivan First Power Adjustable Pedals

For 2000, power adjustable pedals add ergonomic benefits, enabling the driver to move the pedals up to four inches toward the seat while maintaining a safe operating distance from the steering wheel. Windstar is the first minivan to offer this feature.

"The new adjustable pedals allow drivers to find exactly the right position, with the right reach to the pedals," says Mary Ellen Heyde, Windstar vehicle line director. "It’s another special touch that makes driving a Windstar even more comfortable."

Entertainment Center:

A rear-seat entertainment system, also new for 2000, helps backseat passengers enjoy the ride. The system features a video cassette player and a video monitor with a 6.4-inch LCD screen that flips down from the center console for viewing from the backseat. The console also contains jacks for video game use.

In addition, Windstar’s Personal Audio System, introduced in 1999, allows front-seat passengers to listen to one media, such as radio or audio cassette, while rear-seat passengers can listen to a separate media, such as a CD, through headphones.

Safety 2000:

Added to the 2000 Windstar is a standard childseat anchor system, which meets new U.S. government requirements and features two permanent childseat tether anchors in the back seat. The anchors provide a more secure attachment points for the child safety seat – and greater peace-of-mind for parents when buckling in infants and small children.

Windstar offers optional combination head and chest side-impact air bag. The air bags are mounted in the bolsters of the front seats and are designed to enhance protection of the head and chest of front-seat occupants in certain side impacts.

Other Features of Note:

Windstar offers optional key fob-operated, dual-power sliding doors that allow either side to be opened and closed at the touch of a button. Double clicking on the key fob opens either or both of the power sliding doors on the sides of the vehicle. A tap of the buttons on the overhead console closes the doors when everyone is safely buckled in.

The Reverse Sensing System is an optional short-range warning system that helps alert the driver to the presence of certain objects near the rear of the vehicle when backing up. The system works using sonar. Four ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper detect obstacles from 10 inches to approximately 6 feet to the rear. The driver is alerted by a beeping sound that increases in frequency until the obstacle is less than 10 inches from the rear bumper. Then the tone becomes continuous.

Windstar's long list of standard equipment includes automatic transmission, SecuriLockª anti-theft system, power door locks, power windows three power points, a 26-gallon fuel tank and 40 standard safety features including anti-lock brakes.