The Ford Windstar II, specifically the 3.8 V6 variant with the automatic transmission, represented a significant update to Ford’s popular minivan offering. Produced from 1999 to 2001, this iteration of the Windstar aimed to address some of the criticisms leveled at the first generation while maintaining the vehicle’s core appeal as a spacious and family-friendly transportation solution. This particular configuration, boasting 200 horsepower, occupied a middle ground in the Windstar II lineup, offering a balance between performance and affordability. It sat above the base 3.0L Vulcan V6 models and below the more expensive, and eventually offered, higher-output engine options.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | Windstar |
| Generation | Windstar II |
| Type (Engine) | 3.8 V6 (200 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1999 |
| End of production | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.8 l/100 km (17 US mpg, 20.5 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10 l/100 km (23.5 US mpg, 28.2 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Emission standard | LEV |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.5 kg/Hp, 118.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 kg/Nm, 192.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 200 Hp @ 4900 rpm |
| Power per litre | 52.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 325 Nm @ 3600 rpm (239.71 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Essex |
| Engine displacement | 3797 cm3 (231.71 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 96.8 mm (3.81 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 11.5 l (12.15 US qt | 10.12 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1690 kg (3725.81 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 852 l (30.09 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 3947 l (139.39 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 98 l (25.89 US gal | 21.56 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1588 kg (3500.94 lbs.) |
| Length | 5125 mm (201.77 in.) |
| Width | 1915 mm (75.39 in.) |
| Height | 1790 mm (70.47 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3066 mm (120.71 in.) |
| Front track | 1640 mm (64.57 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1600 mm (62.99 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/75 R15; 215/70 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15; 6.5J x 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Windstar II variant was the 3.8-liter Essex V6 engine. This engine, a member of Ford’s modular engine family, utilized a 90-degree V-configuration and an overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain. The Essex engine featured multi-port fuel injection, delivering fuel directly to each cylinder for improved efficiency and power delivery. The 200 horsepower output was achieved through a combination of the engine’s displacement, optimized cylinder head design, and careful tuning of the fuel injection system. The engine’s torque peak of 325 Nm (239.71 lb-ft) at 3600 rpm provided ample pulling power for a fully loaded minivan. Paired with the engine was a four-speed automatic transmission, chosen for its ease of use and suitability for family hauling. This transmission was designed to provide smooth shifts and reliable operation, although it wasn’t known for particularly sporty performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.8L V6 and automatic transmission combination in the Windstar II offered a comfortable, if not exhilarating, driving experience. Acceleration was adequate for merging onto highways and passing slower traffic, but it wasn’t particularly quick. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy and smooth operation, rather than aggressive acceleration. Compared to the manual transmission options (which were less common), the automatic resulted in a slight performance decrease. The Windstar II’s weight, exceeding 1690 kg (3725.81 lbs), also contributed to a less nimble feel. However, the suspension was tuned to prioritize ride comfort, absorbing bumps and providing a relatively smooth ride even on less-than-perfect road surfaces.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 3.8L automatic Windstar II typically came standard with features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, an AM/FM stereo, and cloth upholstery. Higher trim levels, such as the Limited, added features like leather upholstery, upgraded sound systems, alloy wheels, and power-adjustable seats. Optional extras included a rear entertainment system, sunroof, and upgraded towing packages. The interior design was functional and family-oriented, with ample storage compartments and comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. The dashboard layout was straightforward and easy to use, with clearly labeled controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Windstar II utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam suspension in the rear. The front suspension incorporated a transverse stabilizer bar to reduce body roll during cornering. Braking duties were handled by disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety by preventing wheel lockup during hard braking. The steering system was a rack-and-pinion setup with hydraulic power assist, providing responsive and easy steering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Ford Windstar II, including the 3.8L automatic variant, was generally well-received by critics and consumers alike. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and relatively affordable price. However, some reviewers noted that the automatic transmission could feel sluggish at times, and the overall driving experience wasn’t particularly engaging. Compared to other minivans on the market, such as the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country, the Windstar II offered a competitive combination of features, space, and value. Fuel economy was average for the class, with the 3.8L engine returning around 13.8 l/100 km (17 US mpg) in city driving and 10 l/100 km (23.5 US mpg) on the highway.
Legacy
The 3.8L Essex V6 engine, when paired with the four-speed automatic transmission in the Windstar II, proved to be a reasonably reliable powertrain. While not without its potential issues (such as occasional intake manifold leaks and timing chain wear), the engine was generally durable and capable of providing years of service with proper maintenance. Today, used Windstar II models with this powertrain are relatively affordable and can be a good option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a spacious and practical minivan. However, potential buyers should be aware of the vehicle’s age and potential maintenance needs. The Windstar II, and this specific variant, represents a significant chapter in Ford’s minivan history, offering a blend of practicality, comfort, and affordability that appealed to a wide range of families.
