| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1998 |
The 1998 Ford Windstar I, featuring the facelift introduced in 1996, is a versatile and spacious minivan designed to meet the needs of families and those requiring ample passenger and cargo room. As a mid-size minivan, the 1998 Windstar delivers a practical balance between interior volume and manageable exterior dimensions, making it ideal for urban driving and long road trips alike.
This generation of the Windstar includes significant improvements in styling and comfort over its original release, with a slightly refreshed exterior design to enhance aerodynamics and modernize its appearance. The minivan typically measures approximately 4,935 mm (194.3 inches) in length, around 1,825 mm (71.9 inches) in width, and about 1,740 mm (68.5 inches) in height, offering a spacious cabin without being overly cumbersome on the road.
Inside, the 1998 Windstar provides seating for up to seven passengers with flexible interior arrangements that prioritize comfort and convenience. Its minivan architecture supports ample cargo capacity when rear seats are folded or removed, catering primarily to families, group travelers, or those needing extra cargo space. With a curb weight hovering near 1,800 kg (around 3,968 lbs), the Windstar balances fuel efficiency and road presence, ensuring a stable and comfortable ride.
Overall, the 1998 Ford Windstar I facelift remains a solid choice in the minivan segment, celebrated for its roomy interior, family-friendly features, and dependable design. It reflects Ford's commitment to delivering a vehicle that caters to the practical and comfort needs of larger families or anyone needing an adaptable, spacious van.
Discover the standout features that make the 1998 Ford Windstar I a leader in its class
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The 1998 Ford Windstar I facelift minivan measures approximately 4870 mm (191.7 inches) in length, 1880 mm (74 inches) in width, and about 1680 mm (66.1 inches) in height. These dimensions make it a spacious option in the minivan segment, providing enough room for passengers and cargo without being overly large for urban driving and parking.
The 1998 Ford Windstar I facelift weighs roughly 1860 to 1950 kg (4100 to 4300 lbs), depending on trim and equipment. This mid-range weight for a minivan affects fuel efficiency moderately, with the vehicle providing balanced handling for its size. The relatively moderate weight helps it maintain reasonable agility while ensuring stability on highways.
The 1998 Ford Windstar offers spacious interior dimensions to comfortably accommodate passengers. The minivan provides generous front and rear headroom (approximately 1015 mm / 40 inches front, and slightly less rear) and legroom (over 1000 mm / 39 inches in the front). This allows both adults and children to travel comfortably with good visibility and room to move inside the cabin.
Yes, the 1998 Ford Windstar I facelift fits into a standard residential garage. Typical single-car garages measure approximately 6000 mm (20 feet) in depth and 3000 mm (10 feet) in width, which is sufficient for the Windstar's 4870 mm (approximately 16 feet) length and 1880 mm (6.2 feet) width. Drivers should note the vehicle's passenger side mirror and roof height for clearance but generally won't face issues parking indoors.
The 1998 Ford Windstar provides competitive cargo space for a minivan from its generation. It offers around 480 liters (17 cubic feet) of space behind the third row, expanding significantly with rear seats folded. This compares well to other popular minivans of the time, such as the Dodge Caravan and Chevrolet Venture, making it suitable for family trips, groceries, and gear transport.
The 1998 facelifted Windstar retains the same platform as earlier first-generation models but features subtle exterior updates and some interior improvements. Dimensionally, it remains almost identical — a length of about 4.87 meters (191.7 inches), width of roughly 1.88 meters (74 inches), and height near 1.68 meters (66.1 inches). The facelift enhanced styling and some convenience features but did not drastically change the size or cargo capacity compared to pre-facelift Windstars.
When compared with competitors like the Dodge Caravan (around 4.87 meters / 16 feet long) and Honda Odyssey (approximately 4.82 meters / 189.6 inches), the 1998 Ford Windstar I facelift sits within a similar size range. It is slightly wider than some competitors at roughly 1.88 meters (74 inches), offering a bit more cabin width and a spacious feel. Height and length are comparable, balancing interior room with drivability.
The 1998 Ford Windstar typically features a fuel tank capacity around 65 liters (17.2 gallons). Fuel consumption varies by driving conditions but generally averages about 11-12 liters per 100 km (19-21 miles per gallon) in combined city and highway driving. This was standard for minivans of this size and era, balancing power and utility with reasonable fuel economy.
The 1998 Ford Windstar I facelift is designed to comfortably seat seven passengers with three rows of seats. The typical configuration includes two front bucket seats, a second-row bench or captain's chairs for three passengers, and a third-row bench seat for two passengers. The flexible seating and folding options allow for various cargo and passenger arrangements, making it family-friendly and versatile for different needs.
The 1998 facelift of the Ford Windstar I introduced improved front-end styling as well as some upgraded interior features for comfort and convenience. Safety features typically included driver and passenger airbags, side-impact bars, and optional anti-lock brakes. Interior comfort upgrades often provided better seat materials, improved climate control systems, and optional entertainment systems, maintaining its reputation as a practical and family-oriented minivan.
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