94-98 Windstars were the nicest ones! 96-98 were probably the more reliable ones due to the newer 3.8 V6 but honestly the 3.0 V6 mid level GL trim was the most reliable one to get as that engine was around forever by that point.
It's actually quicker than that. They probably tested either a brand new one with zero miles not broken in or it was very hot that day. These do it in 8.5secs.
The torque output is actually 230 ft/lbs not 225. That 0-60 is one second longer than it should be. Its supposed to be 8.5secs. It does the trick in the exact same time as a 5.0 V8 Explorer or Taurus Wagon 3.0 Duratec. Only the 96-98 models can do that, the newer ones & the Freestar are slower because they weigh 400-800lbs more even though they have more torque.
I never understood this whole notion about not having a driver's side passenger sliding door for the longest time to prevent children from opening the sliding door and getting out in traffic. Yet, cars have had a driver's side passenger door forever. So I did some research and found out that wasn't the case at all. It was the fact that putting another sliding door on the driver's passenger side compromised the strength of the minivans passenger compartment. So in order to correct this minivans especially unibody minivans had to reinforce the passenger compartment to add a passenger driver's side sliding door, but it required a new design to do this.
They were successful. You have to remember, the Mopar vans were sold under three brands at the time. Chrysler Town & Country, Caravan/Grand Caravan & Voyager/Grand Voyager. The Windstar was highly popular due to its best in class safety. At the time it was the only minivan that could pass the first and all new offset frontal crash test. The second gen and Freestar did poorly in the same test because they weigh 400-800lbs more and the extra weight causes the frontal structure to crumple under its own weight. These were damn good vans, no better or worse than anything else at the time. Mopar vans have issues, just like the Toyota and Honda vans with their crappy transmissions made of glass that noone wants to talk about.
Still have mine. I've had it for 8 years. Still runs smooth with no rust. Was gonna do parts repairs years ago and still have the parts laying around. I think I'll make it a camper and post a video on youtube
