Ford Windstar's styling hasn't changed much since its 1995 introduction, but it still looks contemporary. Windstar's front end received a minor redesign in 2001, and the LX Standard and Deluxe acquired driving lights in 2002. For 2003, all Windstars sport body-colored bumpers.

The sliding doors neatly hide the tracks below the lower edge of the rear side window, instead of gouging them out of the quarter-panel sheetmetal. This gives the Windstar a less utilitarian, more upscale look. Power operation for the dual sliding doors is optional on the SE, and standard on the SEL and Limited.

With the power-operated doors, you can open the Windstar by remote control, using a button on the key fob. This can be real benefit when you've got an armload and it's raining. It's also nice for folks who find opening and closing heavy doors a bit strenuous. The one shortcoming of the power doors is that they move more slowly than most people could slide the door by hand. Nonetheless, kids love the power doors. A safety feature automatically stops the door should some errant body part block its path. And an industry-first warning strobe alerts the driver when the sliding doors are opening.

Unlike some of its domestic competitors, Windstar is not available in a short-wheelbase model. Windstar comes in one size only, and that size is relatively large, comparable to the Dodge Grand Caravan, the Chrysler Town & Country, and the Honda Odyssey.