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Ford’s Windstar finally has four doors. But changes for 1999 go much deeper. A fairly major restyle gives it a lighter, livelier look and a top-line luxury model, the SEL, was created to compete in the upper echelon of the minivan segment.

From its introduction in 1995 until now, this well-executed minivan has been one door short of its competition, but now it goes one step further by adding a power option to both sliding doors. Adding the extra door required substantive structural changes, and the body is now 26 percent stiffer torsionally and 33 percent more resistant to bending. A quieter ride and fewer vibrations are side benefits, as well.

The fresh styling includes a front-end with shorter overhang, bigger headlights and a bright chrome grille on the SE and SEL. This new face carries a bit of Ford’s “New Edge” look and does away with the droop-snout look of the former model. Lower-body panels are trimmed with chrome on the SEL, and all versions have their muscular rear-wheel bulges accentuated, as well.

Powerplants remain the same: a 150-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 and a 3.8-liter, V6 with split-induction system and 200 horsepower. Prices range from $24,240 for the LX to $30,995 for the SEL, which is the model I drove. A basic model with the smaller 3.0-liter engine starts at $20,800, but most buyers will prefer the larger engine and more standard equipment.

Our pre-production SEL, a black-over-silver full-luxury model that has been created to compete with fancy vans such as Chrysler’s Town & Country LXi, was as cushy inside as a limousine. There were seats for seven _ four buckets and one bench _ and all were covered in light-gray leather. Rear heating//cooling was standard, with outlets in the ceiling as well as separate back-seat controls. Other items included power side doors, back-up sensors, anti-lock brakes and side airbags built into the front seats.

The power doors can be operated from two locations inside the vehicle as well as with the keyless remote. We were entertaining some visitors from Russia on a recent Saturday, and they were absolutely fascinated with the power doors. Vehicles like the Windstar are extremely rare in their home country, and they loved it.

Putting seven full-size adults inside was a tight squeeze. Both the middle captain’s seats and the third-row bench are adjustable fore and aft for legroom, which helps.

The backrest of the third seat folds forward should you need the space. If you want to haul large things, however, the third seat has to be removed, which is not exactly a one-person task.

While the 200-horsepower engine has adequate power for most situations, it felt a bit sluggish for hauling seven adults. The Windstar has always handled well, not only in turns but on the highway, where it rides with luxury-car comfort. With seven aboard, however, its responses were less than sharp, but that is to be expected.

The instrument panel remains much the same as before in g eneral configuration. The radio is new, as is the front//rear heating//cooling control. A large cupholder slides out of the dash, and there are others throughout the vehicle.

Other new things:

A reverse sensing system ($245) consists of four sensors in the back bumper that detect obstacles within 6 feet. As you back up, warning beeps grow closer together until there is a steady tone when the vehicle is within 10 inches of the object. Since seeing out the back of minivans is challenging, and since they are used by so many families, this system adds a welcome level of security. The system was very sensitive. It even beeped when I backed down a moderately sloped drive, for example, and there was nothing to hit.

The second-row bench seat can be placed on either left or ride side, giving owners the option of having the aisle to the third seat on either side.

Front seat passengers can listen to the radio or stereo cassette while back-seat packages listen to CDs, and vice ver .

The doors won’t lock if they are shut while the key is in the ignition.

Front brakes have larger rotors, twin-piston calipers and a bigger reservoir for better response with less pedal effort.

These updates give the Windstar a new character and fix its former shortcomings. Now, if it just had a third seat that folded into the floor instead of having to be removed.

Price
The base price of the Windstar SEL is $30,995. With traction control, heated mirrors, floor console and reverse sensors bring the sticker price to $31,565.

Warranty
The basic warranty is for three years and 36,000 miles.

Point: The addition of two sliding doors (power optional), more standard equipment and fresh styling move the Windstar closer to its competitors.

Counterpoint: The 200-horsepower engine labors some when the vehicle is loaded with adults, and the third seat has to be removed for extra hauling capacity.

SPECS
ENGINE: 3.8-liter, V6

TRANSMISSION: automatic

WHEELBASE: 120.7 inches

CURB WEIGHT: n/a

BASE PRICE: $30,995

PRICE AS DRIVEN: $31,565

MPG RATING: 17 city, 24 hwy.