or optional 15" alloy wheels, manual driver's seat, speed/tilt control steering wheel, and an AM/FM radio with four speakers. Package 473A added high-capacity air-conditioning with an auxiliary heater, rear audio controls, quad command bucket seating (96 & 97), tinted windows and a luggage rack. Windstar LX (1995-1998) - Added: two-tone paint as a no cost option, Upgraded cloth interior (Leather Optional), rear storage bin, power locks, power windows with automatic driver's side window, 15" cast alloy rims, puddle lights, tachometer, adjustable front seats with power driver's seat, dual power lumbar support (only on Limited in 1998), a Premium AM/FM radio with cassette player and four premium speakers (JBL Audio was optional), rear audio controls, digital dash board with trip computer, automatic headlamps and auto dimming rearview mirror (Optional), Family Security Pkg.(Optional) included an alarm system, door mounted keypad, heated exterior mirrors, full automatic lighting, and a pocket for a map behind the Driver and passenger seat (Passenger Seat only for 1998). There was also a trailer towing package available which included Load-Leveling Rear Suspension, Class 3 Trailer Hitch and 4 wheel disc Brakes. Windstar Limited (1998) - Added: Front fog lamps, 16" cast aluminum rims, high-capacity rear air conditioner and heater, automatic headlamps, auto dimming rearview mirror, overhead console with audio controls, leather seats, keyless entry, security alarm, a premium AM/FM stereo with cassette player and four speakers. The JBL audio system was not available in 1998. Safety The 1995–1998 Ford Windstar, which was tested as a 1995 model received a "Excellent" (5-stars) rating from the IIHS in all marks, in which the driver survives the accident without any injuries. It was marketed as the "Safest minivan on the market." Sales Problems During and after its production, this generation of the Windstar would become known for several notable reliability issues. The 3.8 L V6 Essex engine in 1995 models was susceptible to head gasket failure, as it was in its Taurus and Sable stablemates. However, the Windstar's problem was a cast iron block with aluminum heads, coupled with higher loads than the Taurus, the van being 700 pounds heavier. In response, Ford extended the warranty on the head gasket to 100,000 miles on most Windstars with this engine. The 3.0 L V6 Vulcan engine was not susceptible to head gasket failure, as it was a completely different engine design. The Windstar was paired with an AX4S transaxle, which was prone