Explorer XLT V-8 VS. Taurus LX Wagon VS. Windstar Lx - Performance - Road Test

On The Road AgainAmong the most frustrating experiences on long trips with children is to have the little darlings finally doze off-no doubt fatigued by inquiring "How much farther?" every 100 yards-and, after as much as 35 seconds of quiet, you notice the glow of the low-fuel light. The extra 197 and 143 miles of cruising range the Windstar promises over the Explorer and Taurus, respectively, translates into about three additional hours of rest for you and the little ones.

Performance CountsIt's stunning that three such dissimilar vehicles can produce similar performance. The 0-60-mph acceleration, at 8.9 seconds, was identical for all three. Stopping distances from 60 mph all were within six feet of each other, ranging from 142 feet for the Taurus to 148 for the Explorer-all lackluster performances. Anti-lock brakes are standard on the Explorer and Windstar, optional on the Taurus. As you might expect, none of the trio offers anything approaching enthusiastic handling, with cornering power ranging from the Taurus' 0.74 g to the Explorer's 0.71 g to the Windstar's 0.67 g. While the Taurus was quickest through the slalom, it was positively cranky in these repeated high-speed radical transitions, becoming more of a handful at every zig and zag. To a much lesser degree, the Explorer also exhibited some unhappiness in radical transitions, but the Windstar plowed solidly ahead. The Explorer's handling was hampered by the off-road-oriented Firestone Radial ATXs, an incongruous application in a two-wheel-drive vehicle. The Explorer V-8 4x4, however, will be available in mid-'96.

While we love to discuss at-the-limit handling, for many owners of these vehicles "good handling" means "tight turning circle." Under this definition, the rear-drive Explorer wins with a circle 0.7 foot smaller than that of the Taurus, and 3.0 feet smaller than the Windstar's. That pays off in parking maneuverability.

People SpaceIf carrying people is your goal, the Windstar is the runaway winner. The Windstar comfortably swallows six adults and a child, though it's necessary to budget the slimmest to the rear. If you rarely haul more than four people, the Taurus or Explorer may suit your needs just as well.

Since the person who pays the bills usually sits in the front row, let's take a look at front passenger room. The Explorer has the most overall headroom and the Taurus has the most front legroom, while the Windstar exhibits a comfortable edge in shoulder and hip room. In second-row space, the Windstar leads in every area save headroom, and it's a no-contest winner when it comes to third-row accommodations.

We found that the Windstar's interior was the most comfortable and relaxed for extended journeys. Its myriad storage areas help keep the cockpit uncluttered. Still, the Windstar's old-style Ford radio, with its plethora of hard-to-work, small buttons, drove down its ergonomics rating.

The Explorer's higher view of the road appeals both to driver and passengers. Larger radio controls, new last year, make station surfing less of a chore. We noticed that the lofty step-in height proved a problem for young children, but the optional running boards would be an adequate remedy.

The Taurus' new radio and air-conditioning controls are more stylish than they are functional. Rear passengers complained about the lack of cupholders and a claustrophobic feeling resulting from the low seating position. The driving experience also was hampered by the adjustable-rate power-assist steering, which never seemed sure at which rate it should be functioning.