1996 Ford Mustang Review
1996 Ford Mustang Review
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Used Mustang for sale
Appraise This CarFord Mustang model years
Ford Mustang types
- Coupe
- Convertible
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
Ford plugs a 4.6-liter modular V8 into its pony car. Base cars also get engine improvements, and all 1996 Ford Mustangs get minor styling revisions. The GTS model, a midyear 1995 V8 base Mustang, has been dropped.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Ford Mustang 2dr Convertible and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$198/mo for Mustang Base
Mustang Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Since Ford introduced a redesigned Mustang for the 1994 model year, sales of the popular pony coupe have surpassed the expectations of even the most optimistic bean counters in Dearborn. The Mustang is selling almost as many copies as the Chevy Camaro and Pontiac Firebird combined, despite weaker engine choices and less sleek styling; dealers are clamoring for more of them.
For 1996, Mustangs are infused with a host of powertrain improvements. All motors get 100,000 mile platinum-tipped spark plugs. Base models get a reworked "Essex" 3.8-liter V6, based on the engine from the now defunct Thunderbird Super Coupe, but good for just 150 measly horsepower. Mustang GT has a new 4.6-liter V8 under the hood. Smoother and cleaner than the 5.0-liter pushrod engine it replaces, the much-anticipated 4.6-liter engine disappoints with horsepower and torque ratings that are essentially unchanged from the old engine. The big power is reserved for the limited-production Cobra model. A DOHC 4.6-liter mod motor packs a 305 horsepower punch in the Cobra, but it comes at a steep price premium. The Cobra performs slightly better than the new Ram Air Firebirds released by General Motors this year. However, with production of just 10,000 copies and a cost of $26,000 per car, the Cobra has limited appeal. Folks who've been waiting for a real engine in the GTsince 1994 will likely head for Chevy dealerships in exasperation.
Suspension revisions and steering improvements make the Mustang more fun to drive this year. New wheels, taillights and colors liven up the exterior a bit. The GTS model has been dropped, ensuring that the 1995 GTS, which was produced for a scant six months, will become one of the more collectible Mustangs of the nineties.
All things considered equal, the Mustang offers good performance value for the dollar, as long as you keep your hands out of the options toy box. Things aren't equal though, and GM's ponycars, Camaro and Firebird, offer superior bang-for-the-buck in both base and Z28/Formula/Trans Am trim.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Ford Mustang.
5 star(32%)
4 star(54%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(9%)
1 star(0%)
64 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
My mustang
1996 mustang gt, 05/27/2010
1996 Ford Mustang GT 2dr Coupe
This mustang still has not given me any problems since I bought it. Even at 14 years old. I expected it to have give me at least some problems.
5 out of 5 stars
96 GT. Wonderful car
TheChief, 02/29/2016
1996 Ford Mustang GT 2dr Coupe
This is a very wonderful car.
Mine is a V8 4.6.
It's not the fastest of the Mustangs but it definitely gets up and moves. I recommend this vehicle
4.5 out of 5 stars
Better Gas Mileage in real world
Sernach, 08/28/2010
1996 Ford Mustang 2dr Convertible
I have a 96 Mustang Convertible with 311+K on the Body. Engine Has around 100k. I average 20 City and 30 MPG Freeway even if I'm driving Fast. Turning radius on these year stangs 94- 04 is horrific. Winter Driving takes a skilled driver. Always starts for me.
5 out of 5 stars
one of the best cars I've ever owned and still do.
shawn, 01/24/2016
1996 Ford Mustang 2dr Convertible
Anyone who could get a chance to get one i would do your best to get one because u will fall in love will it...
1996 Mustang Highlights
Coupe
Base
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $198/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 10.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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