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1996 Ford Mustang Review

4.1 out of 5 stars(63)
1995 Ford Mustang 2 Dr STD Convertible
Used Mustang for sale
List Price Estimate:$1,040 - $2,419
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Edmunds' Expert Review

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.

1996 Highlights

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.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Ford Mustang.

5(33%)
4(54%)
3(5%)
2(8%)
1(0%)
4.1 out of 5 stars
63 reviews
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Most helpful consumer reviews

4.88 out of 5 stars
My mustang
1996 mustang gt,05/27/2010
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
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
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
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...
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Features & Specs

See all Used 1996 Ford Mustang specs & features 

Safety

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
  • Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
    OverallNot Rated
    Driver5 / 5
    Passenger5 / 5
  • Side Crash Rating
    OverallNot Rated
  • Side Barrier Rating
    OverallNot Rated
    DriverNot Rated
    PassengerNot Rated
  • Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
    Front SeatNot Rated
    Back SeatNot Rated
  • Rollover
    RolloverNot Rated
    Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
    Risk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
  • Side Impact Test
    Not Tested
  • Roof Strength Test
    Not Tested
  • Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
    Not Tested
  • IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
    Not Tested
  • Moderate Overlap Front Test
    0
More about the 1996 Ford Mustang

Used 1996 Ford Mustang Overview

The Used 1996 Ford Mustang is offered in the following submodels: Mustang Coupe, Mustang Convertible. Available styles include 2dr Convertible, GT 2dr Coupe, 2dr Coupe, and GT 2dr Convertible. Pre-owned Ford Mustang models are available with a 3.8 L-liter gas engine or a 4.6 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 215 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 1996 Ford Mustang comes with rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed manual.

What's a good price on a Used 1996 Ford Mustang?

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Which used 1996 Ford Mustangs are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 1996 Ford Mustang for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 1996 Ford Mustang.

Can't find a used 1996 Ford Mustangs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a used Ford Mustang for sale - 11 great deals out of 18 listings starting at $18,088.

Find a used Ford for sale - 8 great deals out of 16 listings starting at $11,576.

Find a used certified pre-owned Ford Mustang for sale - 6 great deals out of 13 listings starting at $20,384.

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Should I lease or buy a 1996 Ford Mustang?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

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