Ford's Mustang was the first of a new breed of factory hot rod--the "pony car"--when it was launched back in 1964, and during the decades that followed it's stuck largely to the same genetic coding: High performance, low tech and low cost. With a simple rear-drive chassis borrowed from a sedan and lots of components borrowed from other Ford vehicle lines, the Mustang has always been relatively cheap to produce, delivering lots of performance at bargain prices. However, in terms of maximum performance, the Mustang's formula has, in recent years, fallen behind the pace set by GM's Camaro-Firebird twins. Ford's durable old 5.0-liter V8 simply didn't match the muscle of GM's 5.7-liter V8, which bristles with torque and horsepower. So for 1996, Ford answers the challenge with a new engine. The overhead valve 5.0-liter has been replaced with Ford's much more sophisticated 4.6-liter V8, an engine with better volumetric efficiency as well as better emissions performance. The Mustang GT receives the single overhead cam version, similar to the engine used in the Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car. With 215 hp and 285 lb.-ft. of torque, it delivers roughly the same performance as the old 5.0-liter. But if sizzling go-power is the objective, Ford now has an answer for the Camaro Z28 and Firebird Trans Am. The new Mustang Cobra has the dual overhead cam, 32-valve version of the 4.6-liter V8, and in Cobra tune it throbs with 305 hp and 300 lb.-ft. or torque. With lots of V8 power driving the rear wheels and a number of suspension revisions, the Mustang Cobra can gallop stride for stride with its GM rivals, whether the road ahead is straight or twisty. Since the Cobra represents the best of what's new about the Mustang, it was our choice for this test.
Ford
Mustang
1996
1996 Ford Mustang
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Expert Rating
Unavailable
Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.
Select a Trim Price: - From $15,180
1996 Base 2dr Coupe
Select a Trim
1996 Base 2dr Coupe
most popular
1996 GT 2dr Coupe
Price: - From $17,610
1996 Base 2dr Convertible
Price: - From $21,060
1996 GT 2dr Convertible
Price: - From $23,495
1996 Cobra 2dr Coupe
Price: - From $24,810
1996 Cobra 2dr Convertible
Price: - From $27,580
Menu
Select a Trim Price: - From $15,180
1996 Base 2dr Coupe
Select a Trim
1996 Base 2dr Coupe
most popular
1996 GT 2dr Coupe
Price: - From $17,610
1996 Base 2dr Convertible
Price: - From $21,060
1996 GT 2dr Convertible
Price: - From $23,495
1996 Cobra 2dr Coupe
Price: - From $24,810
1996 Cobra 2dr Convertible
Price: - From $27,580
Overview
Specs & Features
Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
3.8L V-6 / 150 HP / 215 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard:
5-spd man w/OD
Available:
4-spd auto w/OD
Drive Type
Not Available
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
20 / 30 / 25 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
Not Available
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque | 3.8L V-6 / 150 HP / 215 ft.lbs. |
Drive Type | |
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined | 20 / 30 / 25 Mpg |
Brakes | 4-wheel Disc |
Front Suspension | |
Rear Suspension | |
Spare Tire And Wheel | |
Fuel Tank | 15.4 Gal. |
Recommended Fuel Type | Regular Unleaded |
Average Cost To Fill Tank | $59 |
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume | |
Passenger Volume | |
Exterior Length | 181.5 " |
Exterior Width | 71.8 " |
Exterior Height | 53.2 " |
Front Headroom | |
Rear Headroom | |
Front Legroom | |
Rear Legroom | |
Front Shoulder Room | |
Rear Shoulder Room | |
Front Hip Room | |
Rear Hip Room | |
Curb Weight | 3,065 Lbs. |
Wheel Base | 101 " |
Turning Radius |
Exterior Features
Door Count | 2 Doors |
Wheels | |
Paint | |
Exterior Mirrors | Dual Power Remote |
Bumpers | |
Grille Moldings | |
Rear Spoiler | Lip |
Exhaust |
Interior Features
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Rollover Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Front Impact Airbags | Driver And Passenger |
Driver Side Impact Airbags | |
Knee Airbag | |
Passenger Side Impact Airbag | |
Rear Side Airbag | |
Seatbelt Pretensioners | |
Anti-Lock Brakes | 4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs) |
Forward Collision Warning | |
Blind Spot Sensor | |
Lane Departure Warning | |
Autonomous Cruise Control | |
Pedestrian Detection | |
Driver Attention Alert | |
Daytime Running Lights | |
Auto High Beams | |
Adaptive Headlights | |
Parking Sensors | |
Security Systems | Security System |
Panic Alarm | |
Ignition Disable |
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles | 36 Months / 36,000 Miles |
Major Components Months | |
Included Maintenance Months | |
Roadside Assistance Months | 36 Months / 36,000 Miles |
Corrosion Perforation | 60 Months / Unlimited Miles |
Accessories Months |
Used 1996 Ford Mustang for Sale
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