1996 Car Models: The Complete List

The mid-1990s felt like a crossroads for car design: practical compacts, luxury refreshes and rising performance models shared showroom floors across the US, Europe and Japan. That blend of styling and technology makes 1996 a useful year to study trends and choices for buyers and enthusiasts alike.

There are 47 1996 Car Models, ranging from Acura Integra to Volvo S70. For each entry the Body type, Engine (L), Power (hp), and Market (region) are listed so you can quickly compare specs — you’ll find below.

How were the model entries and their specifications verified?

The list combines period manufacturer brochures, official spec sheets and reputable archive sources; where figures differed by market or option package I noted the most common factory specification, but individual cars can vary by trim, dealer options or later modifications.

Can I sort or filter the list to find specific types or markets?

Yes — the table is organized with Body type, Engine (L), Power (hp) and Market (region) so you can filter or sort by those columns in a spreadsheet or database to narrow down coupes, engines or regional variants.

1996 Car Models

Images and Descriptions

Toyota Camry

A mainstream mid-size family sedan, the 1996 Camry continued with reliable four-cylinder and available V6 options. Known for comfort, fuel economy and strong sales, the 1996 model reinforced Camry’s reputation as a dependable daily driver.

Toyota Corolla

Compact and economical, the 1996 Corolla remained a global best-seller. With modest engines and practical packaging, it was prized for reliability and low running costs; the 1996 Corolla represented a conservative, highly common choice for buyers worldwide.

Toyota Supra

The MKIV Supra was a high-performance sports coupe in 1996, famed for its twin-turbo 3.0L engine and tuning potential. Its powerful engine, distinctive styling and Japanese sports-car pedigree made it an icon among enthusiasts.

Toyota RAV4

One of the early compact crossovers, the 1996 RAV4 offered car-like handling with light off-road ability. Its compact SUV packaging and efficient 2.0L engine made it popular in urban markets as a practical, versatile small SUV.

Toyota Avalon

Toyota’s larger, more upscale sedan for North America, the Avalon provided a smooth V6, spacious rear-seat comfort and conservative luxury in 1996. It targeted buyers wanting Camry reliability but greater interior room and refinement.

Honda Accord

The Accord was a class-leading mid-size sedan in 1996, balancing efficiency, build quality and refinement. Its 2.2L engine offered solid performance for daily use, making it a consistent top choice for families and commuters.

Honda Civic

A compact staple, the 1996 Civic combined fuel efficiency, reliability and affordable ownership. Offered in several body styles worldwide, the Civic continued to appeal to budget-minded buyers and tuners with a range of efficient engines.

Honda Prelude

The Prelude was Honda’s sporty coupe offering through 1996, featuring a lively 2.2L engine and sharp handling. It appealed to buyers seeking a refined, reliable two-door with sporty dynamics and a well-finished interior.

Nissan Maxima

The Maxima was Nissan’s near-luxury sedan in 1996, with a smooth 3.0L V6 and comfortable interior. Known as a “four-door sports car,” it blended performance and comfort for buyers seeking more refinement than compact sedans.

Nissan 300ZX

The 300ZX was Nissan’s twin-turbo sports car in 1996, celebrated for strong performance, balanced handling and distinctive styling. As a flagship Z-car, it represented high-performance Japanese engineering of the era.

Nissan Sentra

A compact economy car, the Sentra in 1996 focused on practicality, low-cost ownership and fuel efficiency. It was a common choice for first-time buyers and fleet use, offered across many global markets with modest power.

Nissan Altima

The Altima was Nissan’s mid-size offering in North America, featuring a 2.4L four-cylinder with agreeable performance and roomy interiors. In 1996 it was positioned as a comfortable, value-driven alternative to domestic rivals.

Subaru Impreza

Compact and versatile, the 1996 Impreza offered all-wheel drive as standard in many markets and practical hatchback packaging. Known for traction and durability, it appealed to buyers in colder climates and fans of rally-derived handling.

Subaru Legacy

The Legacy combined comfortable midsize dimensions with Subaru’s signature all-wheel drive. The 1996 model provided a refined ride and practical interior, making it a sensible choice for buyers needing added-weather capability and space.

Mitsubishi Eclipse

A popular sporty coupe, the 1996 Eclipse balanced affordability with sporty styling and peppy engines. It drew younger buyers seeking attractive looks and engaging driving dynamics without supercar prices.

Mitsubishi Lancer

The Lancer in 1996 was a compact, economical sedan sold widely in Asia and Europe. Known for practicality and low running costs, it served as a value-oriented option in crowded compact car segments.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Miata remained the light, affordable roadster benchmark in 1996, prized for its pure driving feel and simplicity. The 1.8L engine delivered lively performance and strong enthusiast appeal, keeping it a sports-car favorite.

Mazda 626

A practical mid-size sedan, the 1996 626 emphasized balanced handling, efficient engines and family-friendly interiors. It catered to buyers seeking a well-rounded, affordably priced alternative to more mainstream competitors.

Ford Taurus

The Taurus was Ford’s bread-and-butter mid-size sedan in 1996, offering a smooth V6 and comfortable ride tuned for U.S. buyers. It remained a high-volume model for fleet and private buyers seeking roomy interior space.

Ford Mustang

The SN95 Mustang in 1996 returned with modernized styling and a 4.6L V8 in base and higher-output variants. It appealed to buyers seeking iconic American muscle-car character with improved refinement and stronger engines.

Ford Escort

The Escort was a compact entry-level car in 1996, available in hatchback and sedan forms globally. It was valued for affordability, practicality and simple maintenance, remaining a common choice for budget-minded drivers.

Chevrolet Cavalier

A compact domestic offering, the 1996 Cavalier focused on low price and simplicity. It served as a common commuter car in North America, prized for affordability although less refined than rivals.

Chevrolet Camaro

The Camaro was Chevrolet’s sporty coupe offering in 1996, available with V6 and V8 power. It targeted buyers seeking American muscle roots and accessible performance in a traditional two-door package.

Dodge Neon

Introduced mid-1990s, the Neon was a compact, affordable sedan known for peppy four-cylinder performance and competitive pricing. The 1996 Neon appealed to budget-conscious buyers wanting modern looks and sporty handling for its class.

Chrysler Cirrus

Part of Chrysler’s “cab-forward” midsize family, the 1996 Cirrus offered roomy interiors and aerodynamic styling. Positioned as a comfortable family car, it provided V4 and V6 options depending on buyer priorities.

Volkswagen Golf

The Golf remained Volkswagen’s compact best-seller in 1996 with solid build quality, practical hatchback design and a range of engines including the popular 1.8L. It was a benchmark for compact car refinement in Europe.

Volkswagen Passat

The Passat was VW’s mid-size model in 1996, offering refined interior space and efficient engines such as the 1.8L turbo in some markets. It appealed to buyers seeking European engineering and value in its segment.

Audi A4

Introduced as Audi’s compact executive model, the A4 in 1996 combined sporty handling, upscale cabin materials and turbocharged engine options. It targeted buyers wanting German refinement in a smaller footprint.

Audi A6

The A6 offered executive-class comfort with refined engines and a well-appointed interior in 1996. It balanced performance and luxury for buyers seeking premium European motoring without flagship pricing.

BMW 3 Series

A benchmark compact premium sedan, the 3 Series combined engaging handling and strong build quality. The 2.5L variant in 1996 offered lively performance and remained a favorite with drivers prioritizing dynamics and refinement.

BMW 5 Series

The 5 Series was BMW’s mid-size executive car in 1996, blending performance, comfort and technology. Its 2.8L engines offered balanced power for business and family duties, reinforcing BMW’s sporty-luxury reputation.

Mercedes C-Class

The C-Class was Mercedes’ compact executive sedan in 1996, offering traditional luxury, safety features and smooth engines. It targeted buyers wanting chauffeur-level comfort and solid German engineering in a smaller package.

Mercedes E-Class

The E-Class was Mercedes’ mid-size luxury benchmark in 1996, known for strong build quality, safety innovations and refined V6 engines. It served as a mainstream executive sedan with a reputation for durability.

Volvo S70

Replacing the 850 name in many markets, the S70 arrived mid-decade as Volvo’s mid-size sedan with improved refinement and safety. The 1996 S70 offered solid build quality, comfortable seating and strong safety credentials.

Volvo 850

The 850 estate/wagon was praised for its practicality and safety in 1996, offering roomy cargo space and comfortable seating. It appealed to buyers needing family practicality with European build quality and robust engines.

Saab 900

The 900 in 1996 offered distinctive Scandinavian styling and turbocharged engine options in many markets. Known for safety-focused design and quirky charm, it attracted buyers seeking something different from mainstream brands.

Peugeot 306

A popular compact hatchback in Europe, the 306 combined nimble handling and economical engines. The 1996 model was a common choice for urban drivers seeking practicality, good ride quality and European design flair.

Renault Clio

The Clio was Renault’s supermini staple in 1996, offering compact dimensions, efficient engines and affordable ownership. It targeted city drivers and young buyers looking for a practical, low-cost car with modern styling.

Fiat Punto

The Punto was Fiat’s small hatch for European markets in 1996, prioritizing economy, compact size and practical urban use. It appealed to buyers seeking inexpensive motoring and simple, functional design.

Porsche 911 (993)

The 993-generation 911 in 1996 was the last air-cooled 911 and prized for precise handling and classic Porsche character. It combined modern improvements with traditional engineering, making it highly desirable among enthusiasts.

Land Rover Discovery

The Discovery was a practical, body-on-frame SUV in 1996 offering off-road capability and family-friendly interior space. With V8 power and robust construction, it appealed to buyers needing true four-wheel-drive versatility.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Introduced mid-1990s, the Grand Cherokee combined SUV toughness with upgraded comfort and powerful V8 options in 1996. It became a mainstream choice for buyers wanting capability and a more refined cabin than older Jeeps.

Lexus ES300

Lexus’s comfortable mid-size sedan, the ES300 in 1996 offered smooth V6 power, quiet refinement and upscale features. It catered to buyers seeking Toyota reliability packaged with luxury-level comfort and amenities.

Acura Integra

The Integra remained a sporty compact in 1996, known for its engaging handling and high-revving engines. Popular with enthusiasts and younger buyers, it offered a blend of reliability and performance in an affordable package.

Cadillac Seville

Cadillac’s near-luxury Seville in 1996 offered V8 power, a well-appointed cabin and a focus on American luxury buyers. It competed with European and domestic premium sedans, emphasizing comfort and technology for its class.

Buick LeSabre

A traditional American full-size sedan, the LeSabre in 1996 emphasized smooth V6 power, spacious seating and comfort-oriented ride. It appealed to buyers seeking easy highway cruising and conservative luxury at modest cost.

Oldsmobile Cutlass

The Cutlass was a mid-size domestic sedan in 1996 providing a comfortable ride, practical features and sensible performance. It targeted buyers wanting straightforward transportation with American-sized interiors and engine options.

Car Models in Other Years