If you’re exploring mid‑90s American cars, Ford’s 1996 lineup gives a clear picture of how the brand spread across compacts, sedans and utility models to meet everyday and family needs. The year mixes practical economy cars with larger family sedans that still show up frequently in the used and parts markets.
There are 13 1996 Ford Cars, ranging from Aspire to Taurus. For each model you’ll see Body style,Engine options (L),Notable 1996 changes — you’ll find them below.
Which 1996 Ford is easiest to maintain or find parts for?
Models that sold in higher volumes, like the Taurus and other mainstream sedans, generally offer the best parts availability and aftermarket support; check junkyards, online forums, and large parts retailers for both OEM and aftermarket options to keep maintenance affordable.
How different are the engine choices across the 1996 Ford Cars?
Engine variety spans economical four‑cylinder options up to V6 choices depending on model and trim; consult the Engine options (L) column for exact displacements on each entry so you can compare fuel economy, performance, and compatibility for repairs or swaps.
1996 Ford Cars
| Model | Body style | Engine options (L) | Notable 1996 changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiesta | Hatchback | 1.25–1.6L I4 common | Ongoing generation; minor trim and equipment updates |
| Ka | Hatchback | 1.3L I4 typical | Launched in Europe in 1996 as an all-new subcompact |
| Escort | Sedan/hatchback/wagon | 1.4–2.0L I4 (market-dependent) | Continued regional variants (US vs Europe); minor mid-year updates |
| Mondeo | Sedan/wagon/hatchback | 1.6–2.5L I4 and 2.5L V6 | Mid-cycle tweaks to trim and options in many markets |
| Scorpio | Sedan | 2.0–2.9L I4/V6 common in line-up | Facelifted variants in some markets; continued luxury positioning |
| Contour | Sedan | 2.0L I4; 2.5L V6 common (North America) | No major 1996 changes; continued production for North America |
| Mystique | Sedan | 2.0L I4; 2.5L V6 common (North America) | Carryover model with minor trim updates for 1996 |
| Taurus | Sedan/wagon | 3.0L V6 and 3.8L V6 common | Minor trim and option updates for 1996 |
| Crown Victoria | Sedan | 4.6L V8 typical | Steady model with minor equipment updates in 1996 |
| Mustang | Coupe | 3.8L V6 and 4.6L V8 (GT switched to 4.6L) | GT adopted 4.6L SOHC V8 replacing the 5.0L V8 in 1996 |
| Probe | Coupe | 2.0L I4 and 2.5L V6 common | Carryover year with few changes for 1996 |
| Aspire | Hatchback | 1.3L I4 typical for North America | Little changed for 1996; continued as subcompact offering |
| Mondeo (UK/Europe) | Sedan/hatchback/wagon | 1.8–2.5L I4 and 2.5L V6 | Mid-cycle equipment and trim updates in many markets |
Images and Descriptions
Fiesta
Compact supermini sold worldwide; practical city car with economical engines. Popular for low running costs and easy maintenance, good for first-time buyers and light collectors of 1990s small Fords.
Ka
Tiny, quirky city hatch introduced in 1996; notable for its compact footprint and simple mechanicals. Sought-after by urban drivers; early examples attract interest from microcar enthusiasts.
Escort
Longstanding small family car with region-specific versions. In 1996 the Escort served as Ford’s entry compact, easy to identify by body style and market; affordable and common used-car choice.
Mondeo
Mid-size family car in Europe and other markets, offering roomy interiors and multiple body styles. Good balance of comfort and handling; early Mondeos are modestly collectible among 1990s enthusiasts.
Scorpio
Executive-sized European sedan with higher-end trims and heavier equipment. Less common today, making well-preserved examples interesting to collectors of 1990s European Fords.
Contour
North American mid-size sedan based on Europe’s Mondeo, sold as Contour in the U.S. Practical and driver-oriented; worth checking for parts interchange with Mondeo.
Mystique
Smaller mid-size sedan in North America related to the Mondeo/Contour family. Comfortable daily driver; V6 models more desirable for performance-minded owners.
Taurus
Mainstream full-size family sedan/wagon in North America with a roomy interior and smooth V6 engines. Common on the used market; later V6s prized for durability.
Crown Victoria
Full-size rear-wheel-drive sedan widely used as fleet and police car; robust V8 powertrain and easy-to-service design. Very common in fleet history; excellent parts availability.
Mustang
Iconic American sports coupe; 1996 marks the GT’s switch to the 4.6L Modular V8. Highly collectible depending on trim and condition; enthusiast support is strong.
Probe
Sporty front-wheel-drive coupe developed with Mazda, offering accessible performance at a low price. Niche appeal today; V6 models are favored for better performance.
Aspire
Small, affordable subcompact sold in North America as an economical commuter car. Simple mechanics and low insurance make it a practical budget buy; rarity varies by region.
Mondeo (UK/Europe)
European-focused mid-size offering that prioritized ride comfort and interior space. A familiar sight on roads in 1996; good candidate for drivers wanting a roomy, affordable used Ford.
