1996 Ford Thunderbird Reviews, Pricing & Specs
What owners say
"Many drivers are fond of the 1996 Ford Thunderbird for its powerful V8 engine and comfortable ride. They appreciate its classic styling and strong performance, especially on highways. Owners have also noted the luxurious interior features, although some mentioned areas needing improvement, like the weak stereo system and occasional reliability issues. Overall, it’s seen as a solid choice for those seeking a mix of sportiness and comfort."
Ford's aging personal coupe is nearing the end of the proverbial line. Seven years is a long time for automotive sheetmetal to be around, and the Thunderbird is looking a little long in tooth. For 1996, the Thunderbird has received a freshened front and rear end that has improved its looks. In spite of these updates, the Thunderbird is due for a full-body makeover (i.e., Taurus, Escort, F-Series and Contour) by the gang at the Blue Oval. Nonetheless, we will be saddened by this rendition's departure because we feel a rare balance between sport and luxury is represented in this affordable car. We received our Laser Red Thunderbird one fine Arizona morning and were delighted to find it equipped with the Sport Package and Ford’s exciting modular V-8 engine. We immediately hunted down the nearest stretch of open road to enjoy the melodious song of this powerful engine. We weren’t disappointed. Acceleration was brisk and Ford thoughtfully included a defeat switch for the optional traction control that allows the kid in all of us the thrill of squealing the sixteen-inch tires, not that WE would ever do that. Flat spots in the powerband were non-existent as we ran the car up to the Grand Canyon State’s much appreciated new 75 mph speed limit. The T-Bird's motive force had us merging with traffic without a second thought. It also let us mow down freeways like some speed-crazed farmer in a supercharged John Deere. Anti-lock brakes on the T-Bird are optional and we were happy that Ford included them on our test vehicle. Early one morning, a smoke-belching Pontiac Le Mans decided to help us test them by pulling into traffic a scant fifteen feet in front of us. The ability to steer while standing on the brakes is the only reason we didn’t trade paint. Cornering is not the Thunderbird’s greatest ability but the car handled reasonably well, with just a touch of predictable understeer. A stiff suspension reminded us that we were in a fast car, but the ride was smooth enough to leave our fillings intact when motoring over Phoenix’s washboard Interstate-17. The Thunderbird has an organic, sweeping dashboard that is dramatically oriented towards the driver. No-nonsense white-on-black analog gauges include: a tachometer, speedometer, voltmeter, fuel and temperature indicator. They are small but easy to read. The equipment buttons and dials are ergonomically correct with the obvious exception of the Ford stereo, we aren’t sure but we think older Ford stereos were designed by malevolent elves that held a grudge against myopic people with big fingers. The hard-to-see lettering on the hard-to-push buttons makes the radio dangerous to fiddle with while driving. Fortunately, the sound quality of the stereo makes up for its disastrous design. Cabin noises were minimal except for a strange rattle in the dashboard that occasionally assaulted our aural senses. Our car had a tan leather package that looked great with the Laser Red exterior, but contrasted oddly with the fighter-pilot charcoal dash. The driving position of the Thunderbird was excellent, but one staffer noted that the rearview mirror was in exactly the wrong place. Every time he looked towards the right fender he caught a glimpse of the trunk. We overcame small blind spots created by the C-pillar with the sideview mirrors, and our drivers enjoyed expansive forward views out of the large windows. Passenger room is commodious and comfortable for a sporty coupe. The driver enjoys a power seat while the passenger has to do things the old fashioned way. Ford deleted the power passenger seat from the option list for 1996, and one of our writers complained that the seat was too low and flat. Several of us noted the uncomfortably low placement of the glove box. Backseat space is big enough to accommodate a six-footer, and those riding back there are kept from stifling by the inclusion of rear air vents. Trunk space is wide and deep but not very tall; liftover is easy but the trunk-lid is so short that items that roll to the front of the trunk are hard to get at. The Thunderbird is a lot of car. Measuring over 200-inches in length, and weighing more than 3500 pounds, no one will confuse this car with a lightweight sports coupe. It offers satisfactory speed and agility and has the added benefit of not being mistaken for a boy-racer hot-rod. In our opinion, this is the ideal vehicle for a mature driver who isn’t quite ready to plant themselves in a garden variety sedan. The Thunderbird is also a great value for the smart shopper. Fully optioned with the V-8 engine, sports package, leather package, premium audio, ABS, and traction control; our Thunderbird had an MSRP of only $21,800. We think the understated Thunderbird is much more attractive than its gaudy corporate-twin, the Mercury Cougar. We also believe that it offers an amazing value when compared to its distant cousin, the Lincoln Mark VIII. The Mark VIII costs a whopping a $26,000 more, but doesn’t deliver that much more luxury. Unless you think a 10-disk CD changer and built-in dash compass are worth $13,000 a pop. We were happy with our Thunderbird and sad to see it go. We wish there were more cars in the market that offered two-door sportiness, a touch of luxury and V-8 power at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, there aren’t. Maybe that’s why Ford is hesitating with the Thunderbird’s makeover; as it stands, nothing can touch it.
May 13, 2009I bought this vehicle in 2003 and I am the second owner. Bought this thing with 117K now its at about 138K. Straight pipes out the back for that deep rumble and K&N direct intake. I just recently took it out of storage. It sat unused and a bit smashed up from 2005 to 2007 but its back and better than ever. Chris Hardtke and I fixed all the flaws and made it quite presentable. New sound all around with Pioneer speakers and 2 12's in the trunk. USB flash drive head unit and I'm good to go. Very quick. I have been on a few police ride alongs and I think this one is faster and quicker than the Crown Vic police package. Current speed limiter at about 115 but I'm working on getting the Hypertech programmer. I try to keep up on all the mechanical aspects and rust as well, but i don't drive it very much. The roads must be salt free and try to be dry before I even bother with it. My Sundance is my everyday car and close to my heart as well. I have ground effects for it but I have mixed feelings about putting them back on or not. Otherwise handles very well and the 4.6L is very solid unlike the problemactic 3.8L they put in these cars as well. I'm always on the look out for nicer rims as well. I replace parts that wear out on this car such as shocks, sensors, and anything else that shows wear. Giving that no one else destroys this car, because I know I won't, I'd say its good for at least 250K.
January 1, 2008Loved this car ever since I saw it on the showroom floor. I bought mine used in 2000..only 4 years old with just 35,000k. Just turned over 130,000 and still going strong! Aside from the usual wear & tear maintenance issues, no serious problems with this car. Lots of compliments and quite the head turner with offers to sell. This 'Bird is pearl white with the sport package. The Super Coupes were deleted in 1995 as Ford opted for 4.6L V8 versus the supercharged V6. Engine is smooth as silk even after 17 years on the road of daily driving. Excellent highway car with exceptional gas mileage for a V8. Handling & breaking are great for such a big car. Not the best in the snow even with the traction control engaged..but then again, what RWD V8 is good in the snow? Sweet on dry roads...light up the tires with a siimple push of the Traction Control default...lots of torque. Has gage cluster (which I prefer) whereas the '97 model has the 'idiot lights'. The seats and cupholder could have been designed better for the '96. I perviously owned a 1988 Cougar XR-7 which had the most comfortable seats...lumbar and superb side support. Seats felt wrapped around you. Aside from these minor flaws, the 1996 Thunderbird is THE best car I ever owned...beautiful standing still or cruising and depenadable with the right upkeep. I owned 2 GM (Generic Motors) cars in the past and not one of them held up as well as the Thunderbird. I highly recommend this car to anyone who wants Lincoln luxury & Mustang performance rolled into one.
January 21, 2014What owners say
Ford's aging personal coupe is nearing the end of the proverbial line. Seven years is a long time for automotive sheetmetal to be around, and the Thunderbird is looking a little long in tooth. For 1996, the Thunderbird has received a freshened front and rear end that has improved its looks. In spite of these updates, the Thunderbird is due for a full-body makeover (i.e., Taurus, Escort, F-Series and Contour) by the gang at the Blue Oval. Nonetheless, we will be saddened by this rendition's departure because we feel a rare balance between sport and luxury is represented in this affordable car. We received our Laser Red Thunderbird one fine Arizona morning and were delighted to find it equipped with the Sport Package and Ford’s exciting modular V-8 engine. We immediately hunted down the nearest stretch of open road to enjoy the melodious song of this powerful engine. We weren’t disappointed. Acceleration was brisk and Ford thoughtfully included a defeat switch for the optional traction control that allows the kid in all of us the thrill of squealing the sixteen-inch tires, not that WE would ever do that. Flat spots in the powerband were non-existent as we ran the car up to the Grand Canyon State’s much appreciated new 75 mph speed limit. The T-Bird's motive force had us merging with traffic without a second thought. It also let us mow down freeways like some speed-crazed farmer in a supercharged John Deere. Anti-lock brakes on the T-Bird are optional and we were happy that Ford included them on our test vehicle. Early one morning, a smoke-belching Pontiac Le Mans decided to help us test them by pulling into traffic a scant fifteen feet in front of us. The ability to steer while standing on the brakes is the only reason we didn’t trade paint. Cornering is not the Thunderbird’s greatest ability but the car handled reasonably well, with just a touch of predictable understeer. A stiff suspension reminded us that we were in a fast car, but the ride was smooth enough to leave our fillings intact when motoring over Phoenix’s washboard Interstate-17. The Thunderbird has an organic, sweeping dashboard that is dramatically oriented towards the driver. No-nonsense white-on-black analog gauges include: a tachometer, speedometer, voltmeter, fuel and temperature indicator. They are small but easy to read. The equipment buttons and dials are ergonomically correct with the obvious exception of the Ford stereo, we aren’t sure but we think older Ford stereos were designed by malevolent elves that held a grudge against myopic people with big fingers. The hard-to-see lettering on the hard-to-push buttons makes the radio dangerous to fiddle with while driving. Fortunately, the sound quality of the stereo makes up for its disastrous design. Cabin noises were minimal except for a strange rattle in the dashboard that occasionally assaulted our aural senses. Our car had a tan leather package that looked great with the Laser Red exterior, but contrasted oddly with the fighter-pilot charcoal dash. The driving position of the Thunderbird was excellent, but one staffer noted that the rearview mirror was in exactly the wrong place. Every time he looked towards the right fender he caught a glimpse of the trunk. We overcame small blind spots created by the C-pillar with the sideview mirrors, and our drivers enjoyed expansive forward views out of the large windows. Passenger room is commodious and comfortable for a sporty coupe. The driver enjoys a power seat while the passenger has to do things the old fashioned way. Ford deleted the power passenger seat from the option list for 1996, and one of our writers complained that the seat was too low and flat. Several of us noted the uncomfortably low placement of the glove box. Backseat space is big enough to accommodate a six-footer, and those riding back there are kept from stifling by the inclusion of rear air vents. Trunk space is wide and deep but not very tall; liftover is easy but the trunk-lid is so short that items that roll to the front of the trunk are hard to get at. The Thunderbird is a lot of car. Measuring over 200-inches in length, and weighing more than 3500 pounds, no one will confuse this car with a lightweight sports coupe. It offers satisfactory speed and agility and has the added benefit of not being mistaken for a boy-racer hot-rod. In our opinion, this is the ideal vehicle for a mature driver who isn’t quite ready to plant themselves in a garden variety sedan. The Thunderbird is also a great value for the smart shopper. Fully optioned with the V-8 engine, sports package, leather package, premium audio, ABS, and traction control; our Thunderbird had an MSRP of only $21,800. We think the understated Thunderbird is much more attractive than its gaudy corporate-twin, the Mercury Cougar. We also believe that it offers an amazing value when compared to its distant cousin, the Lincoln Mark VIII. The Mark VIII costs a whopping a $26,000 more, but doesn’t deliver that much more luxury. Unless you think a 10-disk CD changer and built-in dash compass are worth $13,000 a pop. We were happy with our Thunderbird and sad to see it go. We wish there were more cars in the market that offered two-door sportiness, a touch of luxury and V-8 power at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, there aren’t. Maybe that’s why Ford is hesitating with the Thunderbird’s makeover; as it stands, nothing can touch it.
May 13, 2009I bought this vehicle in 2003 and I am the second owner. Bought this thing with 117K now its at about 138K. Straight pipes out the back for that deep rumble and K&N direct intake. I just recently took it out of storage. It sat unused and a bit smashed up from 2005 to 2007 but its back and better than ever. Chris Hardtke and I fixed all the flaws and made it quite presentable. New sound all around with Pioneer speakers and 2 12's in the trunk. USB flash drive head unit and I'm good to go. Very quick. I have been on a few police ride alongs and I think this one is faster and quicker than the Crown Vic police package. Current speed limiter at about 115 but I'm working on getting the Hypertech programmer. I try to keep up on all the mechanical aspects and rust as well, but i don't drive it very much. The roads must be salt free and try to be dry before I even bother with it. My Sundance is my everyday car and close to my heart as well. I have ground effects for it but I have mixed feelings about putting them back on or not. Otherwise handles very well and the 4.6L is very solid unlike the problemactic 3.8L they put in these cars as well. I'm always on the look out for nicer rims as well. I replace parts that wear out on this car such as shocks, sensors, and anything else that shows wear. Giving that no one else destroys this car, because I know I won't, I'd say its good for at least 250K.
January 1, 2008Loved this car ever since I saw it on the showroom floor. I bought mine used in 2000..only 4 years old with just 35,000k. Just turned over 130,000 and still going strong! Aside from the usual wear & tear maintenance issues, no serious problems with this car. Lots of compliments and quite the head turner with offers to sell. This 'Bird is pearl white with the sport package. The Super Coupes were deleted in 1995 as Ford opted for 4.6L V8 versus the supercharged V6. Engine is smooth as silk even after 17 years on the road of daily driving. Excellent highway car with exceptional gas mileage for a V8. Handling & breaking are great for such a big car. Not the best in the snow even with the traction control engaged..but then again, what RWD V8 is good in the snow? Sweet on dry roads...light up the tires with a siimple push of the Traction Control default...lots of torque. Has gage cluster (which I prefer) whereas the '97 model has the 'idiot lights'. The seats and cupholder could have been designed better for the '96. I perviously owned a 1988 Cougar XR-7 which had the most comfortable seats...lumbar and superb side support. Seats felt wrapped around you. Aside from these minor flaws, the 1996 Thunderbird is THE best car I ever owned...beautiful standing still or cruising and depenadable with the right upkeep. I owned 2 GM (Generic Motors) cars in the past and not one of them held up as well as the Thunderbird. I highly recommend this car to anyone who wants Lincoln luxury & Mustang performance rolled into one.
January 21, 2014I should state right off that the car I own was definitely not maintained by the previous owner, and that is why my particular t-bird has had these reliability issues. Bought the car with around 134k. My particular car came with the 4.6L V8, which comes with 205hp and around 280lb of torque. This is the same engine used in the 94 to 98 mustang gt, and it's a great engine - torquey and eager to rev. However, the power doesn't really come on til after 3000rpm, and without a manual transmission you are unable to really wring the power out of this great engine. That being said, these cars do have great passing power and enough torque to make driving fun - it's fairly easy to light up the rear tires from a stop. The car really shines at highway speeds with a nice sweet spot from about 50 to 90mph. Pretty fun to drive as well, even with the archaic 4 speed auto that loves to gear hunt. As it's RWD, it handles surprisingly well for such a big coupe, and does well in the turns. As I stated above, since my car was NOT maintained well at all by the previous owner, I did have a good amount of problems. The power steering cuts out at low speed, but that doesn't really bother me. I've had to replace the radiator grille, and the transmission as well, and currently the catalytic converter is on its way out. However, as it's a Ford, repair costs are pretty low which is great. Resale value, however, is also dirt cheap. The interior is classic 90's rattlebox Ford - the cupholders are crap, things are falling apart and loose. To be expected from a 15 year old vehicle. The seats aren't the most comfortable for long drives and lack lower back support, but they are cushy. Pretty basic amenities, but this wasn't really a super luxury car even when new. Good gas mileage for a heavy V8 coupe - I get around 22mpg. This thing will eat up highway miles as well, and is great to cruise long distance in. Overall, I like this car even with its problems. Its fun to drive, looks decent, and is fairly unique. They are built solidly as well, sans interior. If my particular car had been better maintained by the previous owner, I would give it higher ratings.
January 6, 2012This car is just a perfect blend of everything, sport, class, luxery. very comfortable to drive long distances. the only downside is the gas mileage where i get 300 miles on 18 gallons. No matter love driving this car. totaly reccomend it
October 24, 2010It's got a torquey 4.6 litre V8, and is one of the few affordable RWD V8 powered cars that you can drive without feeling like you've borrowed your son's car. A gentlemen's sport coupé that surprises more than a few people on a winding road.
April 4, 2010This was my first car! Her name was Pearl because she was pearl white. For a teenager, this car was plenty fast and lots of fun. My parents probably shouldn't have gotten me a car with a V8, but I'm glad they did! It was a great, reliable car that served me well. I still miss it!
July 17, 2008My t-bird was fairly decent on gas, but it was one of the slower cars I've owned. It was real roomy, and had power everything. The suspension was great, the car was just a good looking cruiser. I'd love to still own it, but the transmission totaled itself at 108k.
December 15, 2008Powerful Engine, nice ride, very luxurious without being too fancy, good stereo
March 3, 2008First time I seen it I thought it was a Mustang. The detail is absolutely amazing. I love the fact its kept up with high maintenance. A beautiful highway vehicle. American Muscle.
March 6, 2023
