1996 Ford Thunderbird for sale
None for sale by us right now: rent one for a week first, or ask us to find one. Rated 12.4 to 13.1 L/100 km combined (EPA). 2 NHTSA recall campaigns.
- For sale by us
- 0
- Combined
- 12.4 to 13.1 L/100 km
- Recalls
- 2

For sale
We do not have a 1996 Ford Thunderbird for sale right now. We are a rental company: rent one for a week to try it, or tell us what you want and we look for one for you.
1996 Ford Thunderbird specs
| Spec | Powertrain 1 | Powertrain 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.8L 6-cylinder | 4.6L 8-cylinder |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic | 4-speed automatic |
| Fuel | Regular gas | Regular gas |
| City | 13.8 L/100 km | 15.7 L/100 km |
| Highway | 9.8 L/100 km | 10.2 L/100 km |
| Combined | 12.4 L/100 km | 13.1 L/100 km |
| CO₂ | 291 g/km | 307 g/km |
| Cost to drive 100 km | $19.22 | $20.31 |
1996 Ford Thunderbird: every figure
| Figure | Powertrain 1 | Powertrain 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3.8 L | 4.6 L |
| Cylinders | 6 | 8 |
| MPG city (US) | 17 | 15 |
| MPG highway (US) | 24 | 23 |
| MPG combined (US) | 19 | 18 |
| MPG combined (Imperial) (converted from the US figure) | 23 | 22 |
| Luggage volume (litres converted from EPA's cubic feet) | 425 L (15 cu ft) | 425 L (15 cu ft) |
| Fuel cost a year (EPA) (EPA: 15,000 miles at its fuel prices) | US$3,550 | US$3,700 |
| Fuel cost for 20,000 km (at $1.55 a litre) | $3,844 | $4,062 |
Sources: fuel use, MPG, CO2, electric range, battery, charge time, luggage volume and the annual fuel cost are the US EPA's (fueleconomy.gov). Imperial MPG, litres, inches and pounds are converted from those figures. Figures no free source publishes for this car (power, torque, acceleration, top speed, fuel tank, towing) are left out.
What to check when buying the 1996 Ford Thunderbird
- NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. Ask the seller for proof each one was fixed; a dealer can check it by the VIN.
- Owners filed 233 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and engine cooling (68), service brakes (55) and power train (22). Have those parts checked before you buy.
| Campaign | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96V070000 | 1996-04-22 | latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch | WHEN IN THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, THE DRIVER DOOR LATCHES MAY OPEN WHEN SUBJECTED TO TRANSVERSE LOADS LESS THAN THAT SPECIFIED IN FMVSS NO. 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS." |
| 96V007000 | 1996-01-16 | equipment:appliance:air conditioner | UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE CLIMATE CONTROL BLOWER DOES NOT OPERATE AS INTENDED. THE BLOWER COULD (1) STICK ON "HIGH;" (2) OPERATE ERRATICALLY WITH BLOWER OUTPUT VARYING BETWEEN NO BLOWER AND MAXIMUM BLOWER; OR (3) NOT OPERATE AT ALL DUE TO MALFUNCTION OF THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL MODULE. |
Source: NHTSA (US) recall campaigns and owner complaints for this model year.
The 1996 Ford Thunderbird: before you buy
No 1996 Ford Thunderbird is for sale by CarmaCars at the moment; this page helps you judge the car before you buy one elsewhere. Here is the 1996 Ford Thunderbird for buyers: fuel use, size, recalls and a test drive that lasts a week.
A buyer's checks
Have a mechanic inspect a used one before you buy it. In Ontario, a used car needs a Safety Standards Certificate to be registered. Check whether every recall was done, by the VIN, before you pay. A private seller in Ontario must give you a Used Vehicle Information Package.
Reading the spec sheet
The powertrain to know here is the 3.8L 6-cylinder, with rear-wheel drive. It runs on regular gas. Rear-wheel drive gives balanced handling; in winter, the tires make the biggest difference.
By the EPA's combined rating of 12.4 L/100 km, 300 km takes about 37 litres. Driving 300 km costs roughly $57.66 at our price setting. The EPA estimates US$3,550 a year in fuel for 15,000 miles.
When the Thunderbird makes sense
It suits a family trip where everyone and everything fits in one car. It suits commuters, couples and business trips.
Space, size and seats
Being a mid-size car, it is easy to park and comfortable on longer drives. Luggage space is 425 litres, enough for a family's bags for a long weekend.
Try before you buy
Try the Thunderbird on your commute, then decide. Rent it, live with it for a week, and decide with real experience. If it is in our fleet, rent it; if not, a similar car gives you a feel for the class.
Choosing the right one
Look at a few listings of the same year and trim to get a feel for fair prices. Ask the seller which trim it is; badges can be swapped and options vary. Decide what matters most first: fuel use, space, or the price you can pay.
Running costs
The EPA estimates US$3,550 a year in fuel for 15,000 miles at US prices. At our price setting, 100 km costs about $19.22 in fuel. Ask what a set of tires costs for this trim; sizes and prices vary.
Questions first?
Tell us the model and the dates, and we reply with an offer.
Rent it for a week before you buy
A week of your own driving tells you more than a test drive: the commute, the parking, the fuel. Rent a 1996 Ford Thunderbird from us first.
Find me this car
Tell us your budget and when you want to buy; we look for a 1996 Ford Thunderbird for you and reply within one business day.
Buying the 1996 Ford Thunderbird
Does CarmaCars sell the 1996 Ford Thunderbird?
Not right now. CarmaCars rents cars; it sells one only now and then. Tell us what you want and we look for one, or rent one for a week first.
Can I rent a 1996 Ford Thunderbird before I buy one?
Yes. Request it for a week (or longer, up to 365 days) and drive it as your own; nothing is charged until we confirm and you approve.
Does the 1996 Ford Thunderbird have recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for it, in the table on this page. Ask for proof each was fixed.
What does the 1996 Ford Thunderbird cost in fuel a year?
EPA puts it at US$3,550 a year for 15,000 miles at its fuel prices; at our price setting, 20,000 km cost about $3844.00.
Where do the figures come from?
Fuel use and fuel cost from the US EPA (fueleconomy.gov), dimensions and weight from NHTSA vPIC Canadian specifications, recalls and complaints from NHTSA. We leave out any figure no free source publishes.