1996 Ford Aspire problems
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Common 1996 Ford Aspire problems
The 1996 Ford Aspire, a subcompact car, has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. One of the most frequently mentioned issues is related to the fuel pump. The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel from the gas tank to the engine. When it fails, the car may not start or may stall while driving. This problem can be particularly frustrating for owners, as the fuel pump is a critical component of the car's fuel system.
Another common problem reported by 1996 Ford Aspire owners is related to the engine and engine cooling system. Specifically, some owners have reported issues with the engine overheating, which can lead to serious damage if not addressed promptly. Overheating can be caused by a variety of factors, including a malfunctioning thermostat, low coolant levels, or a faulty radiator fan. If you notice your car's temperature gauge rising, it's important to address the issue immediately to prevent further damage to the engine.
In addition to these specific issues, the 1996 Ford Aspire has also been reported to have general reliability problems. According to Kelley Blue Book, the 1996 Ford Aspire has a "below average" reliability rating, with a higher than average likelihood of major repairs being needed in the next 12 months. This is consistent with reports from owners, who have noted that their cars have required significant repairs and maintenance over time.
Despite these issues, the 1996 Ford Aspire has also received positive reviews from some owners, who have praised its fuel efficiency and compact size. However, it's important for potential buyers to be aware of the common problems reported by other owners, and to budget accordingly for potential repairs and maintenance costs.
In summary, the 1996 Ford Aspire has several common problems, including issues with the fuel pump and engine cooling system, as well as general reliability concerns. Owners have reported that these issues can be costly and time-consuming to address, so potential buyers should carefully consider these factors before purchasing a 1996 Ford Aspire.
What was the last year Ford made Aspire?
The Aspire was discontinued after 1997, due to slow sales.
Who built the Ford Aspire?
Kia Motors
The Festiva and Aspire were designed by Ford ally Mazda and built in South Korea by Kia Motors (which got its start in the car business by assembling vehicles for other companies). The Aspire was sold here for just the 1994 through 1997 model years.
Who makes the Aspire car?
Ford introduced the all-new Aspire in 1994 as a replacement for the departed Festiva.
What is the rarest model a Ford?
1931 Ford Model A Phaeton Deluxe
1931 Ford Model A Phaeton Deluxe-The rarest version.
Who made the Aspire car?
The Ford Aspire nameplate has been used by the American automobile manufacturer Ford for the following cars, in the following markets: Ford Festiva, in North America from 1993 to 1997. The sedan version of the Ford Figo, a rebadged third generation Ford Ka in India since 2015.
What is the NCAP rating of Ford Aspire?
Ford Figo Aspire Safety Rating
| Crash Test Weight | 1212 |
| Tested By | Global Ncap |
| Safety Rating | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 3 |
| Child | 2 |
What was the last year Ford made Aspire?
The Aspire was discontinued after 1997, due to slow sales.
What is the Aspire model?
Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Review and Evaluation (ASPIRE), the phases that together make up a coherent and purposeful engagement with offenders.
1996 Ford Aspire car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Aspire problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Hydraulic problems
- Service brakes problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Ford Aspire vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1996 Ford Aspire
The NHTSA has received 54 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Ford Aspire. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1996 Ford Aspire vehicles.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-10-10
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: FIRST MY ENGINE SEEMED TO OVERHEAT A BIT THEN EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE IT WOULD SOUND LIKE THE ENGINE WAS GRINDING ON SOMETHING AND WOULDN'T STOP.. SOUNDED LIKE A BUNCH OF CHAINS IN MY HOOD. BUT THEN ON OCCASIONS THE STUPID THING WOULDN'T SHUT OFF WHEN IT WAS MAKING THE CHAIN SOUND, EVEN WITH MY KEY OUT. IT JUST HAPPENED AGAIN AND NOW THE THING SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING AND I HAVE NO POWER WHAT SO EVER IN MY VEHICLE. BEFORE WHEN IT FINALLY SHUT OFF IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS ABOUT TO SPARK. THEN IT WAS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE THAT WASN'T COOL. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-11
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1FMDU34X7TU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 1996 FORD EXPLORER, 4X4. DRIVING IN DESERT WENT OVER A BUMP A LITTLE FAST, WHICH SET OFF MY AIRBAGS. MY RIDER IS IN THE HOSPITAL FOR BROKEN NOSE, CHEEK AND SOME KIND OF SMOKE INHALATION. MY WINDSHIELD IS BROKEN BECAUSE THE BAG HIT THE MIRROR WHICH THEN HIT THE WINDSHIELD. MY STEERING WHEEL IS DESTROYED, CRUISE CONTROL AND HORNS ARE OUT OF SERVICE. BEFORE I COULD DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN I HAD TO CUT THE AIRBAGS OUT. WHAT THE HELL IS THIS! NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR EXCEPT WHAT THE AIRBAGS DID. I WANT THIS ALL FIXED AT FORD'S EXPENSE. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR 10 YEARS WITH NO PROBLEMS EXCEPT; RECALLED TIRES, STEERING BARS AND BRAKES (ALL RECALL). *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-11-10
- VIN: 4M2DV11W2TD
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: MY 1996 MERCURY VILLAGER DEVELOPED A FAILURE IN THE AIR FLOW SENSOR (PART $330) THAT RESULTED IN VEHICLE STALLS, INCLUDING STOPS ON THE HIGHWAY, THAT NEARLY RESULTED IN CRASHES. THE REQUIRED REPAIRS EXCEEDED $500. I KNOW FORD HAS A SIMILAR RECALL OUT NOW FOR THE 1997-2003 (/) MODELS). *TR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-29
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FMDU34X0TZ
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE ON 2 CASES BLEW THE TREAD AND BELT, THE LATER OF THE TWO INCIDENCES WHICH RESULTED IN A CRASH THAT TOTALED THE VEHICLE, AND RESULTED IN TWO INJURIES TO BOTH THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER. BOTH NEEDED TO BE HOSPITALIZED.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-20
- VIN: 2FMDA5148TB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS LEAKING FLUID. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL ON OTHER FORD VEHICLES. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, THE REPAIR WERE MADE FOR A FEE. ALSO EVERY 25000 MILES, THE OIL PAN GASKET NEEDED TO BE CHANGED DUE A SMALL LEAK. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THIRD, THE EXHAUST AND INTAKE MANIFOLDS WERE LEAKING CAUSING A NOXIOUS SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE SAME SERVICE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED BOTH MANIFOLDS, AND DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK DRIPPING ONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-01-11
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNJLT05H8T6
- Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WITHOUT WARNING THE BRAKES AND STEERING FAILED, WHILE DRIVING 5-10 MPH. THE VEHICLE RAN INTO A BRICK WALL AND THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT TAKEN AT THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. ALSO, AT 14,000 MILES WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE ENGINE WAS STILL ON, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN AT 40,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP. AT 55,000 MILES THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT A FINAL TIME AT 65,000 MILES. THERE HAVE BEEN NO FURTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-11
- VIN: 2FALP74W1TX
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 11, 2005 WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY I EXPIRED A SUDDEN SPIKE IN TEMPERATURE ON MY 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. AFTER TAKING MY CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP I WAS INFORMED THAT MY "PLASTIC" INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD CRACKED. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE CURRENT INVESTIGATION AND HAD NEVER RECEIVED ANY SORT OF CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION FROM FORD. I HEARD ABOUT THE MANIFOLD ISSUE FROM A FELLOW EMPLOYEE. THE TOTAL COST OF REPAIRS FOR THIS FAULTY MANIFOLD WAS $978.00. I FEEL IF THEY KNEW THEY NEEDED TO UPDATE IT WITH AN ALUMINUM MANIFOLD THAN THEY KNEW THE PLASTIC ONES WERE FAULTY.*JB
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-03
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMEU15N8TL
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: ON 06/03/2005, A GOVERNMENT OWNED, 1996 FORD BRONCO, WAS OBSERVED ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN A PARKING GARAGE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TURNED OFF AND PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY EIGHT HOURS WHEN THE FIRE OCCURRED. THE FIRE WAS OBSERVED AT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, AND BURNED FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE IT COULD BE EXTINGUISHED. THE FIRE WAS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-23
- VIN: 1FALP62WXTH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED ON 1996 THUNDERBIRD IN 2000. IT IS NOW CRACKED, AND AFTER SPENDING 550.00 TO FIND THAT OUT, THERE IS NOTHING FORD WILL DO EVEN THOUGH IT IS ON CAMPAIGN (97M91). NOW I CAN NOT DRIVE MY CAR.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE LEFT REAR SAFETY BELT DOES NOT STAY SECURELY FASTENED, A CHILD CAN EASILY PULL BELT TO RELEASE.*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-23
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNJLT05H0T6
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE RIGHT WHEEL HIT A GRAVEL PATCH AND SLID INTO A EMBANKMENT. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. *NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-15
- VIN: KNJLT05H6T6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED ON JANUARY 4, 1999. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET KEY OUT OF IGNITION. KEY WAS STUCK IN THE ON POSITION.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-01
- VIN: KNJLT05H6T6
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN FLASHING, NOT TAKEN TO DEALER YET.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-23
- VIN: 1MELM50U5TG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN 1999, I HAVE REPORTED TO FORD MOTOR AND BUDGET CAR SALES THE PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM, BRAKES JAM, VEHICLE GOES BACKWARD AND JERKS FORWARD WHILE SITTING IN TRAFFIC. FORD MOTOR CO. REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILTY FOR THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND BUDGET AUTO SALES SAYS THEY CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM AND I NEED TO WAIT UNTIL "SOMETHING HAPPENS" THIS VEHICLE IS A DEATH TRAP AND I IMPLORE SOMEONE TO ASSIST ME IN GETTING THESE DEFECTS CORRECTED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-23
- VIN: 1MELM50U5TG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE (1996 FORD SABLE) I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS..THE CAR SHUTS OFF AT SPEEDS OF 10MPH, WHILE SITTING IN TRAFFIC, OR ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. I HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBEM TO NHTSA, THE DEALER, FORD MOTOR CO. AND THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER, THE DEALER SAYS HE CAN NOT FIX IT UNTIL IT DUPLICATES WHILE HE HAS IT...AGAIN HE SAYS "WAIT UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS" , I ASKED IF HE WERE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO BE INJURED OR KILLED HE SAID UNFORTUNATELY THAT'S WHAT WILL HAVE TO HAPPEN IN ORDER TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. I FIND THIS TO BE A LUDICRUOUS ANSWER, FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBLITY FOR MANUFACTURER DEFECTS. FORD MOTOR COMPANY REFUSES TO CORRECT THESE DEFECTS.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-18
- VIN: KNJLT05H9T6
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED COMPLETLY AS DRIVER WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AT AN INTERSECTION. *AK
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-10
- VIN: KNJLT05H7T6
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY ASPIRE EXHIBITED A NUMBER OF COMPONENT FAILURES, AND I CONSIDER MYSELF LUCKY NOT TO HAVE BEEN INJURED BY THEM. IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, THE DISTRIUBUTOR FAILURE OCCURRED AS I ENTERED AN INTERSECTION, AND AS A RESULT THE CAR STALLED AT THE LIGHT NOT IN THE TRAFFIC LANE. IN THE SECOND INSTANCE, THE STEERING COMPONENT FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANT VIBRATION BUT I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR AND TAKE IT INTO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. IN THE THIRD INSTANCE, THE FUEL PUMP FAILURE CAUSED THE CAR NOT TO START, BUT FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, THE PART COULD HAVE FAILED DURING OPERATION AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A STALL. I CONSIDER MYSELF LUCKY. DISAPPOINTED IN THE ASPIRE, BUT LUCKY. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1LNLM82W9TY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THIS M/V HAS BEEN WORKED ON AT LEAST 15-20 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM IN THE BEGINING CAR WAS TAKEN TO SULLIVAN BROS WHILE UNDER WARRENTIE AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. SINCE 7-2000 THIS CAR WAS AT TWO DEALERS AND THE COST CLOSE TO $800,00 CAR STILL HAS SAME PROBLEMS. STALLS THE PAST WEEK THIS CAR HAS ALMOST BEEN IN TWO ACCIDENTS AS THE CAR HAS STALLED WHILE MAKING LEFT TURN INTO ON COMING LANES. CAR STALLS AND EVERY THING GOES DEAD. SINCE AUGUST THE CAR HAS BEEN WORKED ON AT SHIRETOWN FORD INC 147 SAMOSET ST PLYMOUTH MA #02360 STILL WAITING FOR PHONECALL TO BRING CAR BACK AGAIN WHAT CAN I DO. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-05
- VIN: KNJLT05H2T6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-05
- VIN: KNJLT05H2T6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-09
- VIN: 2FTHF25H3TC
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KNJLT06H7T6
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I'VE EXPERIENCED THREE TRANSMISSION FAILURES SINCE I'VE OWNED THE FORD ASPIRE. WITHIN ONE YEAR OF OWNERSHIP, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TWICE WITHIN MONTHS OF EACH OTHER. THIS YEAR (99), IT FAILED FOR THE THIRD TIME. IT WAS STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY THE FIRST TWO TIMES IT WENT OUT. THIS CAR IS A SAFETY HAZARD THAT WILL CAUSE POTENTIAL ROAD INJURY TO MYSELF AND/OR FAMILY MEMBERS, AND OTHER MOTORISTS. IT HAS GONE OUT WHILE MERGING WITH TRAFFIC, SO FAR GOD HAS SPARED OUR LIVES FROM A FATAL ACCIDENT THAT IS WAITING TO HAPPEN. FORD REFUSES TO WRITE THIS CAR OFF AS A LEMON AND/OR SAFETY HAZARD; INSTEAD, THEY WANT TO PUT ME IN ANOTHER USED CAR AND ABSORB THE COST OF THE FORD ASPIRE, PLUS PUT AT LEAST $2,000.00 DOWN. THEY ARE NOT IMPROVING MY SITUATION BY BURYING ME DEEPER INTO ANOTHER USED CAR THAT WILL TAKE ME ANOTHER FOUR YEARS TO PAY OFF, BEFORE I CAN GET OUT OF IT. I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT TRYING TO REESTABLISH MY CREDIT, I HAD NO PROBLEM KEEPING THE ASPIRE UNTIL IT BECAME A LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION. I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO GET OUT OF THE ASPIRE; EITHER THAT, OR CONTINUALLY MAKE PAYMENTS ON A CAR THAT IS A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT--AND THAT IS UNFAIR TO ME AS A CONSUMER TO CARRY THE BRUNT OF THIS CAR. FORD DOES NOT STAND BEHIND ITS CONSUMERS, AND IT SEEMS LIKE MY SAFETY IS BEING TAKEN LIGHTLY. THE FIRST TIME MY CAR WAS WORKED ON, A FORD REPRESENTATIVE ASSURED ME IT WAS FIXED--HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN THE LAST TWO PROBLEMS AFTER THAT? I HAVE NOWHERE ELSE TO TURN, AND I HAVEN'T BEEN FULLY ASSISTED IN THIS MATTER. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-10
- VIN: KNJLT06H2T6
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SON WAS DRIVING VEHICLE ON BUSY ROAD AND ALL OF A SUDDEN VEHICLE STOPPED, NO WARNING. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: KNJLTO6HV62
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION WITIN THE SYSTEM, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-01
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: FRONT WHEELS VIBRATE ON HIGHWAY, DUE TO POSSIBLE FAULTY RIMS. YH
Negative 1996 Ford Aspire car reviews
Positive 1996 Ford Aspire car reviews
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I'm so glad to hear that you've had your car for almost 25 years and that it has provided you with great mileage and performance despite its small size. It sounds like you really got your money's worth and are very happy with it!
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I've had this car for 4 years now, bought it used, and I absolutely love it! It's cheap on gas, oil, tires, brakes, and other maintenance.
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The Ford Aspire boasts higher build quality and performance than its competitors in this category. While the design of the car's interior and exterior may not be awe-inspiring or complex, it is a direct result of functionality. The exterior shape provides ample headroom for the average person, while the simply sculpted interior is made of durable plastics. This vehicle also has enough pick-up to keep up with city traffic or even the Appalachian Mountain highways. If you are looking for an inexpensive, reliable, and fun-to-drive car, the Ford Aspire may be the perfect fit for you.
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Your car has been great! It has amazing gas mileage, even after 121K miles, you still average 36 MPG. Although it may not have the most power, it's to be expected with such great MPG. Consumer Reports did mention that the Aspire is underpowered, but you can still zip in and out of traffic. The car has been relatively maintenance-free, with only a few replacements needed over the past 8 years. The road noise is a bit noticeable, but overall it has been a reliable and worthwhile investment that has served you very well.
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I had a Ford Aspire with a five-speed transmission that got around 39-40 mpg. It was peppy in the city and adequate on the highway, and I found it to be a fun car to drive. If you're looking to save on gas, I would definitely recommend it!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Ford Aspire problems:
1996 Ford Aspire Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Most Common 1996 Ford Aspire Problems ... The engine is prone to lower engine bearing failure from running the engine at high revolutions. lack of regular,... See ...
Q&A: 1996 Ford Aspire - Common Issues & Solutions
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Capsule Review: 1995 Ford Aspire | The Truth About Cars
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Other years of Ford Aspire
Are you having problems with your 1996 Ford Aspire?
Darwin Leffler 2025-01-08
I bought a 5-speed manual Aspire third hand with 140000km on the clock. It has been an amazing car for me! The only major problem I had was a faulty fuel pump that was replaced at 170k - a cheap DIY fix. Since then, I have added some after-market mods like tinted windows, alloy rims and stiffer suspension - because I love this car so much. Mechanically, it has been perfect with regular oil and coolant changes, and only one set of disks and brakes in 50,000km. It's truly amazing, considering it regularly works in the 3-4k rpm range when squeezing through the traffic. And guess what? My version has a boot opener! I can't imagine ever selling this car - my family would never allow it. But that's okay with me - they can bury me in it!
Flavio White 2024-11-28
I have owned this car for 5 years and have had to replace the exhaust, fuel pump, ignition, and speedometer before reaching 90k miles. Unfortunately, the AC stopped working at 32k miles and the speedometer broke shortly after. Despite my disappointment, I have continued to drive the car without AC for the past 5 years. The MPG is 35 in the city and 40 on the highway, which is much lower than expected. However, I still believe that this car is a good choice, although I have found the Metro to be a much better option.
Marques Rippin 2024-10-29
This is a friendly little car. It has great gas mileage (40mpg) and has been super reliable since I bought it used. I haven't had any problems with it and haven't had to replace anything except for the tires and wipers. It handles well and has good power and brakes. It may look a bit funny from the outside (my wife calls it an egg with wheels), but it's surprisingly roomy and comfortable on the inside.
Lesley Gutkowski 2024-07-21
This car started out well but has ended up being very expensive. Unfortunately, most parts are not available locally and every time something needs to be fixed, the parts must be ordered and are not cheap. Even my brakes alone cost $800. The clutch continually has problems and the keys break often. It can be frustrating, but I'm determined to keep it running. I've had some interesting reactions from Ford people when I pull up to the dealership, but I'm still proud of my car.
Avery Mayer 2024-03-28
In my experience, the Ford Aspire did not meet my expectations. The engine and trans casing were the same as the '88-'89 Mercury Tracer, but with less displacement. Unfortunately, the under-engineering made it perform poorly. The transmission shifted poorly and the engine required a lot of acceleration just to move. Additionally, the lack of sound insulation and cheap exhaust heat shields made it difficult to enjoy music while driving over 35mph. Despite being lighter and less well-equipped than my '88 Tracer, it also got worse gas mileage and had stability issues in the snow. I had some scary moments when the car suddenly spun out while driving straight ahead at 30mph. Overall, in my opinion, the Ford Aspire did not live up to its name and failed to be a reliable car.