1996 Ford Maverick 5 Doors 2.4i 5MT AWD (118 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Ford introduced the Maverick lineup in Europe in 1993 as a joint product with Nissan, and it refreshed it in 1996 due to the introduction of the Euro 2 emission standards that were due to come into force in January 1997.

While Ford was known for its SUVs and pickup trucks in the U.S., it was seen mostly as a mass-market sedans and hatchbacks manufacturer in Europe. It wasn’t reckoned as a force in the off-road and SUV segment. However, the blue-oval brand noticed customers’ appetite for such larger vehicles, and Nissan was one of the automakers that dominated the segment. As a result, the Dearborn-based car manufacturer joined forces with the Japanese brand and introduced the twin brothers Maverick/Terrano II lineup in 1993. Fast forward to 1996, and the SUV had to be refreshed to comply with the forthcoming Euro 2 emission standards that became mandatory for first-time registration in Europe in January 1997. Besides the updates related to the new rules, Ford also made some changes to the car’s look, both inside and outside.

One of the most significant aesthetical changes was noticed at the front, where the 1996 Ford Maverick LWB had a dual headlamp system instead of rectangular headlights. They flanked a chromed grille, egg-crate style, resembling the one installed on the European Ford Ranger pickup truck. Below, a black rubber stripe adorned the wrapped-around plastic bumper, while at the bottom was an apron with two air inlets that helped to cool the engine and other radiators.

However, there were no significant changes in the car’s profile compared to the non-facelifted version of the Ford Maverick LWB. Compared to that version, the 1996 model year came with black or available chromed door mirrors but still black door handles. A set of black moldings protected the edges of the wheel arches from chipping stones and rust. Depending on the grade, the 1996 Ford Maverick LWB was equipped with steel wheels and plastic caps or alloy wheels. Another minor change was at the back, where the automaker put new taillights featuring rounded edges into the bumper.

Customers found a more appealing interior thanks to higher-grade materials. The dashboard was similar, with rounded shapes and rectangular center vents on the tilted center stack. Fronting the driver was the instrument cluster with its four-dial setup, with larger ones for the speedometer and tachometer and smaller, upper-mounted fuel level and temperature gauges. There was also a new steering wheel, with a standard airbag across the range. Depending on the trims and options, the 1996 Ford Maverick LWB could be fitted with leather upholstery on the seats and wood grain on the dash. At the back, the split-folding (50/50) bench seat was wide enough to accommodate three passengers.

Under the hood, the vehicle received an updated version of the previously used 2.7-liter turbodiesel, upgraded to Euro 2 Standards. Along with that, it also came with more power, 125 PS (123 hp) instead of 101 PS (99 hp) provided by the non-facelifted version. On the other hand, the gasoline engine lost some of its ponies due to the new catalytic converters, which provided 118 PS (116 hp) instead of 124 PS (122 hp), as its predecessor.