Overview & Reviews

Until the mid '90s, the Ford Bronco was famous for being a rough-and-tumble off-road vehicle that had been tackling trails and fording streams since the 1960s. It was also one of the first sport-utility vehicles: a versatile truck then described by Ford as being able to "serve as a family sedan, sports roadster, snowplow or farm and civil defense vehicle."

Made from 1966-'77, the original Ford Bronco was essentially a compact two-door SUV best suited for off-roading duties like a Jeep CJ, but not towing. By the time the 1970s rolled around, however, it became greatly outclassed by the full-size Chevy Blazer, which prompted Ford to switch the Bronco to a larger body style as well. Nevertheless, the original compact Bronco remains a favorite among off-road enthusiasts.

For 1978, the Bronco grew up, adopting the "indestructible" F-Series platform to bump it into full-size territory. But this Bronco is rare, for it was redesigned once again for 1980 along with the F-Series. Although changes were made over the years to the powertrain, body styling and interior, this third-generation Bronco essentially lasted until it was put out to pasture in 1996.

Of course, no discussion about the Bronco would be complete without a mention of the Juice. Or, more specifically, O.J. Simpson riding shotgun in friend Al Cowlings' 1993 white Ford Bronco as they led police on a slow-speed tour of greater Los Angeles. Beyond proving that it makes a lousy getaway car, the O.J. fiasco certainly put the Bronco forever in pop culture. Although not quite at DeLorean or orange Dodge Charger iconography, owning a late-model white Ford Bronco is bound to elicit the odd chuckle, thumbs-up or inquiry of "did it come with the bloody glove package?" from friends and passers-by.

Most Recent Ford Bronco

Unlike future SUVs, the Ford Bronco was very much a truck designed with off-roading in mind. It was available in a singular two-door body style that featured a fiberglass rear roof section that could be removed (albeit with a fair amount of effort).

The Bronco underwent its final refresh for 1992, including a new grille and more rounded front end. A new instrument panel and seat styles also debuted that kept the Bronco consistent with the F-Series pickup. This Bronco design lasted until the model was cancelled in 1996.

These Broncos were available in a base trim (first known as Custom, then XL), as well as XLT and Eddie Bauer versions. There was a Nite package available in 1992 that featured XLT equipment but with an all-black body. The initial standard engine was a 4.9-liter inline-6 good for 145 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, and a four-speed automatic was optional.

Optional in that first year and then made standard was a 5.0-liter V8 that made 185 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. It ran through the standard five-speed manual transmission or optional three- or four-speed automatics. In 1994, Ford upgraded this engine to 200 hp. Also available was a 5.8-liter V8 that made 200 hp (later 210 hp) and 300 lb-ft of torque. This engine was only available with the four-speed auto. All Broncos came equipped with four-wheel drive.

The Ford Bronco remains to this day one of the sturdiest full-size SUVs around. Well-maintained examples would be a good choice for off-roading duties, although its now-ancient underpinnings make it a lousy choice on-road. The numerous paint options (including two-tone and monochrome Sport options) mean that finding a relatively unique Bronco should be fairly easy.

Past Ford Bronco Models

There were three generations of Ford Bronco, with the final generation undergoing continuous changes from its introduction in 1980. There were significant styling changes made for 1982, 1987 and 1992, with the latter two years including interior changes as well. This generation (until 1993) featured a standard six-cylinder engine with a pair of optional V8 engines.

The second-generation Bronco was produced only for 1978 and '79, but in those years it rewrote the book on full-size "SUVs." It was based on the 1973-'79 F-Series and was intended to be introduced at the same time, but the OPEC oil embargo pushed back its introduction. By the time it debuted, Ford was already hard at work on its replacement, which would be lighter, more fuel-efficient and cheaper to make. Nevertheless, the second-generation Bronco is a rare, sought-after truck, admired by off-roaders for its solid front axle and torquey standard V8 engine.

User Reviews:

Showing 91 through 100 of 139.00

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  Owner x 6 yrs - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By gertrude fillmore - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought @ 16000 and drove it the next wk. to Alaska and back. Not one problem. Poor gas mileage? Yea but i did not get it for MPG. I bought for safety, dogs, camping and general usefullness and I think its just cool. Only problems have been with the quality/craftsmanship of interior. Hell, a grab handle would have been nice. Once every few months, must retighten all interior screws. Changed oil regulary, have had no problems w/engine...yet. Changed to manual locking hubs, much better. Back window scratches because you must roll into tailgate to open back.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By rojo93 - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Love this vehicle, I wish they still made them

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  great to drive/ford needs to build again - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By abes bronco - October 15 - 2:00 am

  as this is my first 4x4, it took a lil getting used to, used to have a 99 sierra til someone hit me head on, my bronco has been great, the previous owner kept meticolous care of her, as it has a 351 v8, only complaint is the gas mileage, but hey, it is a 4x4 right

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  Learn to love - 1990 Ford Bronco
  By MannyJV - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Like most Fords I have a lot of mechanical problems with my Bronco, but I wouldnt want any other vehicle. I plan on building mine up and keeping it as long as possible.

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  GREAT TRUCK - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By ARNIE - September 30 - 2:00 am

  THIS HAS BEEN A GREAT TRUCK TO DRIVE AND OWN.

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  Works great A++++++ - 1994 Ford Bronco
  By Jondrives - September 24 - 2:00 am

  No problems with this Bronco and fun to drive! Nice 4X4 truck! Would buy another Bronco!

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  My Bronco - 1994 Ford Bronco
  By mfsta4boss - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Excellent truck, many years of tough service, and it just keeps going.

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  Fun in the Sun - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By Uncle Bob - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Bronco I have owned. The versatility and ruggedness is awesome. I live in a desert area and this Bronco goes everywhere. I pull a boat at times with no problem. I have kept my Bronco cherry (original as possible. And have had some nice bids for it.

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  Ford needs to bring back BRONCOS - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By micaiah - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck used with 36000 miles on it for 12,500 and never have regretted it since. I had just got rid of a 98 4.6 and my dad had just purchased a new 5.4 and i drive both of them around. the 5.8 bronco outspeeds and outpowers both of those brand new trucks. it is the best lookin manliest suv on the road. and even though the 2 door is a drawback to some i like to have the option. they should bring the bronco back with the big block engine 5.8 and offer 2 or 4 doors.

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  The Last of the REAL 4x4s - 1994 Ford Bronco
  By rdrna - August 16 - 2:00 am

  GREAT TRUCK! Recently took a trip to the great desert southwest and went on several desert trails over rocks and through the sand. Best place to test was Grand Staircase where the big Bronco handels a bit like a 2.5 ton solid axle go-kart. Great Fun! Interior very functional without all the soccer-mom baby-buggy BS the Expedition has (oh, did I mention it handels great off road too?), great power, great transfer case (BW 1356 Manual), great suspension.