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 101 through 110 of 139.00

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  Great rig!! - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By Mavrick - August 13 - 2:00 am

  What a great vehicle. I spent all of last spring and summer with the top off. The 5.8 has been excellent. I have pulled lots of weight with my bronco and it still has never hickupped. Very well thought out rig.

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  Its a 4x4, not an suv - 1994 Ford Bronco
  By Seacow - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Bronco just a few months ago, and so far have been very pleased. My previous Bronc was a 81, no power but also bullet proof. The 94 I now own had 63000 miles on it when I bought it. The power of the 351 is insane. There is always more power when you need it. Steering is typical Ford TTB, but a Rancho steering stabilizer helps. Dual Rancho RS 5000 up front and RS 9000 5 way adjust in the rear is great. The only problem is that the speed control suddenly stopped working. Fit and finish is good, with a little squeek and rattle here and there. None the less, the Bronco is very stable and built to last.

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  Great SUV - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By Jason583265485 - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my Bronco for 6 years now. In that time Ive driven it 80,000 miles. It has been extremely dependable. The only major problem I had was to get the driveshaft tweaked, but that only cost me $200 at the dealership. Ive never had any other major trouble in all that time. I put 32" BFG ATs on there with no lift and it handles great with no rubbing. With the bigger engine, Ive had no trouble blazing through mud pulling a tent trailer. I wish Ford still made Broncos. Now they have all these city slicker vehicles. It looks like my next vehicle will probably be a truck.

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  Bronco - 1992 Ford Bronco
  By Dude46633 - May 20 - 2:00 am

  I Like it a lot

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  I love it! - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By burtneymom - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love this truck! My only complaint isnt even the vehicles fault, but it is a little difficult to get my three year old and 6 monthold out of their carseats. O ther than that, my husband and I couldnt be happier. The perfomance, saftey, and reliabilty far outweigh the inconveinance of carseats! 10 out of 10!

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  Wonderful truck - 1992 Ford Bronco
  By dsickles - April 28 - 2:00 am

  i got my bronco last summer. So far i have had NO problems whatsoever! this is the first car i have bought that i have had no problems with. i am very imperesed with the tight turnning radius and i love taking the top off. i would suggest this truck to any one looking for reliable and fun transportation.

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  Love My Bronco - 1992 Ford Bronco
  By spyne - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Bronco new with 3 miles on the odometer. It now has about 122K and Im still happy with the truck. Overall this has been the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Its somewhat low tech by todays standards, but has proven to be very reliable and up to any task Ive ever asked of it. In the last few months Im starting to notice some rust-through in the bottom of the tailgate as well as in the front bumper.

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  Sure Choice - 1994 Ford Bronco
  By xbronco - March 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1994 Bronco XLT in August 2002 as my first truck. Over the past seven months, i have been dully impressed with my Bronoco. It is undoubtedly the most sturdy, most reliable, and most fun to drive truck that i have ever been in. Although it only gets about 16-17 mpg, i would highly recommend a Bronoco for anyone in the market for a modestly priced reliable, safe, and extremely versatile truck. It drives very smoothly on the road and definitely has proven off-road capabilities. On one off-roading trip i pulled 4 Chevy trucks that got stuck out with virtually no effort. Go with the Bronco, its a sure choice that will never fail.

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  Best SUV ever....bar none. - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By mattb2343 - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 93 Bronco with 112000 miles on it for 6,000. TO me, thats one hell of a steal. It has the 5.8 V8 and I have added a k&n filter, thottle body spacer and underdrive pulleys. And of course, it has a 3 inch body lift and rides on some 33s. Gas milage isnt good, I get about 13-14mpg on average. Torque coming out its ears, but lacks in the pony department. Those few mods really, really heled though.

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  Great drive - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By jasejas - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Just a great SUV to own. Wish FORD would make more of these.