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 111 through 120 of 139.00-
Whatta truck! - 1995 Ford Bronco
By Sexsayguy - February 8 - 2:00 amI have owned both new and used SUVs in my time, but this truck is by the far the best. Lots of room, great looks, VERY solid feel, and nice off- road handling. The only downside to it at all is the horrible gas mileage.
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BRONCO - 1993 Ford Bronco
By BRONCOL - February 6 - 2:00 amWONDERFULL TRUCK/SUV CALL IT WHAT YOU WILL, THIS TRUCK IS VERY RELIABLE EXCEPT FOR THE GAS MILEAGE... GASSSSSSS SUCKS!!!!! BIG TIME
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excellent for what it is! - 1994 Ford Bronco
By trailerman - February 5 - 2:00 amPurchased used with 91000 miles on it and now have 108000. 351 is smooth, consistant and capable of hauling virtually anything. Trany is reliable but unremarkable. 4wd is crude but effective. Interior functional but comfortable. Easy vehicle to work on. Rust is forming in all the usual places and tailgate design is poor. Excel. turning radius, ride quality not bad. NO MECH. PROBLEMS, V.DEPENDABLE, NO RATTLES OR SQUEEKS. Looking to impress yourself not your neighbors, Looking to make friends with a "real truck" not a SUV, this rig is perfect. Strong and functional. Feels like an old good friend.
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Good all-around vehicle - 1993 Ford Bronco
By 80skid - February 4 - 2:00 amI purchased my bronco about 2.5 years ago with 105,000 miles on it. It was a little underpowered with the 302 V8 so I added a chip, duel exhaust, headers, and a K&N air filter and now it performs pretty well. The bronco now has around 124,000 miles and runs like its almost new and the tranny shifts well. Great for off-roading and the push-button 4x4 is a plus. Love the styling and wish Ford never discontinued the bronco. This vehicle can and will do just about anything you want. Its rugged enough for offroad fun, short enough to park into tight areas, powerful enough to tow a boat (torque wise, it lacks horsepower), and is roomy enough for lots of storage.
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1990 Ford Bronco XLT 5.8L EFI engine - 1990 Ford Bronco
By Dick Forrester - January 31 - 2:00 amFirst year for EFI in Ford trucks so there some initial problems with electronic sensors. Gas mileage is around 12 mpg. Sturdily constructed and a do-it-all go anywhere vehicle. Towing capicity is excellent. After 133,000 miles, this vehicle looks and drives like new with regular maintenance by the book. Very reliable. Resale value is poor. Ford factory parts are expensive but aftermarket parts are readily available and much cheaper.
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The Awesome Bronco by a 41 year old man - 1996 Ford Bronco
By Not High Enough - January 27 - 2:00 amonly problems I have had with my 5.8L XLT Bronco are Fuel pump, Horn&cruise problems.And the notorious ttb ball joints
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bronco - 1996 Ford Bronco
By whiteout - December 26 - 2:00 amI like the truck, but it had some teething problems. The dealer took a lot of pushing, but eventually fixed most things. The hardest thing to get done was replacement of a warped tailgate. They wouldnt believe anything was wrong even when it wouldnt open 3 different times. They finally believed me when the welded seam on the passenger side of the tailgate let go (about 10k). Factory rep was not helpful with reapairs when I met resistance. Engine & drivetrain are great. Breathes better with K&N filtercharger.
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Love this Bronc - 1994 Ford Bronco
By bronc - December 23 - 2:00 amI have a 94 Bronco Eddie Bauer, and have not been dissapointed. 351W, with the E40D tranny has been a good combination with this truck too. I have 33" tires, and there is no noticeable power decrease due to the diameter change. Wide enough for a sheet of plywood, but short enough to pull a U-turn on most residential streets. The only beef I have with this machine is the overall braun of the parts. My old 85 Bronco was beaten twice as hard as the 94, yet the 94 seems to break more. For the money, especially comparing to new SUVs, a good used Bronco is the way to go. DO NOT BUY A K-5 BLAZER
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the 2nd one - 1996 Ford Bronco
By bronco chip - December 17 - 2:00 amThe 1st Bronco that I owned was a 1985 xlt with a 351. This was one helluva truck. After I sold it, I came across a 1996 xlt with only 55k actual miles. This truck was extremely clean and I bought it on the spot. I use it during the winter months to get in to quite muddy areas. During the summer months, I pull a large boat with no problems.
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Hey Eddie - 1996 Ford Bronco
By MANDINGO - December 8 - 2:00 amA strong dependable go almost anywhere vehicle. Goes like a Mule and drives like one, as long as maintenence is kept up it will continue to go. Other than the electric rear window.
