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 121 through 130 of 139.00

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  Rugged Riding - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By Zhen-Xjell - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has been through mud pits, snow, floods, and sand. The Bronco has also been sturdy in transporting heavy materials long distances. Fun is also a key factor when driving this truck. However, one in a mud pit the truck had to be towed out by AAA. Once released, the truck still ran fine, but still took it in for a thorough clean-up. Its fifth year has seen 4X4 break down, and its sixth year has seen the various gauges break even with regular scheduled maintenance. Overall, the bones of the truck are well built and it surely keeps on trucking.

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  Nice truck - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By TLA2 - November 21 - 2:00 am

  My Bronco has been the most reliable vehicle that I have ever owned. At 97000 miles the engine runs strong. No oil leaks, all gauges remain in factory position. I drove it 2000 miles last summer and it just purred along at 70 mph.

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  92 Bronco Good, but - 1992 Ford Bronco
  By RonS - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Have had vehicle 10+ years, and 86000 miles, and have been very happy with it. Its best feature is that with only one exception, it has been very reliable, held up well, and been fun to drive. The unusual reliability feature is that the fuel pumps go every 25-30,000 miles. Am on the 3rd one now. The cost has gone up each time, the latest being about $600 to replace, due to its being in-tank taking much labor, plus its an expensive part. Too bad they dont make it anymore, as its a vey easy to maneuver vehicle,

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  great for off-road applications - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By Jaron - November 13 - 2:00 am

  i have had my 93 bronco for about 5 months and i love it more every day i drive it. i purchased it for 5,000 and it had 102000 miles on a replaced engine but the vehicle has 188000 on it. I have taken it off-road many times and each time it has preformed exceptionally well. i have gone off- road with many different vehicles and this bronco out preforms all of them. It has the 5.0 Liter engine in it that gives it execellent power. I can tow my 20 boat without worrying. The only problem with it would have to be the gas mileage, ford has never been good with mpg but they really suck gas on this one, I average 11 mpg in town and 13 on the highway.

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  Broncos Rule - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By viking282 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I drove a 93 Bronco for years and I have only had to bring it into the shop once due some brake problems. This is an awesome vehicle that has never let me down.

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  Amazing off-roading - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By cody - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Nothing on this earth could go off- roading better than this right out of the factory 351 V8 and very comfortable.

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  Amazing off-roading - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By Cody - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Nothing on this earth could go off- roading better than this right out of the factory 351 V8 and very comfortable.

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  Great for mixed driving - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By Havack - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Love the Truck. Easy Care. Parts are easy to come by when needed. Turns very sharp(good thing). Ride is not your wifes Lincoln, afterall it is a 4WD truck. Avoid if it was never used in 4WD mode and you expect to. High mileage(+130,000) Auto trans might cost more than it is worth(typical Ford). Expect rust on tailgate if the window seal was not maintained($65 at Ford). Gutter cracks are very common and easy to repair.

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  Awesome truck! - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By Bronco dude - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Its a wonderful truck great for teenagers like myself

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  Fun to drive - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By fordsncats - August 21 - 2:00 am

  This is our 3rd Bronco. We like having a big SUV with a short wheel base. Its large yet easy to park.