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 131 through 139 of 139.00

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  Bring it Back - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By dptree - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd full size Bronco. It is a powerful, easy to drive, good looking SUV. Ive not had any problems with this one at all. Ive owned this one for seven years. It is a 1995 that I bought new in 1995. It now has 133,000 miles and still looks brand new. Not a sign of rust or fade. It breaks my heart to have to sell this one since they dont make this vehicle anymore. Ford... BRING IT BACK. It is fun to drive.

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  It doesnt get much better than this! - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By artframer2 - June 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my third full size Bronco. It is a powerful, easy to drive, good looking SUV. Ive not had any problems with this one at all. Ive owned this one for five years. It is a 1995 that I bought used in 1997 with 17000 on it. It now has 61000 miles and still looks brand new. Not a sign of rust or fade. Ill never sell this one, since they do not make this vehicle any more.

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  93 - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By JFernandez - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the vehicle since 97". It currently has 148,000 miles on it and still runs and looks like new. Requires minimal serviceing (annual tune-up, rotate and balance tires, ect...)Have had no serious problems at all. Folks are constantly asking if I wish to sell it.

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  the nastiest SUV ever!!!!!!!! - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By rob nap - May 1 - 2:00 am

  it is awesome. torque up the wazoo!!!!!!

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  bulletproof - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By cbrett - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Full size Bronco is one tough vehicle. Terrible mileage (13-15mpg) and prehistoric design (unchanged since the 70s), but utilitarian and very safe and reliable. Not a good choice for long range commuting, but an excellent utility vehicle.

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  Great work horse. - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By electricgreen - April 12 - 2:00 am

  My truck has 204,000 miles on the original 302 motor. It has towed a 17 boat, taken my wife and myself on trips, and gotten me to work even through a big snowstorm. It still runs great, and looks pretty good too. It is extremely comfortable, even on long rides, and runs quite smoothly.

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  6 years, no problems - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By Trog - March 7 - 5:43 pm

  For 2 people, the Bronco is the best hauling/off road/heavy utility truck Ive seen. Now that I have a 6 month old son, the drawback of the two door design is apparent (the high step and limited forward travel of the front seat makes loading him into a rearward facing car seat nearly impossible). Towing horses, however, is a snap.

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  Better Idea - 1990 Ford Bronco
  By DLS - March 4 - 6:35 pm

  Bring it back.

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  own 2 Broncos - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By own 2 Broncos - February 14 - 12:47 pm

  Driving west on I-94 in WI, a semi-truck slid into the rear end. Independent repair shop wanted to replace rear bumper which didnt appear damaged. Ford repair person said bumper was fine but when he opened the rear tire carrier the tailgate was pushed in where the carrier attaches to tailgate. I normally dont go to the dealer for repairs but was glad I did as the body shop foreman knew exactly what to look for. 25 years of experience does count when you want your vehicle repaired right.