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 41 through 50 of 139.00

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  Fun fun fun - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By seth - December 7 - 11:09 am

  I bought a 93 Bronco that has been garage kept and looks it! The exterior has been repainted in 2008 but that is all that has been done, this truck is sharp. The interior is flawless and has 106,000 original miles on the 5.0 engine. It rides great on the 31" tires and sits very balanced. This thing looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor!

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  Legend among 4WD vehicles - 1992 Ford Bronco
  By jasmith1982 - October 24 - 8:20 pm

  Even though this SUV is about 16 years old, it still blows the doors off some of the best vehicles out today. Excellent design. Great towing capabilities. Its a workhorse. Having the government-issue fire marshal suspension and drive train is amazing. EEC IV system works great, as long as the connections dont get wet and the computer doesnt get corroded. The ECU (computer) is a hassle to replace. The dual shocks on each front wheel gives a smooth ride. On average 12-13 mpg in town. Most mechanical parts interchangeable with ford F-series. Parts are readily available.

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  Best all around vehicle ever - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By Scott - October 5 - 11:10 am

  Bought used with 57,000 miles, now have 157,000. Great ride height. Lots of room. Great towing. Fantastic in snow and off road. Extremely dependable. A lot of people complain about mileage but I get 18-20 on highway and 15-17 in town. I use synthetic fluids. With so many miles i have been looking for a different vehicle. Checked out Explorers, Expeditions, Tahoes, Jeep Grand Cherokees, Subaru Outbacks. If I were only to use Edmunds reviews, I would buy another full size Bronco before any of the others. Ford should bring back. But from reviews of other Ford products, they wouldnt be able to make them this way anymore.

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  My Sweet Bronco - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By broncobabe4u - August 17 - 11:57 pm

  I bought my Bronco used at 2 years old. I traded down from a newer vehicle but my test drive sold it. Two weeks after I bought it, I had it at the Silver Lake Dunes and while many trucks were grunting and backing down not making it to the top, I had no problem walking right up. Its never given me any major problems in the 10 years Ive owned it. I get compliments on a weekly basis and offers to sell. It will never happen. Shes getting old but I will continue to drive it with pride until it dies or I do, whichever comes first. Never have I owned a vehicle this long and will never again. Shes the best thing thats ever happened to me and at 200,000 and still going strong, why would I?

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  Life saver - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By The Blue Beast - July 27 - 10:11 pm

  I had a 92 Bronco that was involved in a head on collision with a drunk driver in a 67 Ford LTD. He didnt make it. Anyway, I bought a new 1995 Bronco and am still driving it today. I must add there were a few issues in the beginning. 6 transfer cases, 6 transmissions, 6 drive shafts later, no more issues. I installed a 4" Rancho suspension lift, 33" BFG tires, Bassani headers, Auburn limited slip, and 4.11 gears. The truck still runs strong and I would it sell it for any amount.

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  They dont build them like this anymore! - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By broncobustinman - July 13 - 10:09 pm

  I bought this Bronco from the dealer and paid $16500 for it fully loaded and has a 5.8L that has never given me trouble. Had about 40k on it, now 8 years later I am at 95k. I have spent the usual amount on the ususal things that go bad in time with any car or truck (i.e ball joints, radiator hose,exhuast pipe, brakes, shocks, front end bushings, battery, the original one lasted 7 years! All in all this truck has given me dependable transportaton where all new cars cant. I ll drive it till the wheels fall off. I know it will last for me to give it to my son (hes now two). Keep them all original they are beautiful trucks just the way the Ford made them.

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  18 years of reliable power - 1990 Ford Bronco
  By Dan - July 6 - 12:10 am

  I bought my Bronco when it was two years old and have driven it for 16 years now. Almost zero repairs over its life so far. I love the handling, the power, and comfort. Its been a great vehicle and what I would choose for bad conditions (snow, mud, ice, etc.)

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  Best vehicle ever owned - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By 1st Bronco - June 16 - 11:37 pm

  After always wanting a Bronco, I finally purchased one outright for $5,000. It had 140,000 miles on it. Ive now owned it for one year and 3 months and the only maintenance Ive done is an oil change. It is the best running vehicle I have ever owned, and I will never part with it. Gas mileage is awful, but the other benefits outweigh it tremendously. I drive down the road with my children and I feel safe. That alone is worth paying extra for gas. I love my Bronco.

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  Fuel Economy - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By sdt - June 9 - 8:23 pm

  Excellent Vehicle. Fuel economy can be maximized, (slowing down) sweet spot on mine 62 mph on cruise control. 25-30mpg on highway.Getting children in/out not easy, but their being secured in a larger vehicle is an acceptable tradeoff.

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  One bad beast - 1994 Ford Bronco
  By mike - May 14 - 12:32 am

  I bought my Bronco after blowing money on a Jeep. Bronco is best truck I have ever had! It has taken me everyware I wanted to go. Includeing places I should not have gone. But it is a very reliable truck! Even being still all stock, does very well! I am impressed! Buy a Bronco go have fun. Not one problem with it at all