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 61 through 70 of 139.00

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  Go Big One - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By tyancey66 - August 10 - 7:32 pm

  I have a 93 Bronco that was my dads and I love it! It has never let me down.

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  I LOVE MY BRONCO - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By Buddy - August 2 - 1:20 pm

  I bought my 1996 Bronco after selling my 1988. This 96 was bought new while the 88 had been bought used. I was making trips to Kansas year round about every 2 months and in the winter you never knew what weather you might run into. I could drive my Bronco and not worry about snow. Because of the way my wife enjoyed driving my Bronco and since they are no longer, available my wife now drives a 2005 Eddie Bauer Expedition. I have at least 6 people who have been wanting to buy my Bronco for several years but its not for sale. Most dependable and versatile vehicle Ive ever owned. I find it hard to believe that Ford would discontinue such a good vehicle from their line of vehicles.

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  No Regrets - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By TruckGal - April 26 - 9:34 pm

  After comparing trucks for almost a year, this Portofino Blue & Silver Bronco caught our eye. We bought it the next day. It had 49,000 miles on it and had never seen a dirt road until we got a hold of it. Its still stock except for the addition of an AirHog filter and SuperWinch manual hubs a brush guard is coming soon. It came with the optional 265/75-15 tires. And it still rides and looks great! My husband loves the tight turn radius Im fond of the agility in snow and rain. No hesitation at all when we need some oomph, either the beast just picks up and goes. There is nothing quite like a Bronco.

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  The Best - 1994 Ford Bronco
  By Steve - April 10 - 3:04 pm

  This was hands down the best truck I have ever owned. It had its typical repairs you would expect from a 12 year old truck, but it ran strong and reliably until it decided to spontaneously combust. The engine compartment burst into flames after sitting for five days and not running at all. Other than the fire it was a fantastic vehicle and will be sorely missed.

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  1995 Ford Bronco - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By Gene Barnes - January 7 - 10:47 am

  I purchased the 95 Bronco new from the dealer and have driven it for 11 years (9 of those years were daily 50 mile commutes) without any major mechanical issues. I pull a 21 Kenner Center Console and on occasion a lowboy and tractor. The truck has the 302 V8 (5L) with the 5 speed manual (5 gear OD) I replaced the clutch assembly in 2003, but other than that only normal service maintenance and tires have been required. The vehicle averages about 14-15 miles per gallon. I still own the vehicle and am currently rigging it for a flat tow behind my motor home. At 17000 miles to-date, I kind of wish there was a comparable Ford vehicle on the market now.

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  1992 Bronco Eddie Bauer - 1992 Ford Bronco
  By James P. - November 1 - 2:12 am

  This is a good vehicle with minor details marring the picture. Styling to me is the best of any modern truck. Well-designed interior very attractive to me, but cheap plastic materials put a damper on things. Has many rattles. Seats are VERY comfortable. Removable roof is cool but awkward. 302 V8 (185hp@3800, 270 lb-ft@2400) is refined and torquey pulls like a freight train and lives under 2000 rpm best feature of the truck. Good auto transmission. Handling and ride pretty good for a 4x4. Gas mileage in town is 14mpg, 19mpg highway both with a light foot. Strong underpinnings and good engineering mean this 4x4 can tackle most off roading stock. Dont like that gas fill is on driver side.

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  XLT - 1990 Ford Bronco
  By Ford Guy - September 27 - 1:29 am

  The Bronco XLT is a great vehicle that is fun to drive on or off road.

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  It does it all! - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By Deb - July 23 - 3:31 pm

  We purchased our Bronco - one year after being in a car accident - for its crash test results and pulling power. We love it! It keeps my kids safe and pulls our 74 190 SeaRay without issue. It also does well in the snow. I do recommend switching out the hubs to locking so once you need them they are there and you dont have too wait for a few rotations in the tire for the autos to kick in. The ride can get a little bumpy on the those rough freeway spots, but not everything can ride like a Benz.

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  1991 BRONCO - 1991 Ford Bronco
  By JASON MILLER - July 12 - 2:20 pm

  This is my third Bronco. I have now owned one from the 70s, one from the 80s and one from the 90s. I loved them all. I just bought this one and besides replacing a fuel pump, it has been great. Its a great all around vehicle. The gas mileage hurts a little but its well worth it.

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  Bronco - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By John Adamo - April 12 - 7:54 pm

  I have never unsure about the performance of this truck. Any time I need to pull out into traffic, I am sure to merge very effectively with plenty of horse power and great visiblity of the road. The truck has been well maintained and and is in excellent running condition!