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:
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My Second Ford Bronco - 1996 Ford Bronco
By G Martin - March 5 - 12:15 pmThe truck has been "bullet proof", never been towed, never any major mechanical failure. Regular maintenance is average to high, but that goes with owning a 4WD truck. I keep it well tuned and regularly serviced, so I guess I shouldnt expect problems operating it. It is the perfect vehicle for hunting or fishing, carries 4 good sized adults comfortably with all their gear. Good towing capacity as well, nicely stowed. Its a shame that none of the auto makers consider a vehicle like this. Id be in line to buy a new one tomorrow.
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Excellent runner and worker - 1993 Ford Bronco
By Tom F. - February 7 - 5:26 amI managed to snatch one of these from my boss for $700. It has the Ford 5.0L with only 91,000 original miles. Body is in great shape - minor dings and a couple of rust spots. Only work it needed was in the steering (cost less than $120). Boss had to either trade to Honda for $500 or sell to me for $700, so I took the offer. Im glad I did because this truck is great and will last a longtime! No worries when I go camping this year!
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My Favorite Ride! - 1994 Ford Bronco
By MARY ANN - January 27 - 7:16 pmI have had no major problems with my Bronco. Just the usual wear and tear things. It has 114,000 miles on it and it is still going strong. I have had several people come up to me and ask if I want to sell it. No way! Still looks new. Its a beauty!
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Best never rest - 1996 Ford Bronco
By michael jennings jr - December 25 - 5:45 pmIm glad I own my 96 Bronco XL. Its the best vehicle I have ever had. I love when I put the posi rear to work. It is also the most reliable vehicle I have ever had. It never falls on its face. It loves the snow more than I do. The aftermarket parts include: both rear ends are full posi, a cold air intake, true dual exhaust, headers, computer chip, a complete roller motor, rear disc brakes, shift kit, underdrive pullys, 302 bored and stroked to a 372.
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Sweet truck - 1996 Ford Bronco
By ronbs - December 5 - 8:31 pmThis truck is so awesome. I have a Ford expedition, and this truck is faster, and drives way better. The turning radius is so small I love the way it drives and the fuel milaege is not bad for an SUV. I cant wait to take it off road, and have some fun in the snow with it. I wish they still made trucks like this. It runs great for the mileage, and hope it continues to do so.
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260,000+ Miles - 1993 Ford Bronco
By ATVer1992 - November 5 - 3:17 pmI purchased this vehicle in 2001 with 204,000 miles on it. It was a Southern truck in great shape. Now I have over 260,000 miles on it and its still running and looking great. As far as I can tell, it still has all original components. I did have to rebuild the rear axle (bearings, seals, ring and pinion, and I threw in a Positrac). If you maintain it right, it will run forever. This truck will take whatever you throw at it. These trucks are a rare find, so get yours and keep it like new.
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Big, reliable but somewhat uncomfortable - 1996 Ford Bronco
By bigtimebroncoowner - October 10 - 2:00 amI have owned this Bronco since 1998. It had 45,000 miles on it and now (10/2004) has 114,000. At 60,000 miles I did many of the recommended service items. Other than that I have replaced the idler pully, change to man. hubs and brake shoes. Body wise, it has shown signs of rust in the typical places including the bottoms of the doors, the top and bottom of the tailgate and the leading edge of the hood. My bronco also has painted bumpers and they do show signs of time. Overall, this has been a great vehicle. It tows very well. The suspension is a bit tight and going done the highway the truck will jump a bit. This could be improved by changing to a different tire.
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I love Broncos - 1996 Ford Bronco
By MuddyBronco13 - October 1 - 2:00 amI have had 2 broncos, an 82 and a 96, they are my favorite kinds of SUVs, i love them and would never be w/o one
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great truck - 1995 Ford Bronco
By polski37 - September 4 - 2:00 ami got this truck with 149000 miles for almoust a year i had it i never had any problems it was really wonderfull machine only one complain may be rust on tailgate and door but overall great car
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American In and Out - 1991 Ford Bronco
By aerussel - August 16 - 2:00 amThis vehicle is totally American. Big, conservative styling, comfortable, big engine. Its a true SUV. Lots of room up front and back, plus the back seat folds forward or comes out. Reliable. The only thing I dont like is the front seats are buckets. Id rather have bench.
