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 21 through 30 of 139.00

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  Good - 1991 Ford Bronco
  By TkSost - October 27 - 10:15 pm

  I think this is a great vehicle if you can afford the gas on it

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  2nd time around - 1992 Ford Bronco
  By JMorgan - September 16 - 2:02 pm

  This is my second Bronco, the first finally quit at over 600k, I expect a lot from my truck, but I give a lot too. I like the 5th series bronco, mainly because of the new grill style adds a newer look, without taking away the old reliable look. The short wheel base is great, and shes been tested in the swamps in Fl, the mountains of snow in Montana and the ices in NY. Ill have her til she doesnt move anymore.

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  Rescue Vehicle - 1990 Ford Bronco
  By Barry - July 29 - 7:17 am

  I have used this truck as a vol. firefighter since i owned it. I have been nothing but tough on it. It has held up and has over 300,000 mile on it and still going. I have put a new tranny in it and some minor repair but i wound not trade it for anything. I would like to see a new version of this truck like the Mustang.

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  They keep asking to buy my 96 EB Bronco - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By BReilly - July 17 - 12:07 am

  I cant begin to tell you how many people ask me to sell them my 96 EB Bronco. Ford has had many better ideas but, discontinuing the Bronco was not one of them. With a fuel injected 351 c.i. V-8, I can get up to 17 mpg highway and about 14 mpg city. Not bad for a full size rig. One of the best features on the rig is a cast aluminum air intake manifold on the engine. The new Ford engines sport plastic air intake manifolds that may last 60,000 to 100,000 miles IF YOURE LUCKY, and when they fail, youre looking at a $1,000 + bill to repair.

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  The Cinderella second vehicle - 1991 Ford Bronco
  By John - June 11 - 10:56 pm

  I bought it as the only way to get out of a terrible lease on a Toyota T100 (most awful vehicle, the Toyota, Ive EVER driven) mechanics and people who like Broncos tell me its "excellent, just dying to be driven." I find it noisy to be inside, stick shift can get tiring, and the arms rests designed for someone about 4 feet tall (so I cant use them). Had it repainted last summer and it looks hot -- very tough -- yeah, "Ford tough." Makes me feel like a real outdoorsman when I drive it. I dont know what its worth exactly. I just wish it were more comfortable for me, the driver. Maybe if I "just really drive it a lot" (everyones advice) some day Ill like it better. "

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  Regret - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By Jim - May 30 - 12:47 pm

  This was the best vehicle I have ever owned and regret that I sold it. I have been looking for the a burgandy/silver one for the past five years. It was the most dependable and comfortable vehicle I have driven. It was practically maintenance free. I still wished that Ford would bring it back. I dont care about the gas milage because you save it on maintence.

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  The Best 4X4 ever!! - 1992 Ford Bronco
  By Tsoko24 - May 28 - 9:08 pm

  I have had this Bronco for about 5 years now and it is a beast. The 5.8L 351 V8 will tow anything and has enough power to beat anything. This truck is amazing. Mud, Snow, Rocks, Sand is no match for the four wheel drive system. This Truck contines to amaze me in every way possible. The gas mileage is not very good. 10-12mpg in the city with the big V8. Even for being 17 years old it is one of the best looking cars on the road. I love it.

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  Bring it back - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By Ford Fanatic - May 25 - 11:29 pm

  I bought our 1996 Bronco XLT in 2001 for $10000. It had 100000 miles on it. I thought was a little high for only 5 years old. But, boy was it worth it. We are now approaching 180000 with no repairs other than brakes, tires and other routine maint. It has been the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. It has never failed me. Although I wanted the eddie baur at the time, I would never trade my XLT for one now.

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  One Tough Truck - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By SJack - April 21 - 6:19 pm

  My Bronco was bought from an Auction with only 27,000 miles on it but being a Fed. Fish and Wildlife truck it had been horribly abused with a broken front axle as well at one time going for a swim in the Sacramento Delta. I now have 195,000 miles on it, of hard Nevada backcounty dirt road driving and its still going. Repairs have been minimal considering the abuse and has never not started or gotten me at least to a paved road without hesitation. I wish ford had never stopped building them because I know they would sell. For us who make our living in the back county there is no replacement.

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  Utilitarian - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By Tim - April 12 - 9:17 pm

  This 95 is my 3rd Bronco. I seem to flock to one every other year because they do what they do so well. Best vehicle I have ever seen in the winter. I pulled a 22 FedX truck out of the snow last year. The 351 has huge torque but the 302 is adequate for most. Add a snow plow and make money or the old lady next door happy. Drinks gas, rides high, and gets you anywhere. Can I order a 2009?