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 51 through 60 of 139.00

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  2 problems I have had constantly - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By Chris - April 3 - 8:30 pm

  I do love my EB mocha color Bronco and will never get rid of it. Bought it brand new 7/93. Very very nice to look at! The body and interior are well built and my Bronco has 88,000 original miles on it. But nobody else has mentioned problems with the 2 items I have had to replace 4 times since the very beginning. The A/C compressor (no cost when it was still under warranty) and the radius arm bushings which are a problem due to deterioration from heat. They also cause a problem when you go for a front end alignment because they have to be replaced first. I have a 351W engine and yes the gas mileage is bad!

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  XL Bronco - 1994 Ford Bronco
  By Bronco16 - April 3 - 7:01 pm

  Best truck Ive driven. Great drive- ability, great power will climb the toughest grades on snow or rain. Every part of this truck can be found in part stores or LMC Truck. Mine has 160,000 miles on it and it still starts and runs every time. The five speed manual is bullet proof never had to work on it. It still shifts as smooth as ever. To sum it all up this truck gets a ten from me because it just keeps going and going.

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  Ridin high on the range. - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By mac26s - March 10 - 10:07 pm

  Maneuvers parking lots like my Mustang. Pulls my 16 RV like its not there. When the goin gets tough in sand or up the mountain switch backs, push the 4x4 button. 2 speed electronic transfer case and locking locking hubs, wow! Room for 5 big guys + their luggage w/ stadium back seat. Commanding view. Up where I can see ahead and out of the collision zone. Stable handling. Consistent 15 mpg, sometimes pushing 16. 150K miles with expected replacements like starter, alternator, water pump, radiator. Drive train and frame strong. I drive it like a train, just pick a lane and cruise. I gave up squirting starts, frequent lane changes and G force turns w/ my Mustang. Florda truck so no rust.

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  Best built Fords - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By rich - December 5 - 5:36 pm

  This is the best built series of Ford I have encountered. I have driven every body style ford up until the 2004 F series. Rugged, reliable and great ride

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  Top of the heap! - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By Seminole61 - October 31 - 3:15 pm

  This Bronco outperforms the Jimmy I had by a long shot. I live in the woods in MS 4.75 miles from black top. A lot of mud, creeks and hills. Havent had to do much of anything to it. Love the ride, clearence and power. This 5.8 is much better than the GM 5.7. My daughters Jeep cant keep up on road or in the mud. And a Dodge cant make it out here.

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  Best reliablility - 1993 Ford Bronco
  By 93beast - August 1 - 8:09 pm

  This is an excellent vehicle! I have owned it since it was two years old and have put over 223,000 miles on it since then. With a quarter million miles on it, I am proud to say that it still has its original drivetrain. I have never had any major problems with the vehicle at all. The worst being a water pump that failed. Other than that just some normal maintenance. It is fun to drive and comfortable, mileage has a lot to be desired with todays fuel prices (10 MPG currently). This has been by far the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Has never left me stranded. The AC and cruise control still works!

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  American Quality - 1990 Ford Bronco
  By mdokell - April 29 - 1:12 am

  I have always loved the Broncos. When the opportunity came to purchase one I jumped. This thing is great! I can park it anywhere, even for its size. It is equally at home on the road as off. Ford should do more research on this type of vechile to promote sales.

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  BlueBeast - 1995 Ford Bronco
  By jared - January 15 - 2:22 pm

  I just bought this in order to get me through the recent Colorado blizzards. It has done its job thus far. Its 302 has 170,000 miles and it runs very smooth. I have had no problems getting through the snow drifts. It has WAY more room in it than I am used to.

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  Ford Bronco simply the best 4x4 - 1996 Ford Bronco
  By Ronnie Moses - October 24 - 10:46 am

  The Ford Bronco was simply the Best all around, most versatile vehicle ever built by any manufacturer. It possessed the ability to go almost anywhere while retaining creature comforts only seen in sedans of its day. It is true that many "suvs" of its day may have ridden and handled better on the highway, however none from the factory could go offroad with it and ride and handle as well as it did on road. As for the mechanicals I can only speak for the 17 Broncos I have owned from 1988 to 1996, the worse problem I ever had was an o2 sensor. The only one I have left is my 1988 which has 275,000 miles on it and is still running great. I had 4 1996s all of which were sold with 150,000 miles+.

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  Bad Toy - 1991 Ford Bronco
  By Korndaddy - September 13 - 3:35 pm

  Ive always wanted a Bronco since I was a little boy. I finally had a chance when my wifes car broke down and we had to get another car. I bought me the Bronco and let her have my 2005 Subaru haha. Great running car. Plenty of room, fun to drive. Mean looking. I had to take it in because the anti lock brakes light was on, just dirty, needed to be cleaned.