After a long hiatus, the Ford Bronco has made a triumphant return. Adventure-seekers can now once again revel in the legend that is the Bronco. The vehicle was among the pioneering SUVs that were capable of conquering rough terrains off-road. It has stood the test of time as an icon, with a reputation that precedes it. The Bronco, alongside the Chevy Blazer and Jeep Wagoneer, was the top pick for off-road enthusiasts, and played a significant role in the rise of the SUV’s widespread popularity. In this piece, we’ll journey through the history of the Ford Bronco, its prime days, and its remarkable resurrection.
Ford Bronco First Generation 1966-1977
The Bronco was designed by Donald Frey, the same man who created the Mustang, but it differs greatly from the iconic muscle car. Without Lee Iacocca’s approval, the SUV may never have made it to production. However, the Bronco’s origins were not based on American ingenuity, but rather out of necessity. In 1966, it introduced to compete with the Toyota Land Cruiser and Jeep’s Wagoneer, and it had a fierce rivalry with them.
Initially, the Bronco was a basic and affordable mode of transportation. Despite this, Ford took the lead and acknowledged that their customers came in all shapes and sizes. They offered three different versions: the Bronco Wagon, which they continued to produce for years, the Roadster with no doors, which resembled old-school Jeeps, and the Bronco Pickup, which they discontinued in 1972.
Regarding powertrains, the first Bronco came with an inline-six engine that produced 105 horsepower. However, a year later, Ford introduced a 200-horsepower small-block V8. Transmission options included a three-speed automatic and a three-speed manual.
Bronco Second Generation 1978-1979
During the late 1970s, the world was in a state of turbulence and change, largely due to the energy crisis. In response, many car makers began downsizing their vehicles to be more fuel-efficient. However, Ford took a different approach with the second generation of its iconic Bronco SUV, choosing to go big instead. The new design boasted a larger, three-door body style that exuded both boldness and power, with the option of a 5.8L V8 or a 6.6L big block engine. Despite the high gas prices, the Bronco managed to hold its own against competitors like the Chevy Blazer and Dodge Ramcharger.
The second generation of the Bronco introduced several iconic features that have come to be associated with the vehicle. The rear window that lowered into the door quickly became a fan favorite. However, this generation was also the last to have a solid front axle, and in 1979, Ford replaced the round headlights with squared ones.
While the second generation of the Bronco may not have achieved the runaway success that Ford had hoped for, it did pave the way for future iterations of the vehicle that would go on to become cult classics.
Bronco Third Generation 1980 -1986
In 1980, Ford launched the third generation of the Bronco, which focused on fuel efficiency by incorporating more fuel-efficient engines. This includes a new inline six-cylinder option, instead of the big powertrains of the past. Despite this, the Bronco remained a top-performing SUV. Ford introduced the smaller Bronco II in 1984, which shared a chassis with the Ford Ranger. Though it had smaller engines, including a 2.8L Cologne V6 and a turbo-diesel option, the Bronco II was still a formidable vehicle. It remained in production until 1990, when it was succeeded by the Ford Explorer.
To cater to consumers concerned about gas mileage, Ford expanded the engine line of the Bronco to include a six-cylinder option, in addition to the V8s, making it accessible to sporty SUV enthusiasts while keeping their fuel costs in check. Unlike the second generation, which used the F-100 as its base, the third generation used an F-150. To enhance the comfort of the vehicle for daily driving and highway use, Ford replaced the solid front axle with an independent front suspension.
Ford’s decision to launch the third generation Bronco turned out to be a wise move. It continued to sell well despite rising fuel costs and changes in consumer preferences. Even after the discontinuation of the Bronco II in 1990, the popularity of the Ford Explorer, which was based on the Bronco II, helped keep the legacy of the Bronco alive.
Bronco Fourth Generation 1987-1991
In 1987, the Ford Bronco’s fourth generation underwent a significant update. It introduced an aero body style, electronic fuel injection, and new safety features such as rear anti-lock brakes. This transformation was a game-changer that allowed the Bronco to keep up with the evolving Ford pickups. As a result, the vehicle gained a series of iconic editions in the ’90s.
One of these editions was the Eddie Bauer, which quickly became a fan favorite due to its two-tone paint, cloth bucket seats, and wood burl trim. Another was the Nite option package, which was only available for a short period but left a lasting impression with its Raven Black exterior and a choice of Dark Charcoal, Scarlet Red, or Crystal Blue interior. In addition, the Silver Anniversary Edition celebrated 25 years of Bronco production, offering a V8 engine with an impressive towing capacity of 7,500 pounds. At the time, its cassette radio deck was a significant selling point.
Although the fourth-generation Bronco was slightly smaller than the second, it remained a full-size SUV. The independent front suspension replaced the solid front axle, making the Bronco more comfortable for daily commutes and off-road adventures. Today, the fourth generation of the Ford Bronco still holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and fans,
Ford Bronco Fifth Generation 1992-1996
Between 1992 and 1996, Ford produced the fifth generation of the Ford Bronco. Although the vehicle is widely remembered for its notorious involvement in the O.J. Simpson police chase, it also represented a significant shift in the car’s design and focus on safety.
Ford took various steps to enhance the Bronco’s safety features, which included front crumple zones, three-point seatbelts, and a driver-side airbag. The most notable change, however, was the removal of any references to the removable top from the owner’s manual. Despite being designed for a removable top, safety regulations deemed it illegal, so Ford removed all mentions of the removable top from the manual and fastened it with tamper-proof bolts.
Despite the Bronco’s infamous reputation, sales of the vehicle actually increased in the years following the O.J. Simpson incident. However, the fifth generation ultimately faced declining sales and was replaced by larger, four-door SUVs like the Ford Expedition.
Ford Bronco Sixth Generation 2021-???
With a retro design, innovative features, and excellent off-road capabilities, the Ford Bronco has made a triumphant return. It competes with the ever-popular Jeep Wrangler, thanks to its convertible design and two- and four-door options. The Bronco boasts a highly capable chassis and drivetrain, making it a legitimate contender for the off-road crown.
The 2021 Ford Bronco had six models, including Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Wildtrak, and Badlands. Each model had unique features and specifications, such as engine options, transmissions, and off-road capabilities.
The Base model featured a seven-speed manual transmission and a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, while the other models came with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The higher-end models, such as Wildtrak and Badlands, had a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that delivered more power and torque.
Conclusion
For years, the Ford Bronco has been recognized as an SUV that embodies the spirit of adventure and exploration. Ford released the 2022 model, which seemed to be the pinnacle of what this iconic vehicle could offer. However, the 2023 model with its ten trim levels shows that Ford is committed to improving and innovating the Bronco.
The 2023 Ford Bronco is a versatile and capable SUV that offers a range of features and options suitable for any driving style or terrain. It caters to drivers looking for a powerful off-road machine or a comfortable daily driver. The Bronco’s exceptional features and options are sure to captivate drivers and adventure-seekers for years to come.
