In August 1965, Ford launched the Bronco, which became one of the first automobiles to be called a ‘Sports Utility Vehicle,’ making it an instant American classic. Developed by McKinley Thompson, the Bronco still features a boxy shape and round headlights like the first sketches. It was an instant hit with the masses for its off-road capabilities. Built to become a versatile alternative to 4x4 vehicles such as the International Harvester Scout and Jeep CJ, the Bronco changed exponentially and went from being a rugged off-roader to a full-size SUV. During its run, until 1996, Ford built over 1.1 million units and became a cult classic with numerous appearances in movies and songs.
The Bronco may have stopped production in 1996, but the popularity of the SUV never diminished among enthusiasts. With a new generation making a comeback, here’s a glimpse at how the Ford Bronco evolved over the years.
Ford Bronco First Generation (1965-1977)
The original SUV was offered as a half-cab, station wagon, and short-lived roadster. The roadster was first introduced with no doors or roof with a price tag of $2400. The half-cab was introduced in 1972, and the three-door station wagon costing $2,625 was later launched, which eventually became the first official Bronco to be popular.
The first Bronco came with an in-line six 2.8-liter engine in 1966. Within a few months, Ford began offering a V8 engine. To save production costs, the steering column came with a three-speed manual. In 1977, three-speed automation was offered to make the car more easily accessible.
Ford Bronco Second Generation (1978-1979)
Ford’s plans to launch a second-generation four-door Bronco got delayed due to an Arab Oil embargo due to which an upsized two-door Bronco with removable hardtop was launched. The car only lasted for two years; however, it was popular during its run.
The second-generation Bronco only had V8 engine lineups, offering a base engine of a big 5.8-liter V8 with 135 HP. The upgrade provided a 6.6-liter V8 wheezing 149 HP. Ford offered a four-speed manual and an optional four-speed auto transmission. The rounded headlights were replaced by square ones, and the rear window was retractable into a tailgate. The starting price of $6,500 during the time was adjusted due to inflation.
Ford Bronco Third Generation (1980-1986)
Ford decided to make their newest Bronco better to drive on and off the road, and the car shredded a few pounds compared to its predecessor. To adapt to the fuel economy concerns, the Bronco came up with new engine variants during its seven years in production. Ford offered an in-line six, a 4.9-liter V8, as well as two 5.8-liter V8 engines.
Replacing the front axle, the Bronco had an independent suspension and swing axle to ease on-road drivability. Starting with a base price of $8,400 in the 80s, the third generation Bronco was famous through the SUV boom in the 90s. Ford decided to include upscale amenities with the addition of Eddie Bauer trim in two-tone paint, wood trims, and cloth bucket seats.
Ford Bronco Fourth Generation (1987-1991)
Between 1983 and 1990, Ford Bronco released the compact Bronco II, a two-door SUV based on the big Bronco. It was considerably shorter, narrower than Bronco I, and was equipped with 2.8 and 2.9-liter V6 engines and a 2.3-liter diesel in-line four. Bronco II failed to garner the attention like the other Broncos and was discontinued to make room for the Ford Explorer.
The fourth-generation Ford Bronco was redesigned alongside the F-150 pickup and had a few cosmetic tweaks and updates. With smoother sheet metals, wraparound bumpers and headlights, and rounded wheel arches, the fourth-generation Bronco got curvier. The electric fuel injection was carried over from the third-generation Bronco with a standard in-line six and a V8. The price of the fourth-generation Bronco was priced around $14,000.
Ford Bronco Fifth Generation (1992-1996)
The end of the Bronco reached its final stages when Ford Explorer was finally launched in 1991. The Explorer was an instant hit among off-roaders since it was offered in the combination of a two-door or four-door SUV. When the fifth-generation Bronco launched in 1991, it looked out of style.
With minor changes, Ford halted the 4.9-liter I6 and adapted a five-speed manual and two different four-speed variants. The updated safety systems included driver-side airbags, three-point seatbelts for rear seats, and front crumple zones. The Bronco cost $19,000 during the time.
The fifth-generation Bronco is famously known for the chase between the LAPD and O.J. Simpson, who was riding a white Bronco. The chase did little to save the full-size three-door SUV. The final Bronco went into production in 1996 while the people’s focus shifted towards four-door SUVs. It made room for Ford to stay in the competition and launch the Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Sports post-1996.
Resurrecting The Bronco
Ford Bronco’s much-awaited return finally occurred in 2021 with innovative features, retro-styling, and astonishing off-road capabilities. The manual transmission and nostalgic details make up for the absence of V8. The simple layout with a plethora of technology does mark the beginning of the new generation of its mid-60s predecessor with a base price of $30,000.
Over the years, Ford Bronco has been shipped with consistent innovation strategies to create the ultimate SUV that could serve as an off-roader and a family car. Even if the fifth-generation did not cater to the public's demand, the Bronco’s sixth generation is ready to make a successful comeback with the 2021 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport.