If we know Ford for anything, it's for the trucks and SUVs. Customer demand for large and capable off-roaders was always on this manufacturer's mind. Just in 2021, we've learned that the famous American brand meant to roll out most of its cars (namely, sedans) and focus on SUVs and EVs. Naturally, a wider offering of these vehicles became almost instantly accessible on a Ford lineup for 2021 and 2022.

The Bronco Family is one of those extended lineups we see enhanced and ready to fulfill the growing need for SUVs. Designed to take on the challenging off-road conditions and provide an unmatched experience for adventurers, the Broncos are truly unique on the overflown SUV market. In fact, this family of Ford has been around for quite a while. Did you know the current models make the sixth generation?

Following the introduction in 1966, the second generation of Ford Bronco from 1978 was the one to make an impact on the customers and the entire market. Today, we review this rugged vehicle and explore how much it costs 44 years after the launch. If you want to get your hands on one 1978 Ford Bronco, keep reading our comprehensive review.

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How Affordable Is The 1978 Ford Bronco Today?

The 1978 Ford Bronco XLT.
Via: Ford

When it comes to the price of the 1978 Ford Bronco, we have a real mix of information for you. We hope you're ready.

To start with the good news, there are some decent Ford Bronco models from 1978 you can find at about $16,000. As long as you're all good with making quite a few adjustments and touchups after the purchase, this could be a solid option for you. To get a much better-preserved vehicle, you'll need to save up considerably more money.

So, the bad news is, the 1978 Ford Bronco is not cheap. Sometimes, it even goes double the price of the 2021 Ford Bronco, which has a starting price of $28,500. Intimidating, isn't it?

You'll be even more surprised to hear we've found a unique 1978 Ford Bronco costing a hefty $259,000. This is a one-time thing, though, as the model on sale is a hybrid made by the Velocity team. The design came to be from an effort of the team to boost the Ford Bronco and create something not yet seen.

A Brief History Behind The Ford Bronco

The 1978 Ford Bronco XLT.
Via: Ford

As we all know, the Ford trucks have been around for a while, pointing high scores ever since the Model T, we dare to say. However, it seemed the customer demand shifted in the '60s. The large and heavy trucks have not been a perfect choice for everybody, especially those who needed a more versatile vehicle for daily errands. So, Ford made the Bronco SUV to support the daily whereabouts of customers who wanted a truck that drives like a car.

The first generation of the Ford Bronco arrived in 1966. It was small and capable, but it didn't quite hit the mark. Although the vehicle saw decent sales and popularity, it didn't achieve the same as big trucks from the reputable brand. Ford tried again. The second generation of the same SUV came out larger and even more capable. It made the cut.

The 1978 Ford Bronco was a tremendous hit. It was a full-size SUV with a V8 engine, all-wheel drive, and a spacious interior. Ford finally got it right, offering the large SUV to the customers who needed capable off-roaders for leisure, and the sales went up immediately.

Needless to say, Ford continued developing the Bronco, but not many of the following generations achieved the same success. In 1996, the entire SUV line was discontinued. It was not until 2021 that we had a chance to see a completely new Ford Bronco, and this new little beast looks to steal our hearts again.

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Would You Rather: 1978 or 2021 Ford Bronco

The 1978 Ford Bronco.
Via: Ford

We wrote much about the 2021 Ford Bronco models, admiring the work that the American manufacturer has put into the design. You can read more about it in our previous releases and predictions. Without a doubt, the new Bronco is once again a powerful and capable off-roader that makes the competition sweat. Any adventurer looking for top-notch off-road features and attractive looks would buy it in a heartbeat. The question is, would you?

It wouldn't be right to compare the specs of the 1978 Ford Bronco and the new model. The latter would win, naturally, but not in the eyes of everyone. Some people would just prefer to have a good-old Bronco from 1978 and show off with the beautifully aged SUV. Yes, this would potentially cost someone a lot of money, but who could argue with a Ford icon that has been around for 44 years?