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The much larger and heavier second-gen Bronco was actually scheduled for a 1974 release, but Ford was concerned that an SUV that was a full foot wider, more than two feet longer, about 700kg ...
- Justin Owen
- Gen 1 Ford Bronco 1966–1977. For all its austerity and archaic auto tech, the original Ford Bronco is still the best. Even today, the look of the first Bronco looks fresh and timeless.
- Gen 6 Ford Bronco 2021–present. After the longest wait in automotive history, Ford brought us an all-new Bronco, seemingly out of the blue. While die-hard fans had likely been clamoring for a new model for years, this never seemed like a foregone conclusion...
- Gen 5 Ford Bronco 1992–1996. For more than two decades, Ford Bronco production ended in 1996. That was the end of the Bronco's tale, and fans of the big brute were forced to simply relive it in their memories as no new ones were on the horizon.
- Gen 3 Ford Bronco 1980–1986. The short-lived second-generation Bronco received a prompt update alongside the F-150 development schedule. This meant a new Bronco for the 1980 model year, and it turned into a real crowd-pleaser.
- Bronco Prehistory
- 1965-1977: First Generation
- 1978-1979: Short-Lived Second Generation
- 1980-1986: Bigger and Smaller
- 1987-1991: Minor Changes
- 1992-1996: End of The Trail
- Bringing Back The Bronco
Ford didn’t invent the SUV, but executives knew a trend when they saw one. Just as the 2021 Bronco targets the Jeep Wrangler, the original Bronco targeted the Jeep CJ, the brand’s first civilian model. Ford actually built Jeeps during World War II alongside Willys Overland (you can spot a Ford-built Jeep by the letter “F” stamped into most parts), ...
Former G.I.s began buying military surplus Jeeps, as well as Willys-manufactured civilian models, but Ford thought it could do better. Unveiled on August 11, 1965, the first-generation Bronco followed the Jeep example with standard four-wheel drive and a short wheelbase for better maneuverability off-road. However, Ford also focused on road manners...
The second-generation Bronco only lasted two model years, but it was a major evolution of the species. Where the first-generation Bronco had a unique platform, Ford decided to save some money and use a shortened version of the F-100 pickup truck platform for the second-generation model. Rival General Motors had done the same thing, turning the C/K ...
The third-generation model retained its predecessor’s generous proportions, but Ford at least reduced weight. The Bronco was still based on the F-100 pickup, but Ford swapped the solid-axle front suspension for an independent setup to improve on-road ride and handling. Ford also brought back the inline-six base engine, this time with 4.9 liters of ...
The 1987-1991 Bronco may look different, thanks to a smoother front end inspired by the F-150 pickup truck, and is considered a distinct Bronco generation, but it didn’t bring many changes beyond styling. The interior was restyled, and Ford added a more modern electronic setup for the four-wheel-drive system. In another nod to modernity, the 4.9-li...
The fifth-generation Bronco once again borrowed styling and a basic platform from the F-150. Ford attempted to improve safety by adding crumple zones and, for the 1994 model year, a standard driver’s airbag. The top was still technically removable, but the center brake light and rear seatbelts were mounted to it, effectively making removal impossib...
As mainstream SUVs like the Explorer evolved to better suit their natural habitats — suburban parking lots — a niche for a more rugged, back-to-basics off-roader began to open up. As with the original Bronco, though, Ford found itself responding to Jeep rather than blazing its own trail. As Ford prepared to retire the Bronco, sales of the Jeep Wran...
Sep 18, 2023 · 1980 sees the arrival of the third-generation Bronco, which, while still imposing, is slightly smaller and lighter than the short-lived second-generation. The Bronco may still be simple in form, but subtle attempts are now being made to update the design, such as the old-school 'Ford' lettering being replaced with the famous 'blue oval', which ...
- Editor
Jul 6, 2020 · Third generation: 1980–1986. The short-lived second-generation Bronco was updated along with the rest of the F-Series lineup for 1980. A major change was a new “Twin Traction Beam” (TTB) front axle from Dana that would be the first independent front suspension available on a full-size 4×4.
There is no doubt about it, the second generation Bronco is one of the most classic SUV designs of all time. Unfortunately, the second-gen version had a very short production window from 1977 to 1979.
People also ask
Why did Ford discontinue the 2nd generation Ford Bronco?
How long did a second generation Ford Bronco last?
Is a Ford Bronco a full size SUV?
What is a Bronco II?
Apr 3, 2024 · Significantly smaller than the Bronco, the Bronco II was proportioned more like the first generation of Bronco. This compact SUV used the Ford Ranger as its base in much the same way that the Bronco used the F-series as its basis.
