A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | CH | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
| Ford Bronco | |
|---|---|
_Outer_Banks_1X7A0384.jpg) 2021 Ford Bronco Outer Banks (4-door) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Production | 1965–1996 2021–present |
| Model years | 1966–1996 2021–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact SUV (1965–1977, 2004 concept) Full-size SUV (1978–1996) Mid-size SUV (2021–present) |
| Body style | 2-door SUV (1965–1996, 2004 concept), 2021–present) 4-door SUV (2021–present) |
| Layout | Front-engine, four-wheel-drive |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Ford Expedition (for full-size model) |
The Ford Bronco is a model line of SUVs manufactured and marketed by Ford. The first SUV model developed by the company, five generations of the Bronco were sold from the 1966 to 1996 model years. A sixth generation of the model line was introduced for the 2021 model year.[1] The nameplate has been used on other Ford SUVs, namely the 1984–1990 Bronco II compact SUV and the 2021 Bronco Sport compact crossover.
Originally developed as a compact off-road vehicle using its own chassis,[2] the Bronco initially competed against the Jeep CJ-5 and International Harvester Scout. For 1978, Ford enlarged the Bronco, making it a short-wheelbase version of the F-Series pickup truck; the full-size Bronco competed against the Chevrolet K5 Blazer and Dodge Ramcharger.
Following a decline in demand for large two-door SUVs, Ford discontinued the Bronco after the 1996 model year, replacing it with the four-door Ford Expedition; followed by the larger Ford Excursion. After a 25-year hiatus, the sixth-generation Bronco is now offered as a mid-size two-door SUV for the first time. It is also offered as a full-size four-door SUV with a 16 in (41 cm) longer wheelbase. It competes directly with the Jeep Wrangler as both a two-door and a four-door (hardtop) convertible.
From 1965 to 1996, the Ford Bronco was manufactured by Ford at its Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, Michigan, where it also manufactures the sixth-generation version.[3][4][5]
First generation (1966)
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 Ford Bronco Wagon (First generation) | |
| Overview | |
| Production | August 1965–1977 |
| Model years | 1966–1977 |
| Assembly | United States: Wayne, Michigan (Michigan Assembly Plant) |
| Designer | Donald N. Frey (1964) Paul G. Axelrad, McKinley Thompson Jr. (1964)[6] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact SUV |
| Body style | |
| Layout | F4 layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 170 cu in (2.8 L) Straight-6 200 cu in (3.3 L) Straight-6 289 cu in (4.7 L) small block V8 302 cu in (4.9 L) small block V8 |
| Transmission |
|
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 92 in (2,337 mm)[8] |
| Length | 151.5 in (3,848 mm)[8] |
| Width | 68.5 in (1,740 mm)[8] |
| Height | 71.6 in (1,819 mm)[8] |
The idea behind the Bronco began with Ford product manager Donald N. Frey in the early 1960s (who also conceived the Ford Mustang) and was engineered by Paul G. Axelrad, with Lee Iacocca approving the final model for production in February 1964, after the first clay models were built in mid-1963. Developed as an off-road vehicle (ORV), the Bronco was intended as a competitor for the Jeep CJ-5, International Harvester Scout and Toyota Land Cruiser. Today a compact SUV in terms of size, Ford marketing shows a very early example of promoting a civilian off-roader as a "Sports Utility" (the two-door pickup version).[9][10]
Initially selling well, following the introduction of the Chevrolet Blazer, Jeep Cherokee, and International Scout II (from 1969 to 1974), demand shifted towards SUVs with better on-road capability, leading to a decline in demand for the Bronco.
Chassis
The first-generation Bronco is built upon a chassis developed specifically for the model range, shared with no other Ford or Lincoln-Mercury vehicle. Built on a 92-inch wheelbase (sized between the CJ-5 and Scout; only an inch shorter than the later CJ-7), the Bronco used box-section body-on-frame construction.
To simplify production, all examples were sold with four-wheel drive; a shift-on the-fly Dana 20 transfer case and locking hubs were standard.[11] The rear axle was a Ford 9-inch axle, with Hotchkiss drive and leaf springs; the front axle was a Dana 30, replaced by a Dana 44 in 1971.[11] In contrast to the Twin I-Beams of larger Ford trucks, the Bronco used radius arms to locate the coil-sprung front axle, along with a lateral track bar, allowing for a 34-foot turning circle, long wheel travel, and antidive geometry (useful for snowplowing). A heavier-duty suspension system was an option, along with air front springs.[11]
Powertrain
At its August 1965 launch, the Bronco was offered with a 170-cubic-inch inline six.[11] Derived from the Ford Falcon, the 105-hp engine was modified with solid valve lifters, a 6-US-quart (6 L) oil pan, heavy-duty fuel pump, oil-bath air cleaner, and carburetor with a float bowl compensated against tilting. In March 1966, a 200-hp 289-cubic-inch V8 was introduced as an option.[11] For the 1969 model year, the 289 V8 was enlarged to 302 cubic inches, remaining through the 1977 model year. For 1973, a 200 cubic-inch inline six became the standard engine, offered through 1977.
To lower production costs, at its launch, the Bronco was offered solely with a three-speed, column-shifted manual transmission and floor-mounted transfer case shifter (with a floor-mounted transmission shifter later becoming a popular modification).[11] In 1973, in response to buyer demand, a three-speed automatic transmission was offered as an option.[11]
Body design
In a central theme of the first-generation Bronco, styling was subordinated to simplicity and economy, so all glass was flat, bumpers were straight C-sections, and the left and right door skins were symmetrical (prior to the fitment of door-mounting hardware).
For 1966, three Bronco body configurations were offered, including a two-door wagon, a half-cab pickup, and an open-body roadster.[11] With a base price of $2,194 ($20,055 in 2022 dollars), the Bronco included few amenities as standard. However, a large number of options were offered through both Ford and its dealers, including front bucket seats, a rear bench seat, a tachometer, and a CB radio, as well as functional items such as a tow bar, an auxiliary gas tank, a power take-off, a snowplow, a winch, and a posthole digger.[11] Aftermarket accessories included campers, overdrive units, and the usual array of wheels, tires, chassis, and engine parts for increased performance.
For 1967, Ford introduced the Sport option package for the Bronco wagon. Consisting primarily of chrome exterior trim and wheel covers, the Sport package was distinguished by red-painted "FORD" grille lettering.[11] For 1970, the Bronco Sport became a freestanding model rather than an option package.[11]
To comply with federal regulations, the Bronco was fitted with back-up lights and side marker lamps in 1967 and 1968, respectively. After struggling with sales, the open-body Bronco roadster was withdrawn after the 1968 model year.[11]
After 1972, the Bronco half-cab was withdrawn; along with its lower sales compared to the wagon, Ford had introduced the larger Ford Courier compact pickup.
In a minor revision, for 1977, the exterior-mounted fuel tank caps were replaced behind hinged doors (as on all other Ford trucks).[11]
- 1966-1977 Ford Bronco body styles
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1966 Bronco roadster -
1966 Bronco roadster, left side -
1966 Bronco roadster, right side -
1966 Bronco roadster, rear -
1966 Bronco roadster instrument panel -
1972–1976 Bronco Ranger wagon -
1972–1976 Bronco Ranger wagon, rear -
1966–1967 Bronco pickup -
1966–1967 Bronco pickup interior
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Trim
Initially offered as a single trim level with a long option list, for 1967, Ford introduced the Sport option package for the Bronco wagon. Consisting primarily of chrome exterior trim and wheelcovers, the Sport package was distinguished by red-painted FORD grille lettering.[11] For 1970, the Bronco Sport became a freestanding model rather than an option package.[11]
For 1972, in line with the F-Series trucks, the Ranger trim became the top-of-the-line Bronco, offering body stripes, model-specific wheel covers, cloth seats, woodgrain door panels, and carpeted interior.[11]
In a 1975 interior revision, the Bronco Sport and Bronco Ranger adapted the two-spoke steering wheel from the F-Series.[11]
The optional full wheel covers on all first generation Broncos were the same ones used on the 1966 Galaxie.
Sales
| Year | Units |
|---|---|
| 1966 | 23,776 |
| 1967 | 14,230 |
| 1968 | 16,629 |
| 1969 | 20,956 |
| 1970 | 18,450 |
| 1971 | 19,784 |
| 1972 | 21,115 |
| 1973 | 21,894 |
| 1974 | 25,824 |
| 1975 | 13,125 |
| 1976 | 15,256 |
| 1977 | 14,546 |
Racing
In 1965, race car builder Bill Stroppe assembled a team of Broncos for long-distance off-road competition. Partnering with Holman-Moody, the Stroppe/Holman/Moody (SHM) Broncos competed in the Mint 400, Baja 500, and Mexican 1000 (later named the Baja 1000). In 1969, SHM again entered a team of six Broncos in the Baja 1000. In 1971, a "Baja Bronco" package was marketed through Ford dealers, featuring quick-ratio power steering, automatic transmission, fender flares covering Gates Commando tires, a roll bar, reinforced bumpers, a padded steering wheel, and distinctive red, white, blue, and black paint. Priced at US$5,566, versus the standard V8 Bronco price of $3,665, only 650 were sold over the next four years.[12]
In 1966, a Bronco "funny car" built by Doug Nash for the quarter-mile dragstrip finished with a few low 8-second times, but it was sidelined by sanctioning organizations when pickups and aluminum frames were outlawed.[13]
Second generation (1978)
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 1978 Ford Bronco in Free-Wheelin' look | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1977[14]–1979[15] |
| Assembly | United States: Wayne, Michigan (Michigan Assembly Plant) |
| Designer | Dick Nesbitt (1972) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size SUV |
| Body style | 3-door SUV |
| Layout | F4 layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 351 cu in (5.8 L) 351M V8 400 cu in (6.6 L) 400 V8 |
| Transmission | 4-speed Borg-Warner T-18 manual 4-speed New Process NP435 manual 3-speed C6 automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 104 in (2,642 mm) |
| Length | 180.3 in (4,580 mm) |
| Width | 79.3 in (2,014 mm) |
| Height | 75.5 in (1,918 mm) |
| Curb weight | 4,663–4,718 lb (2,115–2,140 kg) |
For the 1978 model year, the second-generation Bronco was introduced; to better compete with the Chevrolet K5 Blazer, Dodge Ramcharger, and Jeep Cherokee, the Bronco entered the full-size SUV segment.[16] In place of a model-specific chassis, the Bronco was adapted directly from the Ford F-Series, becoming a shortened version of the F-100 4x4.[16] Originally intended for a 1974 launch,[16] the second-generation Bronco (named "Project Shorthorn" during its development) was postponed to 1978 in response to fuel economy concerns related to the 1973 fuel crisis; the second-generation Bronco was released for sale after development was nearly finalized on its 1980 successor.[16]
In a notable break from a period of downsizing in the American automotive industry, the second-generation Bronco grew significantly in size, adding 12 inches of wheelbase, approximately 28 inches of length, 11 inches of width, and 4 inches of height; based on powertrain configuration, the Bronco gained 1,100 to 1,600 pounds of curb weight over its predecessor.
The second-generation Bronco marks the introduction of design commonality with the Ford F-Series and retained the lift-off hardtop body style for the three-door wagon, though now fiberglass over the rear seat area only (and not a full-length steel top), continued through the 1996 withdrawal of the model line. In spite of its short production cycle (only two years), the second-generation Bronco proved successful, overtaking the Blazer and Ramcharger in sales for the first time; initial demand was so strong that customers waited several months to receive vehicles from dealers.[16]
Chassis
The second generation Bronco is based on the Ford F-100 pickup truck chassis (1973–1979 sixth generation). Approximately one foot shorter than the shortest F-100, the Bronco has a 104-inch wheelbase (12 inches longer than the previous Bronco). The second generation Bronco is still fitted exclusively with four-wheel drive;[17] a part-time system was standard with a New Process 205 gear-driven transfer case with the option of permanent four-wheel drive and a New Process 203 chain-driven transfer case.
The second generation Bronco has a coil-sprung Dana 44 front axle and a leaf-sprung rear Ford 9-inch axle (similar to the later first generation Broncos). The first and second generation Broncos both have non-independent front suspension (solid front axle). Third generation and later have the Ford/Dana twin traction beam independent front suspension system. These were also later used in the Ford Transit 4x4 range.
Two different V8 engines were offered for the second generation Bronco: the 5.8L 351M and the 6.6L 400. While offering virtually the same horsepower output, the 400 produced a higher torque output over the 351M. As the 460 V8 was restricted to rear-wheel drive F-Series trucks, it was not offered in the Bronco.
For 1979, Ford added emissions controls to its light-truck engines; the Bronco gained a catalytic converter (among other equipment) in both engine configurations.[16][18]
| 1978–1979 Ford Bronco powertrain details | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Production | Configuration | Carburetion | Output | |
| Horsepower | Torque | ||||
| Ford 351M (335/Cleveland) V8 | 1978–1979 | 352 cu in (5.8 L) 16-valve V8 | 2-bbl | 156 hp (1978)
158 hp (1979) |
262 lb-ft |
| Ford 400 (335/Cleveland) V8 | 402 cu in (6.6 L) 16-valve V8 | 2-bbl | 158 hp (1978)
156 hp (1979) |
277 lb-ft | |
Body
Replacing the multiple body configurations of the first generation, the second-generation Bronco was offered solely as a 3-door wagon with a lift-off rear hardtop. During its development as Project Shorthorn, a central requirement by Ford was to adopt bodywork from the F-100 with minimal modification.[16] As with its chassis, the second-generation Bronco derives much of its body from the F-Series truck line, sharing the doors, front roofline and sheetmetal, and interior with the F-Series.[19]
Retaining the wagon body from its predecessor, Ford designers shifted from a full-length hardtop (as with the previous Bronco and on the Jeep CJ-7) to a lift-off hardtop from behind the B-pillars. Designed by Dick Nesbitt, the configuration achieved higher commonality with the F-100 (sharing the doors and overhead roof stamping); attention was focused on minimizing leaks around the top seals (a problem related to the design of the K5 Blazer hardtop of the time).[16] In a configuration similar to the Ford LTD Country Squire, the glass of the rear window rolled down into the tailgate (via a dash-mounted switch or from using the key on the outside), allowing the tailgate to fold down.
Coinciding with its commonality with the F-100, the second-generation Bronco introduced features new to the model line for the first time, including air conditioning, radio, and tilt steering.[17][20] While a two-seat interior remained standard, the 11-inch wider interior allowed for a three-passenger front bench seat; with a folding and removable rear seat, the Bronco became a six-passenger vehicle for the first time.[21][20]
For 1979, the Bronco saw little change from 1978 models. Along with the F-Series, rectangular headlamps (introduced on the Ranger trim for 1978) became standard on all Broncos. In an interior revision, captain's chair front seats became an option.[16]
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1978 Bronco Custom (aftermarket wheels/tires) -
1978 Bronco Custom -
1978 Bronco (aftermarket tires) -
1979 Bronco Ranger XLT
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Trim
For the second-generation Bronco, the model line adopted the same trim nomenclature as the F-Series.[21] The Bronco Custom served as the standard-trim model with the Bronco Ranger XLT as the top-level trim. For 1978, as with the F-Series trucks, Customs were fitted with round headlamps while Ranger XLTs had rectangular units, which became standard for all Broncos for 1979.[18]
During 1978 and 1979, alongside the Econoline, F-Series, and Courier, the Bronco was sold with a "Free-Wheelin'" cosmetic option package for both Custom and Ranger XLT trims. Featuring tricolor striping and blacked-out exterior trim, the package featured revised exterior striping for 1979.[16]
Sales
| 1978–1979 Ford Bronco production | |
|---|---|
| Year | Units |
| 1978 | 77,917 |
| 1979 | 104,038 |
Third generation (1980)
| Third generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1979–1986[22] |
| Model years | 1980-1986 |
| Assembly | United States: Wayne, Michigan (Michigan Assembly Plant) Australia: Broadmeadows[23] |
| Designer | Don Kopka (design director) John Najjar (1977)[24][25] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size SUV |
| Body style | 3-door SUV |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 300 cu in (4.9 L) Straight-6 302 cu in (4.9 L) 302 V8 351 cu in (5.8 L) 351M V8 351 cu in (5.8 L) Windsor V8 |
| Transmission | 4-speed Borg-Warner T-18 manual 4-speed New Process NP435 manual 4-speed Tremec RTS OverDrive 3-speed C6 automatic 4-speed AOD |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 104 in (2,642 mm) |
| Length | 180.4 in (4,582 mm) |
| Width | 79.3 in (2,014 mm) |
| Height | 75.5 in (1,918 mm) |
| Curb weight | 4,343–4,374 lb (1,970–1,984 kg) |
Beginning production development in 1977[16] (before its predecessor was released for sale) the 1980–1986 Bronco was designed to address many concerns that held the 1978–1979 Bronco out of production. Nominally shorter and lighter, the 1980 Bronco was designed to adopt a more efficient powertrain while retaining its full-size dimensions.
In 1982, the Ford Bronco II made its debut; unrelated to the full-size Bronco, the Bronco II was a compact SUV based on a shortened Ranger pickup truck and sized similarly to the 1966–1977 Bronco.
Chassis
Again based on the Ford F-Series, the 1980–1986 Bronco is based upon the Ford F-150 (1980–1986 seventh generation). Although based on an all-new chassis, the Bronco retained its 104 in (2,642 mm) wheelbase. Ford engineers attempting to get as much fuel economy from weight reduction of 375 lb (170 kg) curb weight from the previous year, the 1980-81 models had a much weaker frame with holes stamped out at the factory.[26] This extra lightened frame was dropped in 1982 for more strength and rigidity gaining 31 lb (14 kg) curb weight. Both transfer cases were replaced with a New Process 208 or Borg Warner 1345 version.[18]
In front, the 1980–1986 Bronco is fitted with a Dana 44 front axle with Ford TTB (Twin Traction Beam) independent front suspension.[18] As with the 1978–1979 Bronco, the rear axle was first a leaf-sprung Ford 9-inch axle in early models, however Ford transitioned all half ton trucks to their 8.8 rear axle by the end of 1986.[18]
For the first time since 1977, the Bronco came with an inline-six engine as standard; the 4.9L 300 I6 was available solely with a manual transmission. The 400 V8 was discontinued, with the 351M taking its place and the 302 V8 making its return as the base-equipment V8.[18] The 351 Windsor made its debut in the Bronco as it replaced the 351M in 1982; gaining a 210 hp "high-output" version in 1984.[18][27] In 1985, the 5.0L V8 (302) saw its carburetor replaced by a multiport electronic fuel-injection system, rising to 190 hp (the standard 156 hp 5.8L V8 was discontinued for 1986).[18]
Body
As with its 1978–1979 predecessor, the 1980–1986 Bronco shares much of its external sheetmetal with the F-Series pickup line, with the same parts from the doors forward. Based on a design proposal originally used in the development of the previous-generation Bronco, the B-pillar of the roofline was modified slightly to produce an improved seal for the hardtop.[16] Prior to 1984, the hardtop included sliding window glass as an option.
For 1982, the Bronco saw a slight facelift as it adopted Ford's blue oval emblem, taking the place of "F-O-R-D" lettering on the hood,[28] and the bronco horse was removed from the fender emblems.
Trim
The 1980–1986 Bronco adopted the same trim levels as the Ford F-Series pickups. Following the introduction of the Ford Ranger compact pickup, the Bronco adopted Bronco (base, replacing Custom), Bronco XL, and Bronco XLT.
In 1985, Ford added an Eddie Bauer trim package for the Bronco.[28] Featuring a color-keyed two-tone exterior, the trim package featured an outdoors-themed interior.
Sales
| 1980–1986 Ford Bronco production | |
|---|---|
| Year | Units |
| 1980 | 44,353 |
| 1981 | 39,853 |
| 1982 | 40,782 |
| 1983 | 40,376 |
| 1984 | 40,376 |
| 1985 | 54,562 |
| 1986 | 62,127 |
Australian assembly
Outside of the US, the third generation Bronco was also assembled in Australia by Ford Australia, utilizing locally produced 4.1-litre six-cylinder and 5.8-litre V8 engines.[23] It was marketed in Australia from March 1981 through to 1987.[29]
Fourth generation (1987)
| Fourth generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1986[30]–1991 |
| Model years | 1987-1991 |
| Assembly | United States: Wayne, Michigan (Michigan Assembly Plant) Venezuela: Valencia, Carabobo (Valencia Assembly) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size SUV |
| Body style | 3-door SUV |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 300 cu in (4.9 L) Straight-6 302 cu in (4.9 L) 302 V8 351 cu in (5.8 L) Windsor V8 |
| Transmission | 4-speed Borg-Warner T-18 manual 5-speed M5OD-R2 manual 3-speed C6 automatic 4-speed AOD automatic 4-speed E4OD automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 104.7 in (2,660 mm) |
| Length | 180.5 in (4,580 mm) |
| Width | 79.1 in (2,010 mm) |
| Height | 1987–1989: 74.0 in (1,880 mm). 1990–1991: 74.5 in (1,890 mm) |
For the 1987 model year, the fourth-generation Bronco was designed as a short-wheelbase version of the eighth-generation Ford F-150. Sharing its chassis with the previous generation, the 1987 Bronco was given a number of updates to both the exterior and interior. Sharing a common front fascia with the F-Series, the Bronco received a reshaped front bumper, flatter front grille, and reshaped hood; composite headlamps replaced the previous sealed-beam units. In another body revision, the wheel openings were reshaped. The interior was given redesigned front seats, door panels, dashboard and controls (including a new steering wheel), and instrument panels.
The Bronco returned its 4.9L inline-6, 5.0L V8, and the 5.8L H.O. V8 engines from the previous generations; first introduced on the 5.0L V8 in 1985, fuel injection was added to the inline-6 for 1987 and to the 5.8L V8 for 1988.[28] For the 1988 model year, a Mazda-sourced 5-speed manual was introduced.[28] The 3-speed C6 automatic was offered from 1987 to 1990, phased out in favor of the overdrive-equipped 4-speed AOD (1990 only) and heavier-duty E4OD (1990-1991).[28]
In the interest of safety, rear-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) became standard for the 1987 model.[31][28] As an option, push-button control was introduced for the four-wheel drive system for 1987.[28][32] For 1988, skid plates for the transfer case became standard equipment.[28]
Special editions
To commemorate 25 years of production, Ford offered a Silver Anniversary Edition Bronco for the 1991 model year. A cosmetic option package, the Silver Anniversary Edition featured Currant Red exterior paint (package exclusive) and a gray leather interior (the first time leather seating was available for a Bronco).[28]
For 1991 through 1992, the Nite option package featured a completely blacked-out exterior with contrasting graphics. Alongside the top-line Eddie Bauer trim, both special editions were available only with a V8 engine and automatic transmission.