History of the Ford Bronco | Hamden, CT
The iconic Ford Bronco SUV had a memorable history that spanned three decades. In anticipation of the new, upcoming 2021 Ford Bronco, we take a look back at this iconic car’s previous generations.
First Generation, 1966-1977
The Ford Bronco was designed by the same people who designed the iconic Ford Mustang, only instead of speed, this vehicle was all about off-road capability. First-generation Broncos came in three body styles — half-cab, roadster, or station wagon. Though charming in appearance, the roadster and half-cab were less popular than the station wagon. By 1973, the three-door station wagon was the only model.
With four-wheel drive and available accessories like a snowplow and a winch, the Bronco became a popular pick and a direct competitor with Jeep. The Bronco’s popularity continued to surge — in 1974, Ford sold almost 26 thousand vehicles.
Second Generation, 1978-1979
The short-lived second-generation Bronco was larger than the last. It took its styling from the Ford F-100, but was shorter than the full-size pickup, and had a removable hardtop giving it an SUV shape. A V8 engine gave it a powerful performance. This generation was the first to feature the rear window that could lower into the door, allowing drivers to lower the tailgate as though it were a pickup.
Third Generation, 1980 -1986
Though there were some iconic and positive elements introduced in the second generation, drivers seemed to dislike the model’s larger size — so when Ford released the third generation, the Bronco was made smaller and lighter. Ford also added an efficient six-cylinder engine option and an independent front suspension that gave it a smoother performance on the pavement.
Fourth Generation, 1987-1991
By now, the Ford Bronco was a popular SUV, and the addition of safety features like rear anti-lock brakes made it even more appealing. Because of its popularity, the fourth generation featured lots of special editions for drivers to choose from, including a luxurious 1991 Silver Anniversary Ford Bronco with a cassette player and a towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds.
Fifth Generation, 1992-1996
The final generation of the Ford Bronco brought on even more safety tools, including a driver-side airbag and three-point seatbelts. Ford states that it left the Bronco behind to put its focus on developing the up and coming four-door SUV segment.
Want to be there when the Bronco makes it triumphant return? When the Bronco arrives, you’ll be able to find it at Bob Thomas Ford.