09.24.2020

Evolution of the Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco originated in the 1960s and began as a rugged, simple vehicle. It has quickly evolved into an outdoors, off-roading icon. And in honor of the sixth generation arriving next year, let’s take a look into the evolution of the Ford Bronco. 

First Generation (1966-1977) 

(*image source Car and Driver

The vehicle was launched in 1966 and was designed to compete with the Jeep CJ and the International Harvester Scout. The four-wheel-drive ‘66 Bronco was designed with flat windows, boxy sheet metal, and it came in three different body styles – station wagon, half-cab pickup, and roadster (pictured above). 

Second Generation (1978-1979)

(*image source Car and Driver

The first generation was much smaller than the second generation. When the new Bronco was released in 1978, it grew 5 inches taller, two feet longer, and about ten inches wider. The classic rear window that lowered into the door was added on and so was a removable hardtop. 

With all of the new changes the second rendition of the Bronco hardly resembled the first leading to a skyrocketing popularity amongst consumers. In fact, some customers had to wait up to six months before they could get their hands on them from local dealers. 

Third Generation (1980-1986) 

(*image source Car and Driver

The third generation made the Bronco more compatible with on-road driving and a lighter ride with better fuel efficiency. They also replaced the spelled out FORD with their blue oval logo. 

Fourth Generation (1987-1991) 

(*image source Car and Driver

In 1987, Ford always released a new F-150 model, therefore, the new Bronco adopted some of these features such as a rounder body and wraparound headlines and bumpers. 

Fifth Generation (1992-1996) 

(*image source Car and Driver

The fifth generation made safety updates such as, a driver’s side airbag, seatbelts for the rear seats, and a center rear brake light. In mid 1996, Ford decided to discontinue the Bronco to make way for the four-door Ford Expedition to enter the market. The last Bronco was made at Michigan’s Ford Truck Plant on June 12, 1996 to the dismay of many Bronco fans.

The Awaited Sixth Generation (2021) 

(*image source Car and Driver

The rumors are true. After a long awaited 30 years, the Ford Bronco is back and the 2021 rendition will be built at the same plant where it was discontinued, Michigan’s Ford Truck Plant. 

Here are a few of the 2021 Ford Bronco features to get excited for: 

• New, fresh design that still allows it to be instantly recognizable as the retro Bronco icon

• Two engine options – turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four that makes 270 horsepower and 310     lb-ft of torque and a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 (Car and Driver

• Fully remove doors

• Updated off-roading hardware 

• Lots of available accessories 

Our team is so excited to see this new generation of the Ford Bronco come back to life! We believe that this outdoor icon is sure to bring value to dealers around the country. Are you excited for the Bronco to make a comeback? Let us know your thoughts on LinkedIn.


Posted in: Dealers