Timeline of the Classic Ford Bronco to Today

2022 Ford Bronco Sport parked near some rocks
 

The Ford Bronco is a fan favorite in Stephenville and beyond for its rugged off-road performance and legendary design, but have you ever wondered about the history of the early Ford Bronco? Explore the origins of the classic Ford Bronco and how it came to be the new Ford Bronco that we know and love today! 

 

 

The Classic Ford Bronco: First Generation (1965–1977)

As a response to the increasing demand for a utilitarian vehicle that was well-equipped for the great outdoors, the Ford Bronco was born in 1965. The first generation of the Ford Bronco featured a distinctive chassis, a 105-hp inline-6 engine, four-wheel drive, and a practical design that instantly made it a fan-favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. It was also available in multiple body configurations: Sports Utility (with pickup bed,) Roadster (open air model,) and Wagon (two doors, tailgate, full top).

Early Ford Bronco: Second Generation (1978-1980)

The second generation of the Ford Bronco arrived as a full-size SUV in 1978. This version included many of the same design elements as the classic Ford Bronco, along with some new additions:

  • The original Ford Bronco chassis was replaced with a chassis that was directly converted from the Ford F-Series.
  • While there was a trend for downsizing occurring in the automotive industry at the time, the Ford Bronco went off the beaten path with a 12-inch wheelbase extension.
  • Instead of offering multiple body styles, the second generation Ford Bronco was only offered as a three-door wagon.

Early Ford Bronco: Third Generation (1980-1986)

The third generation Ford Bronco offered similar features to the second generation but boasted a smaller and lighter design. However, it maintained its F-Series chassis and would still be considered a full-size SUV. 

Ford Bronco II (1983-1990)

The Ford Bronco II was released three years after the introduction of the third-generation Ford Bronco. Classified as a compact SUV, it most closely resembled the first generation Ford Bronco and was developed alongside the Ford Ranger compact pickup truck. Eventually, the Ford Bronco II would be replaced by the mid-size Ford Explorer. 

Early Ford Bronco: Fourth Generation (1987-1991)

While the fourth generation Ford Bronco was built on the same chassis as the prior generation, it also featured a variety of interior and exterior enhancements. It was also the first Ford Bronco to offer leather seating with the Silver Anniversary Edition. 

Early Ford Bronco: Fifth Generation (1992-1996)

The fifth generation of the Ford Bronco featured some interior updates and new safety features. While there weren’t a whole lot of changes to its design otherwise, the classic removable hard-top was discontinued.

Sixth Generation (2021 – )

The new Ford Bronco is in its sixth generation and is classified as a mid-size SUV. Key features include:

  • 2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost® inline-four engine
  • Body-on-frame construction
  • Independent suspension
  • Detachable roof
  • Removable side doors 
  • And much more!

Learn More About the Ford Bronco with Bayer Ford!

Whether you want to learn more about the classic Ford Bronco or are interested in setting up a test drive of the new Ford Bronco, all you need to do is let us know! Contact us today to get started or check out our research hub for more information.

 

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