Ford Bronco History

The Ford Bronco is a favorite vehicle among Rogers drivers thanks to its off-road capabilities and related tech features, on-road comfort, and customization options. If you’re interested in this Ford vehicle, take a moment to learn about the early Ford Bronco! This model has been in production since the mid-1960s and has only gotten better. If you have any questions about classic Ford Bronco models or want to take a current Ford Bronco for a test drive in Elk River, contact our dealership and we’ll set you up. 

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

The classic Ford Bronco is one of the most iconic vehicles of the last century, and we couldn’t be more excited to share a little early Ford Bronco history with our neighbors near Coon Rapids:

• The original classic Ford Bronco was developed as a passenger-friendly off-road vehicle with a unique chassis.
• Today, with its 92-inch wheelbase, it would fall into the compact SUV class. All models were initially sold with four-wheel drive as standard.
• The original Ford Bronco engine was a 105-hp inline-6, derived from the engine in the Ford Falcon.
• The classic Ford Bronco wasn’t flashy or dressed up, but it stood out precisely for that reason! Customers were eager for a no-nonsense vehicle that could really stand up to the test of the great outdoors, and this model had genuine utilitarian appeal.

Wasn’t There Another Old Ford Bronco?

There were several other iterations of the classic Ford Bronco archetype. We’ve covered them all in turn!

Second Generation (1978-1980)

In 1978, the old Ford Bronco entered its second generation as a full-size SUV. Although this model retained many styling notes from the first generation, there were more than a few notable changes, including:

• Retiring of the original Bronco chassis, and its replacement with a chassis adapted directly from the Ford F-Series.
• A wheelbase extension of 12 inches, bucking the trend toward downsizing which dominated the American automotive industry at the time.
• Eschewing the multiple body configurations offered on the first generation, the second-generation Bronco was offered only as a three-door wagon.

Third Generation (1980-1986)

Even at the time of the second-generation Bronco SUV’s release, Ford was looking toward the future. A third-generation Bronco–smaller and lighter than the second-generation, but otherwise similar–was already in development. It would retain its full-size classification, and it continued to be based on a chassis adapted from the F-Series.

Ford Bronco II (1983-1990)

Just three years after the release of the third-generation Ford Bronco, Ford unveiled the Bronco II. Make no mistake: this model was the start of a new and unique line, but as a compact SUV, it was more similar to the original Ford Bronco than even the third-generation model described above. It was developed in concert with the 1983 Ford Ranger and shared one of the latter’s engines. The Bronco II would eventually be replaced by the Ford Explorer.

Fourth Generation (1987-1991)

The fourth-generation Ford Bronco was built on the same chassis as the third generation, but it received a wide range of interior and exterior updates. Fans of the classic Ford Bronco find this generation notable because it included the Silver Anniversary Edition–the very first early Ford Bronco offered with leather seating.

Fifth Generation (1992-1996)

The fifth generation just might be the most recognizable of all the classic Ford Bronco builds, but the changes built into this generation were relatively few and far between. There were some interior updates, as well as changes to safety features, and this generation also saw the effective discontinuation of the classic removable hard-top. 

Sixth Generation (2021 – )

The sixth-generation Ford Bronco was revived as a mid-size SUV with classic body-on-frame construction, independent suspension, and a base 2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost® inline-four engine. Like the classic Ford Bronco, it features a detachable roof. You can even remove the side doors for a classic open-air touring or trailing experience. 

Experience the Ford Bronco at Cornerstone Ford

If you are an early Ford Bronco fan, you’ll love driving the latest version around Anoka. Call 763-441-2300 or send us a note online today to arrange a test drive. We are here to answer all of your Ford Bronco questions and help you customize this popular off-road vehicle. Continue your research with our Ford Bronco vs. Ford Bronco Sport comparison and learn what’s included in the Ford warranty!