The Ford Bronco is a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) model line that has been manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company. It was the first SUV developed by Ford. Five generations were sold from 1966 until being discontinued in 1996. It was revived for the 2021 model year as a sixth generation model. Other Ford SUVs have used the Bronco name, notably the Bronco II from the 1980s and 1990s and the compact crossover, Bronco Sport, introduced alongside the sixth generation Bronco.
1965: Bronco Roadster at Detroit Auto Show
Ford constructed a special Bronco roadster for the 1965 Detroit Auto Show.
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1966: Dune Duster Displayed
A customized 1966 Bronco, called the Dune Duster, was displayed at the Detroit Auto Show in 1966, showcasing various modifications and custom features.
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1966: First-Generation Bronco Size Comparison
The Bronco II was similar in size to the first-generation Bronco (1966-1977).
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1970: Wildflower Debut
In 1970, Ford reintroduced the Dune Duster as the "Wildflower".
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1973: Project Shorthorn Begins
In 1973, Ford's Advanced Light Truck Engineering team developed four prototypes for a future Bronco, known as "Project Shorthorn," based on a shortened F-100 chassis.
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1973: Fuel Crisis Impact
The 1973 fuel crisis led to a delay in the second-generation Bronco's launch, initially planned for 1974.
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1973: Ford F-100 Chassis Basis
The second-generation Bronco, introduced in 1978, was based on the sixth-generation (1973-1979) Ford F-100 pickup truck chassis.
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1974: Initial Launch Plan
The second-generation Bronco, initially planned for a 1974 launch, was delayed until 1978 due to the 1973 fuel crisis.
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1977: End of First-Generation Bronco
1977 marked the end of the first-generation Bronco's production run.
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1977: Montana Lobo Creation
Built on a 1977 Bronco chassis, the Montana Lobo concept car was created, featuring removable Plexiglas bubble doors, a roll bar, side pipes, fold-up bench seats, foam bumpers, a winch, and other custom features.
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1977: Third-Generation Bronco Development Begins
Development of the third-generation Bronco (1980-1986) began in 1977.
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1977: Last Inline-Six Bronco
The last time the Bronco had an inline-six engine was in 1977, until its return in 1980.
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1978: Bronco Trim Levels
In 1978, the Bronco had Custom and Ranger XLT trim levels, with different headlamp styles.
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1978: Ranger Trim Headlamps
In 1978, the Ranger trim of the Bronco introduced rectangular headlamps, which became standard for all Broncos in 1979.
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1978: Second-Generation Bronco Release
In 1978, the second-generation Bronco was introduced as a full-size SUV, based on the Ford F-100, to compete with the Chevrolet K5 Blazer, Dodge Ramcharger, and Jeep Cherokee.
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1978: Project Shorthorn Introduction
Project Shorthorn was introduced in 1978 for a two-year production run.
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1978: Concerns with Second-Generation Bronco
Several concerns with the 1978-1979 Bronco prompted the development of the third generation.
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1978: "Free-Wheelin'" Package Introduction
The "Free-Wheelin'" cosmetic package was introduced for the Bronco in 1978.
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1978: Shared Rear Axle
The 1978-1979 Broncos had the same rear axle type as the early models of the third-generation Bronco.
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1978: Shared Sheetmetal with F-Series
The 1978-1979 and 1980-1986 Broncos shared external sheetmetal with the Ford F-Series.
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1979: End of Sixth-Generation F-100
1979 marked the end of the sixth generation of the Ford F-100, upon which the second-generation Bronco was based.
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1979: Engine Horsepower
In 1979, another engine option for the Bronco had an output of 156 hp.
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1979: Emission Controls Added
In 1979, emission controls, including a catalytic converter, were added to the Bronco's engines.
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1979: Engine Horsepower
In 1979, one of the Bronco's engine options produced 158 hp.
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1979: Bronco Updates
In 1979, the Bronco received rectangular headlamps as standard and optional captain's chair front seats.
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1979: Standardized Headlamps
Rectangular headlamps became standard on all Bronco trims in 1979.
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1979: "Free-Wheelin'" Package Update
The "Free-Wheelin'" package for the Bronco received revised exterior striping in 1979.
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1979: Concerns with Second-Generation Bronco
The 1978-1979 Bronco faced issues that led to the development of the third generation.
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1979: Shared Sheetmetal with F-Series
The 1979 Bronco shared sheetmetal with the Ford F-Series, a design element that continued into the third generation.
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1979: Shared Rear Axle
The 1979 Bronco shared the same initial rear axle as the early third-generation models.
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1980: Successor Development
By 1980, development of the second-generation Bronco's successor was almost complete.
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1980: Shared Sheetmetal with F-Series
The 1980-1986 Bronco continued sharing sheetmetal with the Ford F-Series.
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1980: Third-Generation Bronco Suspension
The 1980-1986 Bronco featured Dana 44 front axle with TTB independent front suspension and a leaf-sprung Ford 9-inch rear axle in early models (later transitioned to the Ford 8.8 rear axle by the end of 1986).
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1980: Third-Generation Bronco Trim Levels
The 1980-1986 Bronco had base, XL, and XLT trim levels, aligning with the Ford F-Series.
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1980: Third-Generation Bronco Basis
The 1980-1986 Bronco was based on the seventh-generation Ford F-150.
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1980: Third-Generation Bronco Release
The third-generation Bronco was released for the 1980-1986 model years.
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March 1981: Australian Bronco Assembly Begins
Ford Australia began assembling the third-generation Bronco in March 1981.
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1982: 351 Windsor Engine Introduction
In 1982, the 351 Windsor engine replaced the 351M in the Bronco.
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1982: Bronco Facelift
The Bronco received a minor facelift in 1982, including the Ford blue oval emblem replacing "F-O-R-D" lettering.
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1982: Bronco Frame Change
The Bronco's frame was strengthened in 1982 after the initial 1980-81 versions were found to be too weak.
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1982: Bronco II Debut
The Ford Bronco II, a compact SUV based on the Ranger pickup, debuted in 1982.
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1984: High-Output 351 Windsor
A 210 hp "high-output" version of the 351 Windsor engine became available in the Bronco in 1984.
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1984: Hardtop Sliding Window Discontinuation
The optional sliding window glass for the Bronco hardtop was discontinued after 1984.
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1985: Fuel Injection Introduced
In 1985, fuel injection was introduced on the 5.0L V8 engine in the Ford Bronco.
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1985: 5.0L V8 Fuel Injection
In 1985, the Bronco's 5.0L V8 (302) received electronic fuel injection.
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1985: Eddie Bauer Trim Introduction
In 1985, the Eddie Bauer trim package was introduced for the Bronco.
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1986: End of Third-Generation Bronco and Seventh-Generation F-150
1986 was the last year for both the third-generation Bronco and the seventh-generation Ford F-150 it was based on.
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1986: Rear Axle Transition
By the end of 1986, Ford transitioned the rear axle of the Bronco to the 8.8 model.
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1986: End of Third-Generation Bronco
Production of the third-generation Bronco ended in 1986.
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1986: Shared Sheetmetal with F-Series
The 1986 Bronco continued using shared sheetmetal from the Ford F-Series.
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1986: Third-Generation Bronco Trim Levels
The 1986 Bronco offered base, XL, and XLT trim levels.
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1986: 5.8L V8 Discontinuation
The standard 156 hp 5.8L V8 engine was discontinued in the Bronco for the 1986 model year.
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1987: Fuel Injection and Transmission Updates
In 1987, fuel injection was added to the inline-6 engine. The 3-speed C6 automatic transmission was also introduced.
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1987: End of Australian Bronco Production
Production of the Bronco in Australia ended in 1987.
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1987: Safety Features Added
Rear-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) became standard, and push-button four-wheel drive became optional in 1987.
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1987: Fourth-Generation Bronco Release
The fourth-generation Bronco, based on the eighth-generation Ford F-150, was released in 1987 with exterior and interior updates.
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1988: Fuel Injection, Manual Transmission, and Skid Plates
In 1988, fuel injection was added to the 5.8L V8 engine. A Mazda-sourced 5-speed manual transmission was introduced. Skid plates for the transfer case became standard equipment.
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1988: Standard Skid Plates
In 1988, skid plates for the transfer case were made standard equipment.
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1990: Automatic Transmission Updates
The 3-speed C6 automatic was phased out in 1990, replaced by the 4-speed AOD and E4OD transmissions.
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1991: Silver Anniversary Edition
Ford released a Silver Anniversary Edition Bronco in 1991 to commemorate 25 years of production, featuring Currant Red paint and a gray leather interior.
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1991: Ford Explorer Released
Ford released the Explorer, its first four-door SUV, in 1991.
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1991: E4OD Transmission Continues
In 1991, the heavier-duty E4OD automatic transmission continued to be offered.
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1991: Nite Option Package
The Nite option package, featuring a blacked-out exterior, was available in 1991.
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1992: Interior Updates and Power Mirrors
The 1992 Bronco featured updates to the dashboard, optional leather seats, remote keyless entry, and power mirrors for the first time.
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1992: Boss Bronco Concept
The Boss Bronco concept, a restyled Bronco with a modern design and car-like features, was displayed at auto shows in 1992.
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1992: Eddie Bauer Edition Returns
The Eddie Bauer edition returned in 1992.
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1992: Nite Edition Discontinued
The Nite edition was discontinued after the 1992 model year.
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1992: Nite Option Package Continues
The Nite option package was also available in 1992.
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1992: Fifth-Generation Bronco Redesign
The fifth-generation Bronco was redesigned in 1992, adopting a more aerodynamic front fascia with a larger grille and updated headlights.
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1993: 4-Wheel ABS Introduced
4-wheel ABS replaced rear-wheel ABS in 1993.
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1993: XLT Sport Introduced
The XLT Sport variant was introduced in 1993 for the 1994 model year, offering monochrome paint in black, red, or white.
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June 17, 1994: O.J. Simpson Police Chase
On June 17, 1994, a white 1993 Bronco XLT was involved in a low-speed police chase with O.J. Simpson, which was televised worldwide.
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1994: Driver-Side Airbag Added
A driver-side airbag was introduced in 1994.
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1994: Inline-6 Discontinued
The 4.9L inline-6 engine was discontinued in 1994, leaving only V8 engines.
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1994: Eddie Bauer Edition Updates
The Eddie Bauer edition added an overhead console, lighted sun visors, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror in 1994.
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1995: Eddie Bauer Edition - Bumper Vents
Front bumper vents were added to the Eddie Bauer edition in 1995.
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June 12, 1996: Bronco Production Ends
The last fifth-generation Bronco was produced on June 12, 1996.
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1996: Turn Signals in Side Mirrors
In 1996, the Bronco became the first Ford vehicle to incorporate turn signal lights into its side mirrors.
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1996: End of Second-Generation Production
In 1996, the second-generation Bronco was discontinued.
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1996: OBD-II Compliance
The Bronco's V8 engines became OBD-II compliant in 1996.
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1996: Eddie Bauer and XLT Updates
The Eddie Bauer edition continued to be offered through 1996. Front bumper vents were added to the XLT model in 1996.
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1996: XLT Sport and Two-Tone Option
The XLT Sport and a two-tone light teal green and white option were available in 1996.
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1997: Ford Expedition Introduced
The Ford Expedition was introduced in 1997 to replace the Bronco.
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1997: Ford Expedition Released
The Ford Expedition, a larger four-door SUV, was released in 1997.
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1999: Secret Bronco Development Begins
In 1999, a new Bronco project (U260) was secretly started under Moray Callum, envisioning a simple, inexpensive off-roader.
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2001: Project U260 Cancelled
The U260 Bronco project was canceled in 2001 due to company cutbacks following the Firestone tire incident.
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2004: Bronco Concept Unveiled
A Ford Bronco concept vehicle, inspired by the first-generation Bronco, was unveiled at the 2004 North American International Auto Show.
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2006: Cancelled Bronco Revival Attempt
In 2006, Ford attempted to revive the Bronco using the International Ford Ranger's chassis and the design of the 2004 Bronco concept. It was planned to be built in South Africa and exported to the US. However, the project was cancelled due to the increasing gas prices, declining SUV sales, and the weakening economy before the Great Recession.
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2016: Bronco Revival Discussed
The potential revival of the Bronco was discussed in 2016 during negotiations between Ford and the UAW.
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2017: Ford Bronco Return Announced
In 2017, at the North American International Auto Show, Ford confirmed the return of the Bronco. It was presented as a direct competitor to the Jeep Wrangler, with both two and four-door variants planned.
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2018: Bronco Concept in "Rampage"
The 2004 Ford Bronco concept appeared in the 2018 movie "Rampage," driven by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's character.
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March 2019: Pre-production Prototype Shown to Dealers
In March 2019, Ford showed a pre-production Bronco prototype to a select group of dealers.
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November 1, 2019: Bronco Reveal Announcement
On November 1, 2019, Ford announced that the Bronco would be revealed in Spring 2020, for the 2021 model year.
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2019: Bronco R Prototype at Baja 1000
Ford introduced the Bronco R prototype at the 2019 Baja 1000. This served as a test for the drivetrain of the upcoming 2021 Bronco, including the engine, transmission, and four-wheel-drive system.
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March 2020: Planned Unveiling Month
The Bronco's unveiling was originally planned for March 2020.
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July 13, 2020: Bronco Unveiling
After delays related to the COVID-19 pandemic and an unintentional scheduling conflict with O.J. Simpson's birthday, the Bronco was officially unveiled on July 13, 2020.
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2020: Bronco R at "Mud Bog 1000"
The 2020 Baja 1000, in which the Bronco R prototype participated, was particularly challenging due to heavy rainfall delaying the event and creating extremely muddy conditions. One co-driver nicknamed it the "Mud Bog 1000."
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March 27, 2021: First Production Bronco Auctioned
On March 27, 2021, the first production Bronco, a First Edition, was auctioned at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, raising $1,075,000 for charity.
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June 14, 2021: Production Commences
On June 14, 2021, the first production units of the sixth-generation Bronco rolled off the assembly line at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne.
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2021: U260 Model Displayed
A full-size research model of the U260 Bronco was displayed at the 2021 Concours d’Elegance Of America.
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2021: Production and Reservations Begin
During the reveal, Ford began accepting $100 reservations for the Bronco, with production slated for 2021.
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2021: Planned Release Year
The sixth-generation Bronco was initially intended for a 2021 model year release, based on the Ford Ranger platform with body-on-frame construction.
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2021: Sixth-Generation Bronco Released
The sixth-generation Bronco was released in 2021, after a 25-year hiatus, featuring styling inspired by the first-generation Bronco.
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2021: Release of the Sixth-Generation Bronco
The sixth-generation Ford Bronco, whose drivetrain was tested in the Bronco R prototype, was released in 2021.
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2022: Bronco Raptor Announced
In 2022, Ford announced the Raptor trim level for the Bronco, available only in a 4-door version, featuring a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine and upgraded features developed by Ford Performance.
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January 2024: Bronco Launches in China
The Ford Bronco went on sale in the Chinese market in January 2024, featuring upgraded interiors, a 2.3L EcoBoost engine, and a China-specific infotainment system.
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