From the Classic Ford Bronco to Today

The all-new sixth-generation Ford Bronco is grabbing lots of attention on -area streets and for good reason. Fans of the classic Ford Bronco have been waiting for its return for more than two decades. The early Ford Bronco immediately brings to mind images of the rugged outdoors and its go-anywhere spirit.

With its no-nonsense styling and durable powertrains, the early Ford Bronco earned a reputation as a fun-to-drive off-roader. Learn more about the history of the classic Ford Broncon and its subsequent generations, and find out how it set the stage for the sixth-generation Ford Bronco with the team at Byers Auto Group.

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

The classic Ford Bronco is one of the most iconic off-road vehicles of the last century. This humble off-roader set the stage for the rest of the early Ford Bronco models up to the current new six-generation model arriving on the roads around . Check out some more about the early Ford Bronco history below:

• The original classic Ford Bronco featured an exclusive chassis to ensure it could off-road with the best of them.
• With a 92-inch wheelbase, the early Ford Bronco would be classified as a compact SUV. All models sold with four-wheel drive as standard.
• The early Ford Bronco was powered by a 105-hp inline-6 engine, adapted from the engine in the Ford Falcon.
• The classic Ford Bronco was a no-nonsense vehicle that could stand up to the test of the great outdoors with its genuine utilitarian appeal.

Wasn’t There Another Old Ford Bronco?

There were several other iterations of the classic Ford Bronco. Learn more about the second through sixth generations of the Ford Bronco below!

Second Generation (1978-1980)

In 1978, the classic Ford Bronco was replaced by a larger second-generation full-size Ford Bronco. This early Ford Bronco had more than a few notable changes, including:

• The new Ford Bronco rode on a new Chassis adapted from the Ford F-Series pickup.
• The new Ford Bronco’s wheelbase grew 12 inches, bucking the trend toward downsizing which dominated the American automotive industry at the time.
• The second-generation Ford Bronco was offered only as a three-door wagon.

Third Generation (1980-1986)

The third-generation Ford Bronco–smaller and lighter than the second-generation–was already in development before the second-generation model was released. The Ford F-Series continued to provide the basis for the Ford Bronco.

Ford Bronco II (1983-1990)

Just three years after the release of the third-generation Ford Bronco, the automaker unveiled the compact Ford Bronco II. The development of the Ford Bronco II took place alongside the then-new 1983 Ford Ranger. The Ford Explorer would eventually replace the Ford Bronco II.

Fourth Generation (1987-1991)

Built on the same chassis as the third-generation model, the fourth-generation Ford Bronco 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)

Although the updates were few and far between, the fifth generation just might be the most recognizable of all the classic Ford Bronco models. Revisions included exterior and interior styling updates, as well as improved safety features. This generation also lost the iconic removable hard-top.

Sixth Generation (2021 – )

The sixth-generation Ford Bronco returns as a mid-size SUV with classic body-on-frame construction, independent front suspension, and a choice of a 2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost® inline-four engine or a 2.7L twin-turbo EcoBoost® V6 engine in most trim levels. The hardcore Ford Bronco Raptor is powered by a powerful 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost® V6 engine. Like the classic Ford Bronco, it features a removable roof along with removable side doors for a classic open-air touring or trail-riding experience.

Experience the Ford Bronco at Byers Auto Group

If you love the classic Ford Bronco, we know you’ll feel the same way about the newest version. Check out our new Ford inventory and then contact us to test drive this model near . Be sure to research more about the various Ford models before your visit.