The Ford Bronco is a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV, predating the term SUV) manufactured and marketed by Ford from 1966 to 1996, over five generations of vehicles. Ford has described plans to reintroduce the Bronco in 2020.
The Bronco was introduced in 1966 as a competitor to the small four-wheel-drive compact SUVs that included the Jeep CJ-5 and International Harvester Scout; it was built on its own platform. A major redesign in 1978 enlarged the Bronco, using a shortened Ford F-Series truck chassis to compete with the similarly adapted Chevy K5 Blazer and the Dodge Ramcharger. Most Broncos are equipped with a swing-away spare tire carrier on the outside of the rear door.
The model is most famous for its appearance in the widely broadcast car chase of O.J. Simpson. Al Cawlings drove the vehicle as the former runningback sat in the backseat, threatening to kill himself.
From 1966 to 1996, Broncos were produced at Ford's Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, Michigan. After years of rumors, Ford announced that the Bronco would return for the 2020 model year, made in its former assembly plant.
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1966-1977
The original Bronco was an off-road vehicle (ORV) intended to compete primarily with Jeep CJ models and the International Harvester Scout. The Bronco's small size, riding on a 92-inch (2,337 mm) wheelbase, made it maneuverable for some uses, but impractical as a tow vehicle. The 1966 Bronco was not only Ford's first compact SUV -- its marketing also shows a very early example of promoting a civilian off-roader as a "Sports Utility" (the two-door pickup version).
The idea behind the Bronco began with Ford product manager Donald N. Frey, who also conceived the Ford Mustang; Lee Iacocca pushed the idea through to production. In many ways, the Bronco was a more original concept than the Mustang; whereas the Mustang was based upon the Ford Falcon, the Bronco had a frame, suspension, and body that were not shared with any other vehicle.
The Bronco was designed under engineer Paul G. Axelrad. The axles and brakes from the Ford F-100 four wheel drive pickup truck were used, but the front axle was located by radius arms (from the frame near the rear of the transmission forward to the axle). A lateral track bar allowed the use of coil springs that gave the Bronco a 34-foot (10.4 m) turning circle, long wheel travel, and an anti-dive geometry, which was useful for snowplowing. The rear suspension was more conventional, with leaf springs in a typical Hotchkiss design. A shift-on the-fly Dana transfer case and locking hubs were standard, and heavy-duty suspension was an option.
The initial engine was the Ford 170 cu in (2.8 L) straight-6, modified with solid valve lifters, a 6-US-quart (6 l) oil pan, heavy-duty fuel pump, oil-bath air cleaner, and a carburetor with a float bowl compensated against tilting.
Styling was subordinated to simplicity and economy, so all glass was flat, bumpers were straight C-sections, the frame was a simple box-section ladder, and the basic left and right door skins were identical except for mounting holes.
The early Broncos were offered in wagon, pickup, and a less popular roadster configuration. The roadster version was dropped, and the sport package, which later became a model line, was added.
The base price was US$2,194, with a long option list that included front bucket seats, a rear bench seat, a tachometer, and a CB radio, as well as functional items such as a tow bar, an auxiliary gas tank, a power take-off, a snowplow, a winch, and a posthole digger. Aftermarket accessories included campers, overdrive units, and the usual array of wheels, tires, chassis, and engine parts for increased performance.
The Bronco sold well in its first year (23,776 units produced) and remained in second place after the CJ-5 until the advent of the full-sized Chevrolet Blazer in 1969. Lacking a dedicated small SUV platform, the Blazer was based on Chevrolet's existing full-size pickup, which was a larger and more powerful vehicle, offering greater luxury, comfort, and space. The Blazer's longer option list included an automatic transmission and power steering, and thus had broader appeal. Ford countered by enlarging the optional V8 engine from 289 cu in (4.7 L) and 200 hp (150 kW) to 302 cu in (4.9 L) and 205 hp (153 kW), but this still could not match the Blazer's optional 350 cu in (5.7 L) and 255 hp (190 kW) (horsepower numbers are from before horsepower ratings changed in the early to mid-1970s.)
In 1973, the 170 was replaced by a 200 cu in (3.3 L) straight six, power steering and an automatic transmission were made optional, and sales increased to 26,300. By then, however, Blazer sales were double those of the Bronco, and International Harvester had come out with the Scout II, a vehicle closer to the Blazer in its specifications. By 1974, larger and more comfortable vehicles such as the Jeep Cherokee (SJ) made more sense for the average driver than the more rustically oriented Bronco. The low sales of the Bronco (230,800 over twelve years) did not allow a large budget for upgrades, and it remained basically unchanged until the advent of the larger, more Blazer-like second-generation Bronco in 1978. Production of the original model fell to 14,546 units in its last year, 1977.
Racing
In 1965, race car builder Bill Stroppe assembled a team of Broncos for long-distance off-road competition. Partnering with Holman-Moody, the Stroppe/Holman/Moody (SHM) Broncos competed in the Mint 400, Baja 500, and Mexican 1000 (later named the Baja 1000). In 1969, SHM again entered a team of six Broncos in the Baja 1000. In 1971, a "Baja Bronco" package was marketed through Ford dealers, featuring quick-ratio power steering, automatic transmission, fender flares covering Gates Commando tires, a roll bar, reinforced bumpers, a padded steering wheel, and distinctive red, white, blue, and black paint. Priced at US$5,566, versus the standard V8 Bronco price of $3,665, only 650 were sold over the next four years.
In 1966, a Bronco "funny car" built by Doug Nash for the quarter-mile dragstrip finished with a few low 8-second times, but it was sidelined by sanctioning organizations when pickups and aluminum frames were outlawed.
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1978-1979
Originally slated for launch as a 1974 model, the updated Bronco (under development as "Project Shorthorn") was intended to become a direct competitor for the Chevrolet K5 Blazer/GMC Jimmy. Designed by Dick Nesbitt, the full-size Bronco was designed under several Ford design requirements, including complete interchangeability of doors with the F-100 and a removable hardtop free of leaks (a problem the Blazer had at the time).
Although Project Shorthorn was approved past the prototype stage, the 1973 oil crisis essentially put production of the vehicle on hold, as Ford balanced the potential fuel economy of a full-size Bronco against the compact version then in production.
Chassis
The 1978-1979 Bronco is based on the Ford F-100 pickup truck (1973-1979 sixth generation). Alongside the shortened wheelbase (104 inches (2,642 mm)), the major difference between the Bronco and F-100 is the standard four-wheel-drive powertrain. This generation of the Bronco is fitted with part-time four-wheel drive and a New Process 205 gear-driven transfer case with the option of permanent four-wheel drive and a New Process 203 chain-driven transfer case.
The 1978-1979 Bronco is fitted with a coil-sprung Dana 44 front axle and has a leaf-sprung Ford 9-inch axle in the rear.
The 1978-1979 Bronco is fitted with two different V8 engines: the 5.8L 351M and the 6.6L 400. For 1979, Ford added emissions controls to its light-truck engines; the Bronco gained a catalytic converter (among other equipment) in both engine configurations.
Body
As with its chassis, the 1978-1979 Bronco derives much of its body from the F-Series truck line, sharing the doors, front roofline and sheetmetal, and interior with the F-Series. Retaining the wagon body of its predecessor and adopting the configuration of the Blazer/Jimmy, the Bronco was fitted with a removable hardtop and folding rear seat. Similar to the Ford LTD Country Squire, the glass of the rear window rolled down into the tailgate (via a dash-mounted switch or from using the key on the outside), allowing the tailgate to fold down.
Along with an external spare tire option, this design was used in the Bronco through the 1996 model year.
In 1979, Ford added captain's chair front seats as an option.
Trim
Ford used similar nomenclature for the Bronco as with the Ford F-Series: Bronco Custom (base model), and Bronco Ranger XLT (top-level trim). For 1978, only Customs had round head lights. Ranger, Ranger XLTs and Lariats were distinguished by their square headlights, which became standard on all models for 1979.
In 1978 and 1979, alongside the Econoline, F-Series, and Courier, the Bronco was sold with a "Free-Wheelin'" cosmetic option package for both Custom and Ranger XLT trims. Featuring tricolor striping and blacked-out exterior trim, the package featured revised exterior striping for 1979.
1980-1986
Beginning development in 1977 (before its predecessor was released for sale) the 1980-1986 Bronco was designed to address many concerns that held the 1978-1979 Bronco out of production. Nominally shorter and lighter, the 1980 Bronco was designed to adopt a more efficient powertrain while retaining its full-size dimensions.
In 1983, the Ford Bronco II made its debut; unrelated to the full-size Bronco, the Bronco II was a compact SUV based on a shortened Ranger pickup truck and sized similarly to the 1966-1977 Bronco.
Chassis
Again based on the Ford F-Series, the 1980-1986 Bronco is based upon the Ford F-150 (1980-1986 seventh generation). Although based on an all-new chassis, the Bronco retained its 104 in (2,642 mm) wheelbase. Both transfer cases were replaced with a New Process 208 version.
In front, the 1980-1986 Bronco is fitted with a Dana 44 front axle with Ford TTB (Twin Traction Beam) independent front suspension. As with the 1978-1979 Bronco, the rear axle is a leaf-sprung Ford 9-inch axle.
For the first time since 1977, the Bronco came with an inline-six engine as standard; the 4.9L 300 I6 was available solely with a manual transmission. The 400 V8 was discontinued, with the 351M taking its place and the 302 V8 making its return as the base-equipment V8. The 351 Windsor made its debut in the Bronco as it replaced the 351M in 1982; gaining a 210 hp "high-output" version in 1984. In 1985, the 5.0L V8 (302) saw its carburetor replaced by a multiport electronic fuel-injection system, rising to 190 hp (the standard 156 hp 5.8L V8 was discontinued for 1986).
Body
As with its 1978-1979 predecessor, the 1980-1986 Bronco shares much of its external sheetmetal with the F-Series pickup line, with the same parts from the doors forward. Based on a design proposal originally used in the development of the previous-generation Bronco, the B-pillar of the roofline was modified slightly to produce an improved seal for the hardtop. Prior to 1984, the hardtop included sliding window glass as an option.
In 1983, the Bronco saw a slight facelift as it adopted Ford's blue oval emblem, taking the place of "F-O-R-D" lettering on the hood, and the bronco horse was removed from the fender emblems.
Trim
The 1980-1986 Bronco adopted the same trim levels as the Ford F-Series pickups. Following the introduction of the Ford Ranger compact pickup, the Bronco adopted Bronco (base, replacing Custom), Bronco XL, and Bronco XLT.
In 1985, Ford added an Eddie Bauer trim package for the Bronco. Featuring a color-keyed two-tone exterior, the trim package featured an outdoors-themed interior.
1987-1991
For the 1987 model year, coinciding with the introduction of the eighth-generation Ford F-Series, the Bronco was given a similar update. While the shortened F-150 platform introduced in 1980 saw changes, the 1987-1991 Bronco was given a number of updates to both the exterior and interior. As it shared its front sheetmetal with the F-150, in the interest of slightly better aerodynamics, the Bronco gained its reshaped front bumper, flatter front grille, reshaped hood, and composite headlamps. A change separate from aerodynamic improvements was the adoption of rounded wheel openings in the fenders.
The interior was given redesigned front seats, door panels, dashboard and controls (including a new steering wheel), and instrument panels.
In the interest of safety, rear-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) became standard in 1987.
For the first time, the Bronco was available with push-button control for its four-wheel drive as an option starting in 1987. The Bronco carried over the 4.9L inline-six, 5.0L V8, and 5.8L "HO" V8 from 1986. In 1987, the inline-six was given fuel injection, with the 5.8L HO gaining the configuration in 1988. For 1987, two Mazda-produced 5-speed manual transmissions replaced the previous 4-speed (depending on engine); the C6 3-speed automatic was phased out in favor of the AOD 4-speed automatic and the heavier-duty E4OD 4-speed automatic (the latter becoming the sole automatic in 1991).
Special editions
To commemorate 25 years of production, Ford offered a Silver Anniversary Edition Bronco for the 1991 model year. A cosmetic option package, the Silver Anniversary Edition featured Currant Red exterior paint (package exclusive) and a gray leather interior (the first time leather seating was available for a Bronco).
For 1990 through 1992, the Nite option package featured a completely blacked-out exterior with contrasting graphics.
Alongside the top-line Eddie Bauer trim, both special editions were available only with a V8 engine and automatic transmission.
1992-1996
Following the introduction of the ninth-generation Ford F-150, the Bronco saw a major design update for the 1992 model year. Again based on the same basic F-Series chassis introduced in 1980, the Bronco again saw updates to the exterior and interior.
In the interest of making the vehicle more aerodynamic, designers again used wraparound composite headlight units and a larger grille. Although protruding from the body, the larger front bumper was given a rounded design. The interior again saw updates to the dashboard and instrument panel, with the addition of leather front seats as an option (for XLT and Eddie Bauer trims).
Safety changes
The redesign of the Bronco for 1992 would include the addition of a number of safety features, including front crumple zones, three-point seatbelts for the rear seat, and a center-mounted rear brake light. In 1994, as with the F-150, the Bronco received a standard driver-side airbag and reinforced internal door beams.
One change resulting from the addition of the safety equipment was that the lift-off hardtop on the Bronco was no longer removable from a legal standpoint (as it contained rear-seat seatbelts and the center brake light); to discourage the practice (which was still physically possible), Ford removed all literature in the Bronco owner's manual explaining how to remove the hardtop. To further discourage its removal, the bolts securing the hardtop in place were changed to Torx "tamper proof" bolts, requiring special tools, in place of standard hex-head bolts.
Special editions
The monochrome Nite edition was again available, though 1992 was its last offering.
Monochrome trucks made their return from 1994 to 1996 as Ford sold an XLT Sport variant of the Bronco in either black, red, or white. Another variant of the XLT was a two-tone light teal green and white (charcoal gray interior); approximately 600 were produced each year.
As with its Aerostar, Explorer, and F-150 counterparts, Ford continued sales of the Eddie Bauer outdoors-themed variant of the Bronco from 1992-1996. After 1994, the trim featured an overhead console, lighted sun visors, and a dimming rear-view mirror. For 1995, a vented front bumper was added (it was added to the XLT for 1996).
Cosmetic exterior and interior changes included a sweeping front end and a new dashboard. Maroon and blue leather seats were first offered in 1991 (1992 model year) through the end of production. Power mirrors were again offered from 1991, and from 1995, the Bronco became the first vehicle to incorporate turn signal lights in its side mirrors. All 1994-1996 Eddie Bauers have an overhead console. Some 1994-1996 XLTs and Eddie Bauers have lighted sun visors and a dimming rear-view mirror.
From 1995-1996, Eddie Bauer models have a vented front bumper. In 1996, XLTs received the vented front bumper as well.
Engine changes
The 302 engine received a Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor system in 1993 (MY 1994). The 351 followed with MAF in 1994 (MY 1995) in California. 351s in the rest of the country received MAF in 1995 (MY 1996) along with OBD2 on both the 302 and 351.
Discontinuation
In mid- to late 1996, Ford announced the discontinuation of the Bronco. The last model built rolled off the assembly line in Venezuela on June 12th. To pay tribute to the fallen legend, the final model was escorted by longtime Bronco enthusiast Jeff Trapp's 1970 halfcab during a drive-off ceremony. The model line was ended to make room for the automaker's newest addition to the lineup at the time, its replacement, the Ford Expedition. The Expedition, offered four doors and was introduced to compete with General Motors' Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and larger Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL models.
In January 2017, Ford has announced that they are to start producing a new Bronco in 2020. It will be based off the global Everest, but it will be its own unique vehicle with different fascia. Doubts are being raised though for the actuality of different styling though, as Everests have been seen being tested in and around Detroit, Michigan.
The new Bronco will likely be a 4-door, 4x4 midsize SUV, taking the vacant space the Explorer left in 2010 when it switched to a crossover platform. No photos have been released of what the actual production Bronco will look like, but it will likely debut at the North American Auto Show in the first quarter of 2018.
Appearances in media
On June 17, 1994, a white 1993 Bronco owned and driven by Al Cowlings containing O. J. Simpson as a passenger attempted to elude the Los Angeles Police Department in a televised low-speed chase. With an estimated audience of 95 million people, the event was described as "the most famous ride on American shores since Paul Revere's".
Australian assembly
The Bronco was assembled in Australia by Ford Australia, utilizing locally produced 4.1-litre six-cylinder and 5.8-litre V8 engines. It was marketed in Australia from March 1981 through to 1987.
Centurion Classic
Although Ford would not produce a factory-built competitor for the Chevrolet Suburban until the introduction of the Expedition and Excursion, a four-door version of the fourth- and fifth-generation Bronco was produced as the Centurion Classic, constructed by Centurion Vehicles, a converter specializing in Ford trucks based in White Pigeon, Michigan.
In the construction of each Classic, Centurion would actually use two different Ford trucks: an F-Series crew-cab pickup and a Bronco. The wheelbase was shortened from 168 inches to 140 inches (9 inches longer than the Suburban), and the Bronco rear quarter panels, hardtop, and tailgate were mated to the pickup bodywork. Early models used fiberglass rear body panels, but later, these were made from steel. As the rear seat of the Bronco was retained, the Centurion Classic featured three-row seating for up to nine people.
Two models of the Centurion Classic were produced: the C150 Classic (based on the Ford F-150 chassis; four-wheel drive was optional) and the C350 Classic (based on the Ford F-350 chassis; four-wheel drive was standard). In contrast to the 3/4-ton Suburban 2500, the C350 Classic was based on a one-ton chassis. The C150 was powered by the 5.0L and 5.8L V8 engines, with the C350 powered by the 7.3L diesel V8 and 7.5L gasoline V8 (the only Bronco variants to use these engines).
The Centurion Classic was offered until the end of Bronco production in 1996; though the Bronco was directly replaced by the Expedition, the C150/C350 is closest in size to the Ford Excursion introduced for the 2000 model year.
2004 concept
At the 2004 North American International Auto Show, a Bronco concept vehicle was introduced. Some features of the concept vehicle, such as the box-like roof line, short wheelbase, and round headlamps are features associated with the early Bronco, but this concept vehicle also had a 2.0 L intercooled turbodiesel I4 engine and a six-speed manual transmission. The concept also featured an Intelligent 4WD system to replace Control Trac II, which would improve stability and provide better fuel economy. The vehicle was to use the Ford CD2 platform, but the project was dropped when the newer Ford Escape was revealed, making it unlikely that this Bronco concept would see production.
2016 developments
In Spring of 2016, a few vehicle industry publications ran stories, some with pictures, stating that Ford is resurrecting this popular model of SUV.
Car and Driver reported:
As officials from Ford and the UAW continue to hammer out the details of their latest labor contract, a few details regarding future Ford products have begun to bubble to the surface. As we've previously reported, Ford will move production of the Focus and C-Max from its Michigan Assembly Plant in 2018, leaving a hole that, according to both the Detroit Free Press and Automotive News, will be filled with production of a couple of familiar nameplates: Bronco and Ranger.
Although Ford pulled the plug on the domestic Ranger back in 2011 after nearly 30 years of production, a modernized Ranger continues to sell overseas in markets where small pickups are preferred. Ford has long maintained that the current Global Ranger is too close in dimensions to its full-size F-series trucks to make a business case for its return, but two recent developments could cause Ford to revisit the decision. First, the new GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado mid-size trucks have been a runaway success, with GM officials telling C/D that demand has surpassed their estimates. Second, the new, aluminum-bodied F-150 is a very modern vehicle, and while its success is undeniable, there are likely plenty of buyers-think fleets and service industries-whose needs could be easily met with a slightly smaller and (presumably) less expensive vehicle like the Ranger.
It was speculated that
The Bronco will share a new body-on-frame (BOF), rear-wheel/four-wheel drive architecture with the upcoming Ranger. Both Ranger and Bronco will feature an independent front suspension and solid rear axle. The new platform will benefit from the weight-saving expertise Ford gained over the past seven years developing the F-150, and subsequently the Super Duty. It will be relatively light weight and due to the payload and towing requirements of its platform mate, the Bronco will be mildly over-built versus what it would have independently required. Ford more than likely will resurrect the Bronco to go head-to-head with Wrangler and likely will follow the same BOF, removable top, off-road oriented formula as the Wrangler. And much like the original Bronco, this one will sidestep Wrangler by offering a mildly more livable, refined product, at the expense of off-road capability at the limits. The relative desirability of each product will be a question of individual taste and priorities.
According to several media outlets, on September 30, 2016, while speaking to the Detroit News about President Donald Trump's continued criticism of the automaker's plan, Bill Johnson, the UAW plant chairman for the factory that is at the center of the switch, revealed to the newspaper that "Trump needs to get his facts straight," and said, "We hate to see the products go to Mexico, but with the Ranger and the Bronco coming to Michigan Assembly that absolutely secures the future for our people a lot more than the Focus does."
Official revival
At the 2017 North American International Auto Show on January 9, 2017, Ford announced that the Bronco would indeed be returning for the 2020 model year. The revived Bronco will be a midsize SUV positioned below the Expedition (effectively taking the spot vacated by the Ford Explorer when that vehicle became a crossover in 2011) and will be built in the original Bronco plant at Michigan Assembly, with the Ford Focus and Ford C-Max that are currently built there moving their production to Mexico. The revived Bronco will be based and built alongside the revived Ranger. Ford chief technical officer Raj Nair stated that the forthcoming Bronco will be its own unique vehicle and not an Americanized rebadging of the existing Ford Everest SUV sold in the Asia-Pacific region. Ford has released a social media location to discuss the revival and 2020 release of the new Ford Bronco.
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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