[ad_1]
Over the years, the Ford Bronco has grown in size, power, technology and popularity. Although the mass demand for SUVs did not emerge until the 1990s, Ford was one of the companies far ahead of the trend, so the Bronco was retired for a few years until a new version was introduced to the public in 2021. From there, sales skyrocketed as Bronco lovers jumped at the prospect of having the new model in their driveways. But there wouldn’t be new without old, so let’s take a look at the Bronco over the years from its inception to now where it takes on the infamous Jeep Wrangler for the top spot in off-roading.
10/10 A sporty vehicle that made history
Front and side views of the 1966 Ford Bronco
In the early to mid 60s there was a public demand for muscle. Most people wanted muscle cars that they could use on the streets, but there were still those who enjoyed life off the beaten path. Therefore, on August 11, 1965, Ford’s corporate vice president and CEO unveiled the first vehicle ever to be called a “Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). This designation has stuck with the rest of the years as every other automaker in the world follows Ford’s lead, creating their own lineup each year that includes some types of SUVs.
9/10 The people demanded, Ford delivered
Front and side views of the 1966 Ford Bronco
During one of the worst times in history, World War II, three major American automakers helped produce military jeeps. One of the three was Ford, where the Bronco idea came from. After the war, consumers across the country wanted some kind of off-road Jeep, but they demanded a version that could also be used as a daily driver. The Bronco was introduced and marketed as a solution to this problem, giving it the internal name “GOAT”, meaning it “goes over any terrain”.
8/10 The first generation – designed for off-road driving
Front and side views of the 1976 Ford Bronco
Although marketed as an off-road vehicle from 1966 to 1977, the first-generation Bronco was designed to compete off-road with the Jeep CJ-5 and International Scout. People who prefer off-road travel in their spare time don’t want to rely on their old utility vehicles to take the family off the beaten track to their favorite fishing or hiking spot. The Ford Bronco filled the need by offering an enclosed vehicle that could carry up to five people and travel on any terrain its occupants desired.
7/10 Second generation – increase in size and practicality
Side and front view of 1979 Ford Bronco
In the late 70s, most of the country downsized all their vehicles to save fuel. Ford went a different route with the Bronco, following the demand of people who chose to go off-road as well as on-road. The second generation Ford Bronco, 1978-1979, increased the size of the Bronco, using the current Ford truck chassis, but chopped a little shorter. The Bronco now took on the Chevy Blazer and Jeep Cherokee, competing for the top spot in the full-size SUV category.
6/10 Third Generation – Bring in the Eddie Bauer edition
Front and side view of the third generation Ford Bronco
The third generation Bronco, from 1980 to 1986, picked up where the previous generation left off. In 1985, Ford introduced one of the best improvements ever made to the older generation Broncos; Eddie Bauer Edition. This outdoor theme offered interior luxury and durability with a two-tone exterior and gorgeous badge. It was the same SUV with a few visuals that made it stand out from the crowd.
5/10 Fourth generation – short closed version of the F-series truck
Front and partial side view of a 1990 Ford Bronco
The second generation of the Bronco saw the transition from a compact SUV to a larger full-size version. The fourth generation of the Ford Bronco, from 1987 to 1991, refined the concept using a short, closed version of the F-series truck. This meant that they looked exactly the same from the front and parts could easily be swapped out if needed. As such, the Bronco was intended to mimic the off-road capability of a truck, but offer more room inside. To make things even better for this generation, the Bronco came in 1987 with push-button four-wheel drive options.
4/10 Fifth generation – the end of the legal removable hard drive
Side and partial front view of 1995 Ford Bronco
One of the standout aspects of the Ford Bronco that had consumers looking for more was the ability to lower the canopy. This gave the SUV more of a convertible type feel, which was one of the demands that had always been a trend in the automotive industry. In the fifth generation Bronco from 1992 to 1996, new safety regulations made it illegal for drivers to be on the road with the top up. As a result, Ford stopped promoting it as possible and fixed it with Torx head bolts, allowing the rear brake light to be built into the rear window and providing an attachment point for the three-point seat belts, which was also a new legal requirement. .
3/10 Sixth generation – new SUV from Ashes
A shot of the Ford Bronco Everglades, finished in a shade of green, standing outside
In 1996, Ford, along with its competitors, met public demand by designing and producing a larger version of the Bronco called the Ford Expedition. People wanted more room, so Ford stopped making the Bronco due to lack of sales and demand. However, in 2021, the long-awaited return of the Bronco arrived, which led to new buying interest. Along with the off-road heavy Bronco, the Blue Oval also introduced a compact city-commuter version called the Bronco Sport. Once again, the public wanted smaller off-road vehicles that could still handle any terrain and carry family and friends. From the ashes of the 1996 loss, the new and improved Ford Bronco rose to take the nation by storm, or in this case, with a bang.
2/10 Ford Bronco Special Editions and Concepts
Side view of the 1994 Ford Bronco Centurion
Many special editions were released over the years, including the likes of the Eddie Bauer Edition and the Nite Edition, but the Centurion Classic Edition is most remembered. Larger four-door SUVs were starting to take off in the States, so Centurion Vehicles took on the project of producing four-door Broncos for consumers who wanted to order one that way. The Centurion Classic was offered on the F-150 or F-350 chassis until the end of the fifth generation Bronco, which ended after the Expedition was introduced.
1/10 A smaller sibling with the same name
Side and partial rear view of 1990 Ford Bronco II
No discussion of the Ford Bronco would be complete without talking about its smaller sibling of the same name. The Ford Bronco II was an attempt to offer consumers a smaller version of the popular Bronco for those concerned about fuel economy and off-road driving in tight spaces. From 1984 to 1990, a newer version of the first generation was marketed to the public until safety concerns retired it. The Bronco II’s size simply wasn’t stable enough to be rollover safe, so Ford stopped making the smaller version of the Bronco until the Ford Explorer was created in 1991.
FAQ
Q: Is the new Bronco a good car?
The 2023 Ford Bronco is a great car that can compete with the Jeep Wrangler off-road, but it will run around it on the streets. The Bronco was designed to handle any terrain, including being used as a daily driver, something Jeep has yet to achieve.
Q: Why did Ford stop making the Bronco in 1996?
The Ford Bronco is one of the best SUVs for ice and snow, especially if you have winter tires on it. The SUV was originally designed to drive on any terrain in any weather. The new version has followed this line, making every generation good in the snow.
Q: Is the Bronco good in the snow?
The Ford Bronco is one of the best SUVs for ice and snow, especially if you have winter tires on it. The SUV was originally designed to drive on any terrain in any weather. The new version has followed this line, making every generation good in the snow.
Q: Why is getting a Bronco so hard?
Due to a global shortage of computer chips, people who originally ordered the 2021 Bronco were asked to re-order when the 2022 model is available. Without the right computer chips, the Bronco can’t be sold, so until that problem is fixed, the Bronco will still be hard to come by.
[ad_2]
Source link
