History
1966
The Sport Package was introduced in 1967, which consisted of a dual master cylinder with a split hydraulic system and had self-adjusting brakes. At this point, back-up lights had become standard and an 11.5-gallon auxiliary fuel tank option was available to add.
The original 1966 Ford Bronco was considered an Off-Road Vehicle (ORV), but the brochure for that initial model calls it an “All Purpose Vehicle.” It was created by Ford to try and compete with the Jeep CJ5 and the International Harvester Scout. The first generation of the Ford Bronco featured a small form factor and short wheelbase (92 inches) which made it ideal for off-road use. Using the F-150 as a base, the Bronco’s frame, suspension and body designs were entirely unique and not shared with any other vehicle at the time.
Each production year of the 30-year lifespan of the Ford Bronco came with unique offerings. In 1966, the Bronco models had a tall shifter with a shift pattern matching that of the T-handle shifter, but with a J-handle style ball mounted on top. Most of the ’66s had rear shock absorbers that angled forward in front of the axle with stud mounts at the top instead of the later rear-canted eye mount shocks. With a 92-inch wheelbase, the Bronco was offered in wagon, half cab, and roadster configurations. However, the roadster option was not very popular and was discontinued after 1968.
1967
1968
In 1968, bumpers with curved ends and side marker reflectors were added to make this year’s model unique from the previous years. Locking front hubs, new inside door handles and “soft” window crank knobs were also offered. Along with this being the last year of the roadster option, this was also the last year for the 289 V8.
1971
1969 was a big year for production of the Bronco with 19,200 units. Ford also began using the 302 V8 engine. Repositioned side marker lights and reflectors were the most obvious change to the 1970 Broncos, while the Sport Bronco became a model rather than an option package this year.
1969
The stout Dana 44 front axle became the standard in the 1971 Broncos, replacing the Dana 30. The special edition Baja Bronco by racecar builder Bill Stroppe was also introduced in 1971. Stroppe used a Bronco in long-distance off-road competitions which helped solidify the Bronco as an American icon. In the late 60s and early 70s, Stroppe’s off-road team featuring the Broncos dominated off-road events such as the Mint 400, Baja 500 and Baja 1000 races.
1972
1972 was the last year that Ford used the T-handle transfer case shifter and the ‘302’ emblem disappeared from the Bronco front fenders. This was also the last year for the half-cab design. In 1973, Ford finally introduced the popular C-4 automatic transmission option and optional power steering. In 1974, the 200 CID six-cylinder and 4.11 axles were no longer available in California. Due to California regulations, a new emissions package was also introduced for California Broncos that year. In 1975, unleaded fuel engines and catalytic converters were added. America’s bicentennial year, 1976, thankfully brought the power-assisted front disc brakes.
1977
1977 was the final year of the first-generation Bronco and also the most popular to-date with 30,700 vehicles produced. The rear differential housing was modified for extra strength and side marker lights were flipped vertical. Power brakes were added to the option list for the very first time.
The second-generation Bronco is considered the models produced between 1978 and 1979. Though it was intended for a 1974 launch, the fuel crisis led Ford to hold back the release of this larger, thirsty SUV that Ford touted as “the total package.” The short-lived generation of this Bronco received limited popularity, but was the last generation of the Bronco to have the solid front axle. Some key qualities of this generation include a truck-like bed with a removable top with a rear window that lowered into the door, and a V8 engine. The rear window design allowed the tailgate to fold out like a pickup truck, which became a popular aspect of the Bronco. In 1979, Ford opted for squared headlights over the classic round headlights.
Ford addressed some concerns of the public quickly and ditched the second-generation Ford Bronco in favor of a slightly smaller and lighter Bronco in their third-generation Bronco. Though the third generation of Ford Bronco was smaller than the second generation, they kept it as a full-size SUV, and expanded the Bronco engine line to provide a 6-cylinder option in addition to the V8s, allowing people who wanted a sporty but economic SUV to get a Bronco. The third generation also used an F-150 base.
1983-1990
The Bronco II, produced from 1984-1990, was a smaller alternative model in the Ford Bronco lifespan, using a Ford Ranger as its base; however, the Bronco II was discontinued within six years due to safety issues. Due to its weight and proportions, the Bronco II would frequently roll with little provocation. By 1995, Ford had lost 113 Million Dollars due to 334 lawsuits.
1987
In 1987, the Ford Bronco was updated alongside the F-series trucks. Both lines gained the popular aero body style, and the Bronco was updated to have electronic fuel injection and anti-lock brakes. In 1991, the Silver Anniversary Bronco became the most popular trim package for the model, sporting a new cassette radio deck as the major selling point.
1991-1996
From 1992-1996, the final fifth generation of the Bronco was focused on safety improvements more than anything else. From front crumple zones and three-point seatbelts to a driver-side airbag, this hardtop SUV also attained great fame in the O.J. Simpson police chase. Ford made the decision to stop production on the Bronco due to the demand for four-door SUVs, and instead began producing the Expedition.