The Ford Bronco is nothing short of a symbol for cool. Over the past six decades, this vehicle has altered the trajectory of the American automobile market, introducing a brand-new category of off-road rides and cultivating a dedicated fandom. From the classic Bronco's iconic round headlights and boxy frame to the incredible power and leading off-road capabilities of today's models, this vehicle has a legacy to celebrate. 

Dive into the full history, from the first sketches to some of the latest editions, in the guide below.

Off-Road Origins: Ford Bronco History

The idea for the beloved Bronco first stemmed from Ford's time producing Jeeps in World War II. After the war, the Jeep quickly gained popularity outside of combat settings, generating demand for a new type of vehicle — one that could be used for off-road adventures while still being suitable for highway travel. 

Ford executives began assessing the market in the early 1960s. It evaluated the performance of existing off-road vehicles, including the Jeep and the International Scout, and surveyed drivers to learn more. The Ford team began developing a “goes over all terrain” (abbreviated as G.O.A.T.) vehicle with the code name Bronco. 

Automobile designer McKinley Thompson crafted the first sketch of the Bronco, equipped with its familiar boxy frame and round headlights, in July 1963. It would become the world's first sport-utility vehicle (SUV), a category that is ever-present in today's automotive market. 

First Generation (1966-1977)

Ford brought the Bronco to market as an all-purpose vehicle in 1966 with three body styles:

1. Roadster: This style was open-air, without doors or roofs. It was the most basic and least expensive option. 
2. Sports Utility: The Sports Utility frames featured a half-cab pickup.
3. Wagon: The final option was fully enclosed, with a two-door configuration and a hard top. Wagon bodies became the most popular of the first-generation Broncos. 

The Bronco became a significant success for Ford with its distinctive appearance and off-road prowess, holding its own against competition like the Jeep CJ-7. Throughout the Bronco's debut decade, Ford introduced several trim packages:

• The Sport package was introduced in 1967 and primarily added new bright chrome accents and trim.
• The Explorer package was added to the Bronco lineup in 1972, offering consumers a more budget-conscious model. 
• The Ranger package hit the market in 1973 and aimed to upgrade the Bronco's style and comfort with color-keyed carpeting and burl wood-tone accents.  

Today, classic Ford Broncos are high-value rides, and owning one is like having a piece of American automotive history. 

Second Generation (1978-1979)

The second generation of Broncos kicked off in 1978 with a total redesign to support highway performance and four-wheel-drive capabilities. These models featured larger frames in length and width, inspired by Ford's F-Series trucks.

They also supported a smoother ride and larger size than the first generation. For the first time, these vehicles also offered AM/FM radios and air conditioning, further enhancing interior comfort.

Ford struck gold again with the redesigned Bronco, now competing with the Chevrolet Blazer, Dodge Ramcharger and Plymouth Trailduster. 

Third Generation (1980-1986)

After increasing the Bronco's size for the second generation, Ford made the vehicles more compact and lighter for the next models. This redesign aimed to increase fuel efficiency in response to the 1970s energy and oil crisis that sent gas prices rising. 

The third-generation Bronco was also the first to feature independent front suspension, which supported greater handling and a smoother ride than previous models. The 1985 Bronco had a new trim package in partnership with Eddie Bauer, a collaboration that would continue until 1996.

Bronco II (1984-1990)

Ford introduced the Bronco II in 1984. It was marketed as a smaller and more agile model with a frame inspired by the Ford Ranger pickup truck. 

The Bronco II was supposed to be as rugged as the original model, but its design flaws led to serious rollover risks and safety concerns. This compact model is largely regarded as a failure for Ford, leading to a massive class action lawsuit that the manufacturer would eventually settle in January 1997. 

The Bronco II was replaced with the Ford Explorer in 1991. 

Fourth Generation (1987-1991)

The fourth-generation Bronco was redesigned to improve aerodynamics, replacing the famous boxy configuration known as “bull nose” with more sculpted edges, dubbed “brick nose.” These models featured an electronic fuel injector for better powertrain performance and rear antilock brakes to enhance safety. 

Ford celebrated the Bronco's 25-year milestone with the Silver Anniversary Edition in 1991. It released the special Nite Edition Bronco the same year. Both these editions had ultra-limited production runs, making them especially rare. 

Fifth Generation (1992-1996)

The fifth-generation Bronco was advertised as the “smartest Bronco ever” by Ford. The redesign included new and improved safety features like:

• Driver's side airbags
• Three-point seat belt systems
• Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-free air conditioning

Despite these upgrades, the vehicle's frame did not change significantly from the fourth-generation models. Ford continued releasing special editions, continuing its production of the Nite Edition and Eddie Bauer trim packages. 

Ford discontinued the Bronco after 1996, as sales declined and consumers began favoring larger, four-door SUVs. 

Modern Revival (2021-Present)

After a 25-year hiatus, Ford reintroduced the Bronco in 2021. The release came as the popularity of the SUV market surged and consumers expressed viral nostalgia toward the first-generation Bronco. 

The 2021 Ford Bronco was available with seven trim options:

• Base
• Badlands
• Big Bend
• Black Diamond
• Wildtrak
• Outer Banks
• First Edition

Since 2021, Ford has also released the smaller, more affordable Bronco Sport and several special editions, including:

• Heritage Edition
• Heritage Limited Edition
• Everglades
• Raptor
• Free Wheeling

The modern revival of the Bronco has been a tremendous success for Ford. 

Ford Bronco History Fun Facts 

The Ford Bronco is an iconic ride, cementing its place in American automotive history and amassing a cult following. Here are some interesting fast facts about the beloved Bronco:

• In 1979, three second-generation Broncos were modified for use by Pope John Paul II during his visit to the United States. 
• A 1993 white Bronco gained notoriety during the televised O.J. Simpson car chase in 1994, an event watched by an estimated 95 million people.
• Ford built 1,148,926 Broncos over the 31-year production run.

The Ford Bronco has also made some notable appearances in popular culture, including movies and television shows like:

• Terminator 2
• Logan
• Speed
• No Country for Old Men
• Rampage
• Lost
• Twin Peaks
• The Simpsons
• Family Guy

Find Your Dream Bronco at Volo Museum

Are you interested in making your vintage Ford Bronco dreams a reality? Volo Museum can help with our selection of classic vehicles, including Ford Broncos, available for sale. 

We are the world's oldest collector car dealership and proudly have four generations of family experience. Our inventory is always changing, and we are constantly adding new cars from our private collection. Our on-site mechanics closely inspect every vehicle and offer post-purchase support to keep your vehicle in excellent condition.

Contact us to discover your dream ride or explore our inventory of classic cars for sale online today.