Exploring the Past and Present of the Ford Bronco

Are you interested in purchasing a capable, luxury SUV for your next personal car? Read on to explore the past and present of the Ford Bronco and determine whether this legendary automobile is right for you.

The Early Days

During WWII, Ford worked with Willys, now known as Jeep, and other major car manufacturers to create the General Purpose vehicle. Ford produced over a quarter million of these GPs—Jeep for short—with many soldiers using them upon return to civilian life due to the durability and reliability of these Jeeps. After the war, Ford wanted to create a commercial Jeep that was different from Willys, Land Rover, and other competitors.

The resulting creation was the world’s very first Sport-Utility automobile that effortlessly combined the raw power of earlier Jeeps with the comfort and luxury of modern Ford Mustangs. This SUV changed how the average American family viewed their automobile needs. Instead of opting for a sedan or station wagon, larger families could comfortably pile into this spacious, capable vehicle. The first generation of Broncos ran until 1973.

Cultural Peak & Decline

The second generation of Ford Broncos arrived on the scene in 1978. Unlike its predecessor, this SUV was marketed to 4x4 consumers who desired off-roading vehicles with suitable highway performance. Comfort and luxury remained a focus, with AM/FM radios and air conditioning being offered as upgrade options. Overall, this Bronco was generally seen as a massive success, leading to almost 200,000 units sold before 1980.

In 1979, Pope John Paul II used three modified Ford Bronco Pope Mobiles when visiting the United States for a week. This customized SUV provided better visibility of the Pope for the masses. From 1980–1986, Ford released the Bronco II, which was a supercharged, lighter version of the second-generation Bronco. These zippy cars were very desirable within the off-roading community for their performance capabilities and distinct style.

The peak of popularity for the Ford Bronco eventually led to its downfall when O.J. Simpson slowly attempted to evade the LAPD on the 405 in his white Ford Bronco in 1994. This bad press, coupled with lower demand for two-door SUVs throughout the market, led to the end of the Bronco in 1996.

A Modern Revival

Newer Broncos (2021 and on) are similar yet different compared to older editions. Mainly, all generations of Broncos share the same distinct front-end styling and grille, with minor modern updates to the design with each new release. Additionally, the new Broncos retain the off-roading and removable hardtop features that made this vehicle so popular in the first place. You can hoist your Bronco hardtop at a moment’s notice to enjoy open-air overlanding!

However, these SUVs have significant differences, too. Primarily, the new Broncos offer superior driving technology that SUVs from 25 years ago didn’t possess. With that, the riding experience for new Ford Broncos is smoother and more enjoyable than ever. Plus, fully electric models are expected to be released in the next few years.

Exploring the past and present of the Ford Bronco highlights the innovation and determination required to create a lasting, quality product. Consider purchasing the new Ford Bronco as your next personal vehicle and experience the history of this brand for yourself.