The Complete Ford Bronco Evolution: 1966–1996
The Bronco started as something simple: a small, honest four-wheel-drive that Ford built to chase the Jeep and the Scout, with flat glass, a boxy body, and not much else. Then it got big, and then it got a reputation, and somewhere in there the early ones turned into the most valuable thing Ford put on a truck frame outside of a Shelby. I have watched clean first-generation Broncos go from cheap trail toys to six-figure restorations inside a decade. Here is how the Bronco changed across five generations, and what separates a good one from a money pit.
Ford Bronco — Generation by Generation
1966–1977
First Generation (Early Bronco)
"The compact icon"
The original Bronco rode a short 92-inch wheelbase on its own platform, with a coil-spring front axle that gave it better ride and articulation than the leaf-sprung competition. You could buy it as a wagon with a removable hardtop, a half-cab pickup, or the bare-bones roadster early on. The 170 six started it, but the 289 and later 302 V8 are what people want now. Ford left it largely alone for twelve years, which is why the shape is so pure. Uncut wagons with the factory top are the cars that bring the big money.
Key Changes
- → Short 92-inch wheelbase on a dedicated platform
- → Coil-spring front axle for ride and articulation
- → Wagon, half-cab, and early roadster body styles
- → 289 then 302 V8 options
- → Largely unchanged styling for twelve years
Specs
| Wheelbase | 92 inches |
| Engines | 170/200 I6, 289/302 V8 |
| Bodies | Wagon, half-cab, roadster |
| Most wanted | Uncut V8 wagon |
Ford Bronco for Sale — 1966–1977
Dealer
United States
1973 Ford Bronco
$139,995
Dealer
United States
1973 Ford Bronco
$89,900
1978–1979
Second Generation (Full-Size)
"The short-run Blazer fighter"
Ford finally went after the full-size Chevrolet Blazer with a Bronco built on the F-Series truck platform. It is a big, square truck with a removable rear top, available with 351 and 400 V8s, and it only ran two model years before the 1980 redesign, which makes it a favorite with collectors who like the bold late-seventies look. These are getting harder to find clean, and the short production run gives them a following all their own.
Key Changes
- → Moved to the full-size F-Series platform
- → Removable rear hardtop section
- → 351 and 400 V8 power
- → Aimed squarely at the Chevy Blazer
- → Only two model years before the 1980 redesign
Specs
| Platform | Full-size F-Series |
| Engines | 351/400 V8 |
| Top | Removable rear section |
| Run | Two years only |
Ford Bronco for Sale — 1978–1979
Dealer
United States
1979 Ford Bronco
$94,900
Dealer
United States
1979 Ford Bronco
$94,900
Dealer
United States
1978 Ford Bronco
$19,495
1980–1986
Third Generation
"Lighter and more efficient"
The 1980 redesign rode a new, lighter F-Series chassis and brought the Twin Traction Beam independent front suspension and better economy in response to the fuel crisis. Smaller standard engines and improved aerodynamics made it more livable as a daily truck, while the bigger V8s stayed on the options list. These are honest, usable trucks that still wear the boxy look people associate with the eighties Bronco.
Key Changes
- → New lighter F-Series chassis for 1980
- → Twin Traction Beam independent front suspension
- → Smaller standard engines for economy
- → Improved aerodynamics and interior
- → Fuel injection arrives late in the run
Specs
| Front suspension | Twin Traction Beam |
| Engines | 300 I6, 302/351 V8 |
| Character | Lighter, more efficient |
| Top | Removable rear hardtop |
Ford Bronco for Sale — 1980–1986
Dealer
United States
1981 Ford Bronco
$23,995
Dealer
United States
1984 Ford Bronco
$23,795
Dealer
United States
1986 Ford Bronco
$13,895
1987–1991
Fourth Generation
"Aero front and fuel injection"
The 1987 update brought the smoother aero front end shared with the F-Series, along with standard fuel injection that made the trucks far easier to live with. Rear anti-lock brakes arrived, and the Eddie Bauer trim added comfort. This is a strong value generation: the trucks are plentiful, parts are everywhere, and a clean one drives well enough to use every day.
Key Changes
- → Aerodynamic front end shared with F-Series
- → Standard electronic fuel injection
- → Rear-wheel anti-lock brakes
- → Eddie Bauer comfort trim
- → 5.0 and 5.8 V8 power
Specs
| Engines | 4.9 I6, 5.0/5.8 V8 |
| Fuel system | Electronic injection |
| Brakes | Rear ABS |
| Value | Plentiful and supported |
Ford Bronco for Sale — 1987–1991
Dealer
United States
1987 Ford Bronco
$11,495
Dealer
United States
1989 Ford Bronco
$7,895
Dealer
United States
1987 Ford Bronco
$16,995
1992–1996
Fifth Generation
"The last of the full-size Broncos"
The final full-size Bronco rode the rounded 1992 F-Series styling and added the safety equipment of the decade, including a driver airbag and, late in the run, four-wheel anti-lock brakes. It is the most refined of the old Broncos and the easiest to find in good shape. Ford ended the nameplate after 1996 to make room for the four-door Expedition. A clean fifth-generation truck is the affordable way into Bronco ownership, and the one most likely to serve as a daily driver.
Key Changes
- → Rounded 1992 F-Series styling
- → Driver airbag added
- → Four-wheel ABS late in the run
- → Eddie Bauer and XLT trims
- → Nameplate ends after 1996
Specs
| Engines | 5.0/5.8 V8 |
| Safety | Driver airbag, 4-wheel ABS |
| Character | Most refined old Bronco |
| End | Final year 1996 |
Ford Bronco for Sale — 1992–1996
Dealer
United States
1996 Ford Bronco
$42,495
Dealer
United States
1996 Ford Bronco
$28,895
Dealer
United States
1995 Ford Bronco
$34,495
Legacy & Impact
The early 1966 to 1977 Broncos are the blue chips, and the market for them has gone where few of us thought it would, especially the uncut, V8 cars with their original tubs. They also rust in places that are expensive to fix, so a clean body is everything. The 1978 and 1979 full-size trucks are short-run favorites with a strong following. The later full-size Broncos through 1996 are the value play, plentiful and supported, and a clean Eddie Bauer or XLT is a lot of truck for the money. Whatever generation you chase, get under it and look at the frame and the floors. A Bronco hides its worst problems exactly where a buyer forgets to look.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first-generation 1966 to 1977 Bronco is by far the most collectible, especially uncut examples with the original removable hardtop and a V8. Documented, rust-free early Broncos now bring prices that rival classic muscle cars.
Ford built the Bronco from 1966 to 1996 across five generations before pausing the nameplate. The compact first generation ran 1966 to 1977, and the full-size trucks ran from 1978 through 1996.
The early 1966 to 1977 Bronco rides a short 92-inch wheelbase and is a compact SUV. From 1978 the Bronco moved to the full-size F-Series truck platform, becoming much larger, more powerful, and aimed at the Chevrolet Blazer.
📖
Thinking of Buying One?
Read our Ford Bronco Buyer's Guide — pre-purchase checklist, common issues, and pricing.
Have a
Ford Bronco
for Sale?
Reach thousands of serious classic car collectors across the US.
Sell It Here →
Are You a Classic Car Dealer?
List your full inventory and connect with targeted classic car buyers.
Join as a Dealer →
Fredericksburg, Texas