BRONCO HISTORY

Bronco Generations header image featuring six Ford Broncos: a red 1966 Roadster, green 1979 Bronco, silver 1985 model, forest-green 1991, black 1996 Eddie Bauer, and a Cyber-Orange 2024 Raptor—all set against desert, forest, and mountain landscapes at sunset.
1966 red Ford Bronco U14 half cab parked in the desert at sunset with mesas and mountains in the background.

GEN 1 (1966 - 1977)

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Short-wheelbase 4×4 that beat Jeep at its own game. Coil-spring front suspension, three body styles (U13 Roadster, U14 Half-Cab, U15 Wagon) and, by ’73, optional 302 V-8 and power steering. Collectors’ gold.

1979 green and white Ford Bronco Gen 2 driving up a dusty desert hill at sunset with mountains in the background.

GEN 2 (1978 - 1979)

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Upsized onto a shortened F-Series chassis; removable full-top, 351 M/400 V-8s, and big-truck comfort. Produced only two years—rarity plus ’70s style.

GEN 3 (1980 - 1986)

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Aerodynamic facelift, lighter chassis, twin-traction-beam front axle. Fuel economy push ushered in the 300 cid inline-six and early electronic fuel injection on the 302.

GEN 4 (1987 - 1991)

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Rounded “aero” nose, modern interior with ABS brakes (’89 first year), and push-button 4×4. Last generation to wear the classic chrome-framed grille.

1996 black and tan Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer parked in a pine forest at sunset, golden light streaming through the trees.

GEN 5 (1992 - 1996)

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Safety era: driver’s airbag, front crumple zones, mass-aged styling. Final run of the full-size, highlighted by the luxurious Eddie Bauer trim and the storied ’96 farewell edition.

2024 Cyber Orange Ford Bronco Raptor Gen 6 airborne on a mountain trail at sunset, with LED lights and rugged terrain.

GEN 6 (2021 - Now)

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Bronco reborn: high-strength steel frame, independent front suspension, EcoBoost power, removable doors & roof, trail tech like G.O.A.T. Modes and one-pedal crawl. Two-door, four-door, and Bronco Raptor headline a new off-road arms race.

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