The Top 6 Ford Broncos in History

Road systems in the US improved significantly in the 1960s, and with it the demand for comfortable driving experiences also increased greatly. To meet this demand, Ford introduced its very first sports-utility vehicle to the world: the iconic Ford Bronco.

With its vintage boxy looks and comfortable interior, the Bronco quickly became a trailblazer in the industry. Ford has released numerous models of the classic SUV over the years, but some of them are a step above the rest. The question is, which ones have that edge?

1966 Ford Bronco – The Original

There’s no better place to start than at the beginning, so let’s talk about the original 1966 Ford Bronco. Designed to compete with the Jeep CJ-5, the Ford Bronco was a simple SUV with a 170 cubic inch six-cylinder engine. It’s a far cry from the monster engines of today, but it was the most powerful among its US competitors at the time.

The 1966 model also had a 92-inch wheelbase and coil springs that made it great both on and off the road, making it a popular choice for off-road racers, farmers, and ranchers.

Ford released three body styles of the Bronco, ensuring that it could cater to as many consumers as possible. The Bronco Roadster had the vintage boxy look with no roof or doors, making it perfect for adventurous drivers who craved that open-air experience. The Bronco Sports Utility had a short pick-up bed for those who needed a little more cargo space. The last and most popular model was the Bronco Wagon, which came with a full-length roof, upper body sides, and steel passenger doors.

• Engine Specs: 170 cu in six-cylinder engine
• Power: 105 hp
• Torque: 146 Ib-ft at 2400 RPM
• 0 to 60 time: 21.2 seconds
• Quarter-Mile Time: 21.5 seconds at 62 mph
• Top Speed: 80 mph

1977 Ford Bronco – The Best of the Classics

Dubbed by many to be the best of its generation, the 1977 Ford Bronco ended the first generation of Broncos with a bang.

At the time, the Chevrolet Blazer dominated the market because it came with a lot of comfort features at launch, so Ford had to adjust. The 1977 Bronco finally came with these features like power steering and power brakes. The 1977 model also boasted a new and improved V8 engine, which produced more power and torque than the standard inline-six engine of previous models.

Inside, the seats were much more comfortable, and the steering wheel featured a more modern design. Plus, with an upgraded suspension system, passengers could enjoy a smoother ride even on rough terrain. While all these new features attracted new customers, the 1977 model was unfortunately short-lived. By 1978, Ford ushered in the second generation with the first of the big Broncos.

Today, however, the 1977 is still one of the most sought after models of the Ford Bronco.

• Engine Specs: 302 cu in V8
• Power: 135 hp at 3,400 RPM
• Torque: 243 lb-ft at 2,000 RP
• 0 to 60 time: 11.7 seconds
• Quarter-Mile Time: 18.6 seconds
• Top Speed: 93 mph
• Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs

1971 Ford Bronco Baja – Honoring a Legendary Racer

What happens when Ford collaborates with legendary racer Bill Stroppe? They make magic in the form of the famous Stroppe Baja Bronco.

In the early 1960s, Stroppe didn’t just modify and race with Ford Broncos–he won, multiple times. It was no surprise when Ford finally knocked on his doors and offered his team the opportunity to collaborate on what would later be known as the 1971 Ford Bronco Baja.

First-generation Broncos are already hard to come by, but the Baja Bronco is especially rare, with only about 450 to 650 ever sold.

The Baja Bronco had a quirky design featuring a bright red and white two-tone body and bright metallic blue roof, inspired by the signature Stroppe-team style. Under an anti-glare satin black hood sat a 302 cubic-inch V8 engine with 205 horsepower.

• Engine Specs: 302 cu in V8
• Power: 205 hp

1996 Ford Bronco – The Last Old-school SUV

The 1990s were a bittersweet time for the Ford Bronco. While it continued to evolve, there was very little it could do against the changing of the times. Consumers needed more than what the 2-door Ford Bronco could give, and so the 1996 Ford Bronco became the very last of the old-school SUVs.

It’s a shame considering how the fifth-generation Bronco received so many upgrades. At first glance, you’ll immediately notice its new front and rear bumper, giving it a much more modern look. Updated seating options and an improved dashboard layout also made the interior much more appealing.

The 1996 Bronco was available in several trim levels, but the base model already boasted a powerful 5.0L V8 engine, leading to impressive acceleration and towing capacity.

By 1997, the Bronco met its end as Ford made way for the Expedition. For years, people believed it was the last they would ever see of the beloved SUV.

• Engine Specs: 5.0L V8
• Power: 199 HP
• Torque: 270 lb-ft
• Towing Capacity: 6600 lbs

2021 Ford Bronco Badlands – Blast From the Past

It’s been a long time coming, but Ford has finally revived the famous Bronco after 25 years. Probably the best of the new models is the 2021 Ford Bronco Badlands, named after the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. Its a powerful and capable SUV both on and off the road.

Much like the classic Bronco, the 2021 Badlands comes with a removable top and doors for that perfect open-air experience on your off-road adventures. Under the hood, it boasts of an impressive 2.7-liter Ecoboost V6 engine with 315 horsepower.

It’s pretty impressive on its own, but the Sasquatch Package makes it even better. The upgrade comes with 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, position-sensitive Bilsten shocks, front and rear locking differentials, and a hydraulic front sway-bar disconnect.

• Engine Specs: 2.7L Ecoboost V6
• Power: 315 hp
• Torque: 400 lb-ft
• 0 to 60 time: 7.7 seconds
• Quarter-Mile Time: 15.8 seconds at 86.4 mph
• Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs

2023 Ford Bronco Raptor – The Modern Off-road Beast

With a high ground clearance and a long-travel suspension system, the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor can take you anywhere you want to go. Except for tight spaces, that is.

Ford’s new Bronco Raptor comes with an impressive suspension setup: Fox shocks with front integrated reservoirs and remote reservoirs at the rear. It also features semi-active electronically controlled compression damping. In other words, you can confidently and comfortably drive over potholes, speed bumps, and uneven terrain with your Bronco Raptor.

The downside is this off-road beast doesn’t fare well on smaller roads and tight parking spaces. Sitting on massive 37-inch tires, the 2023 Bronco Raptor also has fenders that add almost 10 inches to its total width.

While it’s still a capable city vehicle, the Raptor undoubtedly shines best off-road.

• Engine Specs: 3.0L EcoBoost V6
• Power: 418 hp
• Torque: 440 lb-ft
• 0 to 60 time: 5.6 seconds
• Quarter-Mile Time: 14.4 seconds at 94 mph
• Top Speed: 114 mph
• Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs

For decades, the Ford Bronco has continuously proven itself as a powerful and capable vehicle both on and off the road. It might have disappeared from the market for years, but it’s back now and it’s clear that the Bronco’s story is far from over.