The Ford Bronco II was a compact SUV that was introduced by Ford on March 10th, 1983. It was designed to be a smaller and more affordable version of the popular Ford Bronco, which had been in production since 1966.
The Bronco II was based on the Ford Ranger pickup truck, and shared many of its components. It was available with either a 2.8-liter V6 engine or a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, and came with either a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission.
At the time of its introduction, the Bronco II was seen as a direct competitor to the Jeep Cherokee and Chevrolet S-10 Blazer. It was also the first compact SUV to be introduced by a major American automaker.
One of the key selling points of the Bronco II was its off-road capabilities. It was designed with a short wheelbase and a high ground clearance, which made it well-suited for off-road adventures. It was also available with four-wheel drive, which gave it excellent traction on rough terrain.
The Bronco II was marketed as a versatile vehicle that could be used for both work and play. It was capable of towing a trailer or carrying heavy loads, and it also had enough interior space to accommodate up to five passengers.
Despite its initial popularity, the Bronco II was eventually discontinued in 1990. One of the main reasons for this was safety concerns related to its high center of gravity, which made it more prone to rollovers than other SUVs of its time.
However, the Bronco II’s legacy lives on today in the form of the Ford Bronco, which was reintroduced in 2020 after a 25-year hiatus. The new Bronco shares many design elements with its predecessor, including its rugged off-road capabilities and its iconic styling.
The Ford Bronco II was an important vehicle in the history of American SUVs. It helped to establish the compact SUV segment, and paved the way for other popular models like the Ford Explorer and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. While it may no longer be in production, its impact on the automotive industry will not soon be forgotten.
