Looking Back At The Ford Bronco’s Legacy

The Making Of A Legend
There’s no denying the Ford Bronco forged its status as an icon in the automotive world. After all, this rugged ride is one of the original all-purpose vehicles that took adventures to literal new heights and terrains. But are you curious how the Bronco reached the status of an American legend? It all begins in 1966 with the release of the first generation—and this ride kept getting better, even now in 2021.

How It All Started
The first Ford Bronco hit the roads in 1966 with a unique design for the time. Even on the base trim, this ride exuded athleticism with its lack of a roof or doors—something that wasn’t common. Even today, the 2021 Ford Bronco packs removable doors, almost as an homage to the original look.

For the ride, the coil spring front suspension kept your drives smooth when you’d attack rough terrains—something that wasn’t common on off-road vehicles. Plus, the short wheelbase and tight turning diameter of 33.6 feet allowed Americans to articulate around obstacles better than most rides on the market. In off-road races, the first generation of Ford Bronco dominated the competition with all this innovation, leading to track wins from big names like Bill Stroppe, Parnelli Jones, and many others.

Growing From Greatness
The second generation of the Ford Bronco (1978-1979) worked with a larger frame, but kept the epic off-road capability for adventure-filled drives. With available dual shocks and heavy-duty rear shocks, drivers felt enhanced traction and control when tackling the trails. Plus, the new sway bars further improved handling on all roads, while two V8 motors offered non-stop power.

For the Third Generation (1980-1986,) the Bronco implemented an independent front suspension system—the first for a full-sized SUV at the time. The innovation paid off too, as this generation of Bronco dominated the highway roads with smoothness just as easily as it could take on the off-road conditions.

Streamlining The Ford Bronco
By 1987, the Bronco earned its status as a household name, so the Fourth Generation streamlined the design further by smoothing out some of the boxy edges for an aerodynamic edge. Up front, this generation would also gain a, “brick nose,” instead of the previous, “bull nose,” for a bolder look than ever before. The performance also improved thanks to the rear anti-locking brakes that utilized hydraulic pressure and sensors to bring new depths of safety to the ride.

For the fifth generation, the Bronco added subtle touches to the look with smoother and cleaner lines. Drivers experienced a contemporary design with features like rotary climate controls, and a digital odometer. After 1996, the Bronco took a 25-year hiatus, but that didn’t stop this vehicle from setting new standards in the automotive world, while raising the bar high for how an off-roader should perform.

Experience History With The Current Ford Bronco
There’s no denying Ford’s off-roader will continue to make history with each release. Head to Group 1 Ford of Kennesaw, serving Kennesaw, Marietta, Woodstock, and surrounding areas, and test drive the 2021 Ford Bronco. As your local Ford dealership, we’ll help you be a part of this SUV’s legacy by assisting you in finding the model that’s suited to your tastes. Then, you can adventure far beyond your typical paved path.