The Baby Bronco
In the early 80s, the full-size Bronco (based on the F-150) was huge. The Chevy S-10 Blazer was stealing sales. Ford responded by taking their new Ranger pickup, shortening the wheelbase, and enclosing the bed. The result was the Bronco II. It was cute, maneuverable, and looked tough. It sold well initially, but it became famous for all the wrong reasons.
When you browse the Bronco II listings on Hugegarage, you are looking at a vehicle that is essentially a closed cab Ranger. It shares almost every mechanical part with the first-gen Ranger, meaning parts are cheap and plentiful. For off-roaders, the short wheelbase is a dream on tight trails where a Jeep Wrangler might struggle.
The Rollover Controversy: The Bronco II had a high center of gravity and a very narrow track width. In panic maneuvers or sharp turns at speed, it was prone to tipping over. Consumer Reports famously branded it Not Acceptable. Ford faced hundreds of lawsuits. While safe if driven responsibly, it requires respect in corners.
The Powertrain: The Cologne V6
The primary engine was the 2.9L Cologne V6 (140 HP). It was adequate but prone to cracking cylinder heads if overheated. The Mitsubishi-sourced 5-speed manual transmission is the one to have; the A4LD automatic is notoriously weak.
Why Was It Cancelled?
The bad press from the rollover issues was insurmountable. In 1991, Ford released the Explorer. The Explorer was larger, wider, and safer, instantly making the Bronco II obsolete. However, the Bronco II remains an affordable entry point into vintage 4x4 ownership.
Conclusion: The Trail Toy
The Bronco II is not a daily driver for the highway. It is a trail toy. Lift it, put bigger tires on it (which ironically helps stability by widening the track), and take it to the woods. It is a piece of 80s history that deserves to be muddy. Explore the specs below.