The Ford Bronco was resurrected back in 2021 due to immense market demand and Ford wanting to give the Bronco brand name a second wind. The Bronco is one of the oldest SUVs to ever come out which is partly why it now enjoys an enormous cult following among both off-road and classic car enthusiasts.
In this article, we are going to go over all of the Ford Bronco years to avoid which includes all the Bronco model years since the 1960s. These model years include the 1966-1977 Bronco models, the 1984-1990 Broncos, and the 2021 Ford Bronco as we also wanted to include one of the newer models.
The very early 1966-1977 Bronco models should be avoided because they are very susceptible to rust which can demolish these cars if not taken care of properly. The 1980s Bronco is known for being very easy to roll over which is something you should definitely be aware of as rolling over in such an old car can be catastrophic.
Lastly, the 2021 Bronco is also questionable because it suffers from issues more than all of its later counterparts. It’s worth noting that all of these can still be bought and enjoyed without too many problems if you know what you are going for and you do everything you can to inspect the car before buying it.
1966-1977 Ford Bronco
The 1960s Bronco is a certified OG classic Bronco which means that it possesses a significant collector value. These are known for their compact size, rugged construction, and strong off-road performance. Buying these is not something most people are willing to undertake as these are lacking even essential safety equipment because they are rather old.
One of the primary concerns with early Broncos is rust and corrosion. These vehicles are several decades old, and their original steel bodies and frames may have been exposed to harsh weather conditions, moisture, and road salt over the years. As a result, rust can develop on the body panels, undercarriage, frame, and other critical components.
Rust and corrosion can weaken the structural integrity of the vehicle, compromise safety, and affect its overall condition and value. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly inspect any first-generation Bronco before purchasing, especially if you live in an area where rust is prevalent or the vehicle has been exposed to corrosive conditions.
1984-1990 Ford Bronco
The 1980s Ford Bronco is also a gem and many people deem it to be the best classic Ford Bronco model you can buy. It’s widely regarded as the true predecessor to the new Ford Bronco model because the 1980s Bronco started out with the boxy utilitarian look many people are after these days with many modern SUVs.
The Bronco II is based on the same platform as the Ford Ranger, both of which were notorious for rollover accidents. Because the Bronco II features a fairly high center of gravity, it is able to traverse challenging terrain with ease, but that also means that it isn’t particularly stable at any speed.
Ford also recalled the Bronco II at one point because of all of the noise of Bronco II models rolling over all across the US. All of this made the Bronco II somewhat notorious, especially because Ford never managed to fix these problems completely.
2021 Ford Bronco
The new Ford Bronco does suffer from a few notable issues such as engine failures, problems with the valves, overheating problems, problems with the top, and problems with the turbocharger. Compared to the 2022 and the 2023 Bronco, the 2021 seems to garner the highest amount of nationwide complaints which makes it the worst 21st-century Bronco out of them all.
This is not a reason to completely disregard buying the new Bronco, but to do your homework and inspect the car fully before buying it. Doing a pre-purchase inspection is usually what everyone is going to recommend so it’s better to do so if you are not experienced with car mechanics and electrical components.
Also, it’s very common for the very first model years of any car to experience more problems compared to newer models as not every issue can be fixed in pre-production testing and quality control.
FAQ Section
Which Ford Bronco Models Are Most Valuable?
The Ford Bronco has a rich history, and certain model years are particularly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, commanding higher values in the market. Among the most valuable Ford Bronco model years are the early first-generation models, specifically those produced between 1966 and 1977. These Broncos, with their classic design and off-road capabilities, are highly coveted.
Additionally, special attention is given to limited edition and special models, as well as rare option packages that enhance their desirability. Well-preserved or restored Broncos, especially those from these specific model years, can also fetch premium prices due to their timeless appeal.
Which Ford Bronco Models Are Least Valuable?
The fourth-gen Bronco (1992-2996) are generally not as popular as older Bronco models because they received mixed reviews and aren’t too old for them to be limited in any way. However, some special editions and well-kept models can still fetch a lot of money, especially if the mileage count is low and the car has a rich history.
Moreover, Bronco models with base trims and common configurations, without any unique or rare features, tend to have lower values compared to special editions or limited production variants. This is also the case for the modern-day Bronco because these were a lot cheaper to buy in the first place.
What is so Special About the Ford Bronco?
Well, many things make the new Ford Bronco special, the main ones are heritage, brand name, off-roading, looks, and a rich aftermarket scene. The Bronco set the standards for many SUVs to follow as it was one of the very first SUVs to ever come out.
With decades upon decades of continuous production and an ever-growing cult following, the Bronco has earned its name time and time again. Ford has been making some of the most iconic cars ever and it’s more than just to include the Bronco in the “most special Ford models ever“ which include the Mustang, the Model T, and the Ford GT.
