The 2020 Ford Bronco: A Piece of History, Reimagined

The year was 1966. Lyndon B. Johnson was president, The Beatles were surging in popularity and the price of gas was $0.32 per gallon. For Ford, 1966 was a historic year, marking the debut of its original off-road vehicle: the Bronco.

While SUVs are incredibly popular today, they were rare in the 1960s and mainly associated with military combat. Ford wanted to change that by creating one of the earliest examples of a civilian off-roader, and buyers were impressed by its capability and spaciousness. The price? $2,194. Imagine that.

The Bronco’s body was inspired by the Ford Ranger, but it had a look all its own, with most models featuring a swing-away spare tire carrier on the outside of the rear door. The 1966 Bronco was a hit, and with its rising popularity, the Bronco continued to evolve by pushing boundaries with its later models. The versatile 1978 Bronco featured interchangeable doors and a removable, leak-free hardtop. The 1980s saw the Bronco progress to a shorter, lighter body and a more efficient powertrain. And in 1983, the Ford Bronco II not only arrived with a bang, but it was assembled right here in Kentucky at Ford’s Louisville Assembly Plant.

Major design changes came in 1992. In an effort to make the vehicle more aerodynamic, the 1992 Bronco was given a larger front bumper with a rounded design. 1992 also marked the first time that leather seats were available in the Bronco. In 1996, Ford discontinued the Bronco after 30 years of production, much to the disappointment of many enthusiasts.

Fast forward to 2020: welcome back, old friend. Off-road adventurers in Central Kentucky have waited 22 years for this comeback: the 2020 Ford Bronco. At Paul Miller Ford, we’re anxiously anticipating its arrival. Want to be the first to know when the Bronco will be available at Paul Miller Ford? Learn more here.