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The 2021 Revival of The Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco is a classic from the 1960s that is making a comeback in 2021. In honour of the occasion, let's take a look at the vehicle's story from the beginning to now.

Emily MacKinnon

Executive Assistant

Past To Present: A Timeline of The Ford Bronco

The all-purpose vehicle was first manufactured in 1965, and it was released as a 1966 model. It quickly became a staple for those that wanted to live an adventurous life. That was due to its off-roading capability, CB radio, extra gas tank, and winch.

The car saw five generations over the following 30 years. Those generations each brought something new to the vehicle and it slowly grew from being a compact SUV to approximately roughly the size of a Ford F-150.

The final generation of the model was released in 1996 when Ford decided to switch its focus to the Ford Expedition. From there, everyone thought the car was done. Then, over a decade later, Ford announced that it would be releasing a new version of its classic vehicle in 2021.

 

The Bronco's Beginning

The first 1966 model was an off-road, all-purpose vehicle with a six-cylinder engine and 105 horsepower at 4,400rpms. There were three body types available in the first release, a two-door wagon, a half-cab pickup, and an open-body roadster. The base price was about $2,194 (today that equals $18,524) and 24,000 of them were sold in the first year.

The first incarnation of the vehicle was made until 1978 when the second generation was released.

Black and White 1966 Ford Bronco

 

The 2021 Ford Bronco

The company announced its plan to bring back the classic Ford Bronco in 2017 at the North American International Auto Show. At that point, they said the tentative release date was sometime in 2021.

In Canada, there'll be up to six model options sold by Ford Canada. The company has stayed true to the vehicle's off-road history, the new model features a solid rear axle, removable doors, and countless customizable options.

 

The Bronco Hybrid

The exact details of the hybrid are still a subject of speculation but there are a few items that are highly expected in the revolutionary vehicle. Consumers and experts speculated that a 3.0 liter EcoBoost V6 engine with an electric motor and 10-speed transmission.

Those expectations changed slightly when people got a glimpse of the owner's manual. It looks like the vehicle could be a plug-in model, which is exciting for those in the market for an electric car. If this is true, drivers can expect to go a whole day's drive without producing any emissions.

It's also expected to come with a solar roof option, which could improve the car's fuel efficiency by up to 7%. This is a great eco-friendly option for those living in sunny areas, if you choose a bright enough parking spot you can even have the vehicle charging while you work or shop. Ford reports that roughly five hours of daily charging will result in an increase of about 800 miles early.

 

The Bronco Sport

The Ford Bronco Sport is the G.O.A.T. of the new line. It stands for Goes Over Any Type Of Terrain, which should give you a fair indication of what it's capable of.

It comes with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder, an eight-speed transmission, four-wheel drive, LED headlights, frontal collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a host of other features that make it a top-of-the-line sports vehicle.

Key Features of The Bronco

 The features of the new release vary depending on the model you pick and which upgrades you choose, but let's discuss some of the best features.  

  • A stylish and sleek exterior that's sure to turn heads.
  • Exceptional off-road G.O.A.T. capabilities.
  • Doors that can be removed, depending on your needs.
  • Removable body panels.
  • A halo-style roof that's an innovative new addition to the series.
  • An easy-to-clean interior and exterior, so the vehicle can be kept in spotless condition.
  • Waterproof controls, so there's no need to worry about rain or spills damaging the system.
  • Manual transmission is available for those that don't want an automatic
  • Branding that's reminiscent of the classic design, adds to the nostalgia factor.
  • A whole list of potential accessories that allows you to customize the car to your exact wants and needs.

If you're in the market for a new all-purpose vehicle, the new Bronco is a great choice. You can check out the available options and see why so many consumers can't wait to get their hands on the new release.