Ford Bronco®: A 4x4 Legend

In 1966, this new breed of off-road vehicle stampeded onto the scene and into wild hearts everywhere, setting the mold for the modern SUV.

1980-1986

Generation 3: Comfort Upgrade

Information on this page was sourced from “Ford Bronco: A History of Ford’s Legendary 4x4” by Todd Zuercher.

A two-tone 1981 Ford Bronco® model parked in front of a tree-lined landscape

From Trails to Highways

In its third iteration, Bronco® set out to blaze further fresh territory. This time, key innovations boosted fuel economy and ensured a smoother ride, both on-road and off. A change from solid front axle to independent front suspension (Twin-Traction Beam) was implemented to improve ride characteristics while not compromising ground clearance in rough terrain.

Bronco History Gallery

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Without Compromise

The third generation of Bronco® was lighter, more fuel efficient, and had more interior options than ever, yet Bronco never strayed from its unbridled passion for the wild.

Wanting a more comfortable ride, Bronco engineers swapped the solid front axle for an independent front suspension – a first for a full-size sports utility vehicle. Ground clearance unchanged, it could still take on rocky terrain as wild as ever.
Engineers sheared 500 lbs from the 1980 Bronco model and reintroduced a 6-cylinder engine. Models also got a more aerodynamic body style. The Ford 302 V-8 led the charge into a new era with electronic fuel injection for the 1985 model year as the age of the carburetor was drawing to a close.
3rd Generation Bronco® made life on the trail a little easier with new amenities. An updated instrument cluster offered more gauges and, for the first time, an available tachometer. Other options included auto-locking front hubs, power windows, a CB radio in 1980, and later, premium stereos.

The Inside Story

The third generation offered a wide variety of trim choices and packages.

The luxury version of the 3rd generation XLT took Bronco into high-end territory with premium extras. Highlights included: flashy chrome accents, ultra-plush carpeting, color-keyed upholstery and a simulated leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Outside, design pinstripe and striping kits teased adventure-enhancing features like an anti-sway bar, quad front and heavy-duty rear shocks. Inside, the story continued with sporty instrumentation and a simulated leather-wrapped steering wheel.
From the brochure: “This youth-oriented Bronco® was a real head-turner with eye-catching blackout treatment and special XLS tape striping. Low-mount Western swing-away mirrors and argent-painted styled steel wheels on a unique exterior.” It set the tone for vehicles 25–30 years in the future.
One of the most crowd-pleasing packages of the 1980s, Eddie Bauer hit the scene from Generation 3 to Generation 5. Highlights included the hallmark two-tone paint treatment, velour upholstery, unique tire carrier, argent-painted styled steel wheels, and even Eddie Bauer-branded luggage.

The blue interior of a Ford Bronco® model

As with its forerunners, Generation 3 Bronco® offered a range of different seating configurations: low back buckets, a full-size bench seat with split seat back, a flip/fold rear seat and captain’s chairs, complete with folding armrests and reclining backs.