Mountain top with hills of uneven terrain and bronco logo

Ford Bronco: A Wild History

While the 2021 Bronco makes for one thrilling adventure partner, this isn’t its first rodeo. 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.

Back to Bronco Family

      Generation 3: Comfort Upgrade

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

      1980-1986
      1981 Ford Bronco X L T with Victoria Tu Tone

      From the Trail to the Interstate  

      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. New models also offered more luxury amenities, without sacrificing on the capability front.

      BRONCO HISTORY GALLERY

      1981 Ford Bronco with rear fiberglass roof
      1982 Ford Bronco X L S Interior with optional Captain’s chairs
      1985 Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer Edition with special two tone paint treatment
      1984 Ford Bronco highlighting the rear of the vehicle with ford bronco tire cover
      1980 Ford Bronco X L T with chrome accents
      1982 Ford Bronco X L T in Victoria Tu Tone
      1984 Ford Bronco shown with parking brake hold on a hill
      1981 Ford Bronco X L T with Victoria Tu Tone

      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.

       
      • 1982 Ford Bronco X L T in Victoria Tu Tone

        Taming the Wild Ride

        To create a more comfortable ride, Bronco engineers switched out the solid front axle for an independent front suspension—a first for a full-size sports utility vehicle. The system featured a Twin-Traction Beam, a simple, durable design that also allowed for a lower ride height than Bronco predecessors. But despite the tamer ride, Bronco remained as wild as ever. Ground clearance stayed the same, so it still could take on rough or rocky terrain.
      • 1984 Ford Bronco shown with parking brake hold on a hill

        A Lighter Fuel Economy Footprint

        In an effort to lower fuel economy, engineers sheared off 500 lbs. from the 1980 Bronco model and reintroduced a 6 cylinder engine and a 302 V8. Generation 3 models also got an exterior design overhaul, sporting a new, more aerodynamic bodystyle. The last major fuel economy-lowering update came in 1985, when a 4-speed automatic OD transmission was introduced along with fuel injection for the 302.  Ford’s 302 V-8 led the charge into a new era of engine induction with the introduction of electronic fuel injection for the 1985 model year as the age of the carburetor was rapidly drawing to a close.
      • 1981 Ford Bronco with rear fiberglass roof

        Rugged Capability Meets Smart Convenience

        3rd Generation Bronco made life on the trail a little easier with a variety of new amenities. An updated instrument cluster offered more gauges and, for the first time, an available tachometer. Other game-changing options included auto-locking front hubs, power windows, a CB radio in 1980, and premium stereos in later years.

        The Inside Story: Trim Packages

        The third generation offered a wide variety of trim choices and packages.
        • 1983 Ford Bronco X L T exterior trim detail

          Ranger XLT/XLT LARIAT

          The luxury version of the 3rd generation XLT took Bronco into high-end territory with a host of premium extras. Highlights included flashy chrome accents, ultra-plush carpeting, color-keyed upholstery and  a simulated leather-wrapped steering wheel.
        • 1980 Ford Bronco Free Wheeling package with striping kit

          Free-Wheeling Package

          The Free-Wheeling Package helped outdoor enthusiasts answer the call of the wild—in both style and substance. Outside, sporty design elements like pinstripe and striping kits teased adventure-enhancing features like an anti-sway bar, quad front shocks and heavy-duty rear shocks. Inside, the outward-bound story continued with Sport instrumentation and a simulated leather-wrapped steering wheel.
        • 1983 Ford Bronco X L S in candy apple red with black out treatment

          XLS Package

          The 1983 Bronco Brochure stated: “This youth-oriented Bronco is a real head-turner with eye-catching blackout treatment and special XLS tape striping. Black low-mount Western swing-away mirrors and argent-painted styled steel wheels and finishing touches to the unique exterior.” The XLS package is rare among 1982 and 1983 Broncos and highlighted a vehicle treatment that would become more popular in vehicles 25 to 30 years in the future.
        • 1985 Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer Edition with special two tone paint treatment

          Eddie Bauer Package

          One of the most crowd-pleasing and noteworthy packages of the 1980s, Eddie Bauer came on the scene in Generation 3 and lasted through Generation 5. Highlights included its hallmark two-tone paint treatment, special velour upholstery, unique tire carrier, argent-painted styled steel wheels and even Eddie Bauer-branded luggage.
          1982 Ford Bronco X L S Interior with optional Captain’s chairs

          Seating Choices

          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.

          OLD SCHOOL ENTHUSIASTS

          Dig deep into some historical, all-purpose Bronco specifications.
          1983 Ford Bronco X L T with exterior trim detail