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.

1987-1991

Generation 4: The Aerodynamic Age

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

A vintage orange 1987 Ford Bronco® model parked in front of a rocky landscape

Streamlining Confidence

For Generation 4, a trend toward aerodynamic design forged ahead, with sculpted edges (both inside and out) replacing boxy corners. On the engineering side, new powertrain and safety updates took center stage.

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The New Shape of Adventure

Known affectionately by enthusiasts as the “brick nose,” the 1987 Bronco boasted a more aerodynamic silhouette than its “bull nose” predecessors. Right angles and jutting edges gave way to dynamic sloping lines for the body, bumpers and mirrors. And headlights were flush with the front end. A revamped interior featured rounded surfaces in the dashboard, instrument cluster, and climate controls.

A vintage 1988 two-tone Ford Bronco® model parked in front of a desert landscape

Generation 4 saw powertrain advancements. In 1987-88, the 300 six and  351W 5.8L V8 engines were paired with electronic fuel injection. A 5-speed  manual transmission was introduced in 1988 and as well as an all-new Borg  Warner 1345 transfer case with optional Touch Drive electric shift.

A vintage 1987 red Ford Bronco® model parked amidst a desert landscape

In 1987, the Bronco gained a new safety feature. Active in 2WD only, the ABS system  used a combination of sensors, the vehicle computer, and  controlled valves to modulate the hydraulic pressure in the rear  brake lines. This new feature boosted stopping power, safety and  overall confidence on the trail.

The Inside Story: Special Edition

The 1991 model year saw the introduction of two new trim packages for Bronco owners, each catering to unique demographics in the decade. Ford celebrated the 25th anniversary of Bronco offering a limited-production model called the Silver Anniversary Edition. On the opposite side of the spectrum was the Nite Edition Bronco.

A 1991 Ford Bronco® Nite Edition model parked in front of a mountain landscape

Design delved into its dark side with black paint and blacked-out body trim,  offset by bold decal graphics. Aegean Blue-striped trucks had Crystal Blue  and Dark Charcoal interiors and the Azalea Pink was found sitting in a Scarlet  Red interior. Collectors know, 1991 saw only 383 Nite Edition Broncos made.

A 1990 Ford Bronco® Silver Anniversary Edition model parked in front of a mountain landscape

1987 saw the the introduction of a rear anti-locking brake system (ABS).  Active in 2WD only, it used a combination of sensors, the vehicle computer,  and hydraulic pressure-controlled valves to modulate pressure in the rear  brake lines. This boosted stopping control and overall confidence on the trail.

The interior of a 1987 Ford Bronco® model

For Generation 4, seating configurations included front bucket low back seats, a front bench seat, captain’s chairs and a flip-fold rear seat. If Captain’s chairs were selected, a center console between the seat with built-in cup holders was a popular option.