The Ford Bronco, a 4×4 sport utility vehicle, enjoyed a successful three-decade run from 1966 to 1996, spanning four distinct generations. Initially conceived to compete with the Jeep CJ 5 and International Harvester Scout, the Bronco evolved throughout its lifespan. By the late 1970s, it rivaled the Chevrolet K5 Blazer and Dodge Ramcharger. The 1980s saw the introduction of the smaller Ford Bronco II, which had a relatively short market presence. The final generation of the Bronco was a larger vehicle based on the Ford F-series platform.
The Ford Bronco gained notoriety when it was the vehicle infamously used by OJ Simpson during his slow-speed chase with the police through Los Angeles. The white 1993 Ford Bronco was driven by Al Cowlings during the televised event, etching the vehicle into popular culture.
Donald N. Frey, Ford’s product manager and the designer of the Ford Mustang, is credited with bringing the Ford Bronco to life. Lee Iacocca oversaw the vehicle’s production and assembly. Uniquely, the original Ford Bronco did not share parts with any other Ford vehicle.
J. Mays, Ford Motor Company’s group vice president for design, described the Bronco as a “tough and genuine SUV that’s all about function,” comparing it to “a claw hammer in a box full of department store, battery operated, plastic, power tools.”