Help: Explorer Vs. Bronco, Which?
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Bogota, Colombia
Help: Explorer Vs. Bronco, Which?
Hi guys... maybe this is not the right forum but which, in your opinion, would be a better buy (soon to buy a Ford Truck again!); an Explorer or a Bronco (both mid-1990s models) given that fuel economy is an issue and that off-roading capability is not required although it'd be nice... Please state as many pros and cons as you can so that I can invest my money wisely. It would probably help to advise you that I have had a Bronco (loved it, except for the gas) and a friend of mine has an explorer and so far so good...
I am 6' 2" BTW... Thanks a bunch!
I am 6' 2" BTW... Thanks a bunch!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 8,147
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From: Joppa, Maryland
For me, i love broncos for some reason, i don't know why, but that would be my choice. The explorer will probably end up with a better ride and better gas milage. Is the explorer a v6 or v8? The bronco the 5.0, 5.8 or 4.9?
Of course the bronco is going to be more capable offroad.
Maybe a little more info...
paul
Of course the bronco is going to be more capable offroad.
Maybe a little more info...
paul
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From: PA
Originally Posted by hawk
broncos a truck explorer is a car. bronco has 4WL explorer doesnt but if your looking for gas and ride then explorer offroad= bronco
Posting Guru
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From: Alvin, Texas.
A 4.9L I6 Bronco would be nice. If it's got decent gears, it would get pretty decent mileage for what it is.
I really wanted to add an Exploder to my toy chest last year, a loaded 4x4 to go with the Ranger base model, but the 4.0L has a POS A4LD tranny behind it, so I would have looked for a v8 AWD version at that point. They are pretty cheap pricewise on autotrader when I looked in the spring.
If you need the 4 doors, the Bronco is out UNLESS you find a Centaurion conversion. Heck, at that rate, find a diesel Excursion.
I really wanted to add an Exploder to my toy chest last year, a loaded 4x4 to go with the Ranger base model, but the 4.0L has a POS A4LD tranny behind it, so I would have looked for a v8 AWD version at that point. They are pretty cheap pricewise on autotrader when I looked in the spring.
If you need the 4 doors, the Bronco is out UNLESS you find a Centaurion conversion. Heck, at that rate, find a diesel Excursion.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
> I am 6' 2"
Bronco all the way!
There is no comparison in comfort for someone large. I like Explorers, but, it is hardly bigger then a Ranger (I had a Ranger too). I have owned (3) Bronco IIs, a 1997 Ranger, 1995 Aerostar, and a 85 and 86 Bronco. If I had to sit in one for a daily driver for any amount of time it would be a Bronco all the way. I never owned a four door Explorer because it is too small and the back is only suitable for kids, unlike a full sized Bronco where you can even use it for camping.
An Explorer will get about 15-17 mpg and a Bronco 351w EFI about 15-17. Almost no mileage difference except on long highway driving. If you could find a 1990 Explorer with a 5 speed it might be a difference story.
A 4x4 Bronco will be much easier to work on for regular upkeep and will always be worth $3000+
Bronco all the way!
There is no comparison in comfort for someone large. I like Explorers, but, it is hardly bigger then a Ranger (I had a Ranger too). I have owned (3) Bronco IIs, a 1997 Ranger, 1995 Aerostar, and a 85 and 86 Bronco. If I had to sit in one for a daily driver for any amount of time it would be a Bronco all the way. I never owned a four door Explorer because it is too small and the back is only suitable for kids, unlike a full sized Bronco where you can even use it for camping.
An Explorer will get about 15-17 mpg and a Bronco 351w EFI about 15-17. Almost no mileage difference except on long highway driving. If you could find a 1990 Explorer with a 5 speed it might be a difference story.
A 4x4 Bronco will be much easier to work on for regular upkeep and will always be worth $3000+
The Pacifier
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Cloverdale, BC
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From: NW Ohio
How is it going to be used? If it is for just hauling one or 2 people, or your kids are old enought to not need car seats, the Bronco wins hands down. If you have to carry more adults, or kids in car seats, the 4 door Explorers are a little more convenient to get to the back seat. Pulling and backing trailers is easier with the Bronco. Gas mileage will probably be a tossup, when we traded the 94 Explorer (4.0V6 4x4)for the 94 Bronco (5.8) the mileage difference was less than 1 mpg. You do have to remember that if you let the 33 gallon tank go empty you'll have a big chunk to pay all at once, but you will not have to make as many stops at the gas station, so it pretty much evens out. Good luck, they are both good vehicles so you should be OK.
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Here is the answer to your question with a question-
Do you want a piece of machinery that will take you places that you might fear walking to or do you want a car with a tall trunk?
There is no comparison. My 91 EB, 5.0 gives me 17-18 hiway and 15+ town fuel mileage but you can't drive it hard and get that.
Do you want a piece of machinery that will take you places that you might fear walking to or do you want a car with a tall trunk?
There is no comparison. My 91 EB, 5.0 gives me 17-18 hiway and 15+ town fuel mileage but you can't drive it hard and get that.