The Ford Bronco isn't just another vehicle, but rather, a whole lifestyle of its own.
It's a Lifestyle
When it debuted for the 1966 model year, the Ford Bronco became an instant hit - a vehicle that immediately changed the way people thought about vehicles in general. After all, in a world ripe with sedans, muscle cars, and trucks, here was a sport utility vehicle, something that is now the most common type of vehicle we see on the road. However, the Bronco has since become more of a lifestyle model with many attributes that have endeared it to the masses.
Photos: Ford
Bronco Brand
Today, Bronco is more than just a nameplate - it's an entire brand, one that currently includes two model lines - the Bronco and the Bronco Sport. Ford makes and sells not only a tremendous amount of Bronco-related accessories, but also apparel, decor, and collectibles, and pretty much everyone knows precisely what that bucking Bronco logo stands for - no matter what it adorns.
Photos: Ford
Fans Brought It Back
With sales on the decline and the masses moving toward more mainstream SUVs like the Ford Explorer, The Blue Oval ultimately decided to end production of the Bronco following the 1996 model year. However, fans of the model wouldn't let it go, and many clamored for its return. That movement - coupled with a massive spike in interest in vintage models - was what ultimately convinced Ford to bring it back.
Photos: Ford
It Was the First SUV
Ford is quick to remind us that "the Ford Bronco became the first automobile called out specifically as a 'Sports-Utility Vehicle,'" upon its debut in 1965 for the 1966 model year, "and an American classic was born." These days, that's a rather notable claim, given the rabid popularity of the SUV and crossovers in general.
Photos: Ford
It's a Mustang...For the Dirt
Many may not also realize that the Bronco was created in part because the automakers wanted to add "another pony to the stable to join its big brother, the Mustang," a quote that came from Don Frey, Ford Motor Company Vice President and Ford Division General Manager at the time, when he introduced the new model on August 11, 1965.
Photos: Ford
It Was a Trailblazer
For that reason alone, the Bronco was a bit of a trailblazer, but the SUV also broke ground in that unlike the wartime Jeep that preceded it, the Bronco was designed to be not only capable off-road, but also comfortable on it. Veterans returning from World War II were seeking out Jeeps to purchase for personal use, but Ford surveyed Jeep and International Harvester Scout owners in 1962 to discover what they liked and disliked about those vehicles - then built something better.
Photos: Ford
It Brings People Together
Today, there are entire communities and countless websites devoted specifically to the Bronco, including Bronco Nation, which is run by The Blue Oval's own ad agency. The SUV is arguably more popular than ever, and with its recent return, is attracting an entire new generation of fans, too.
Photos: Ford
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