Bronco or Bronco 2?

[MaD]

I would like a bronco 2 but the bronco 1 are easier to find. Should i settle on a bronco 1?
Not getting em to do anything crazy but drive em normally.

 

[sgtsandman]

I would like a bronco 2 but the bronco 1 are easier to find. Should i settle on a bronco 1?
Not getting em to do anything crazy but drive em normally.

That's really only a call you can make. The Bronco is bigger, so more room for stuff inside. The down side is it's going to probably eat more fuel. The Bronco II is going to be more nimble since it is smaller but less room inside for things. Fuel wise, it's probably going to be better but it might not be significantly more better. The Rangers have a similar problem when compared to the F-150. So basically, it comes down to do you want a full size vehicle or a small one?

 

[RonD]

There are the Broncos, 1966 thru 1996 earlier ones were smaller but they are considered full size trucks

No Bronco 1's

Bronco II(2) was smaller 1983 thru 1990 similar to Ranger size compared to full size trucks

Bronco name was brought back in 2021 also full size, 2 door and 4 door models

 

[sgtsandman]

There are the Broncos, 1966 thru 1996 earlier ones were smaller but they are considered full size trucks

No Bronco 1's

Bronco II(2) was smaller 1983 thru 1990 similar to Ranger size compared to full size trucks

Bronco name was brought back in 2021 also full size, 2 door and 4 door models

I forgot about the original. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

66-73 were not that far off in size from a BII. 3-4spd trans and a brick body kills mileage though. They are also pretty basic even compared to a BII.

 

[racsan]

early broncos were FUN though, I had a 72 with a 302/3 on tree/4:10’s. manual steering & brakes. They are very pricey if you can even find them unless its a basket case.

 

[Shran]

In order of purchase cost:

Bronco II - $
Full size 87-92 - $$$
Full size 80-86 - $$$$
Full size 93-96 - $$$$$$
Any Early Bronco - $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

My experience anyway.

 

[racsan]

hey- a gen 2 escape (‘08-‘12) is bronco-ish, affordable, good on gas & great in the snow. the turning radius isnt that tight though- probably my only criticism of the chassis.

 

[Uncle Gump]

66-73 were not that far off in size from a BII. 3-4spd trans and a brick body kills mileage though. They are also pretty basic even compared to a BII.

66-77...

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

It really depends on what you want, and what you can afford. I’ve wanted a 66-77 “Early Bronco” for a long time, just haven’t had the budget.

The 78-96 range of “Full-Size Bronco” was based on the F-series chassis and front end of similar year and had removable tops.

The 83-90 run of the Bronco II was based on the Ranger chassis and front end like it’s big brother.

Honestly, I got my first Bronco II because I wanted a Jeep YJ or TJ and couldn’t afford one. The B2 was what I could afford and close enough. It actually shares the same wheelbase as those Jeeps, just a little longer body. It’s also surprisingly good off road even stock. After I got my first B2, I had to have more. Currently only have two, but have owned 4 total so far. Oh, and when I bought my first B2, I already had my first Ranger and was a member on here so I knew I was buying something decent, I just didn’t know I’d fall in love with it. Which my Choptop is going to be taken to JeepFest this year just to annoy the Jeep crowd…

 

[gaz]

@MaD
64-74 Bronco, Early Bronco
78-80 gen 2 Bronco, Big Bronco, full size 2 door SUV
81-87 gen 3 Bronco, smaller F-150 based with independent front suspension
84-90 BroncoII, mid-sized Ranger based SUV
88-91 gen 4 Bronco, redesigned front
92-96 gen5 Bronco, redisignd
2021 to present gen 6 Bronco, redesigned brand brought back from 96
2020-present Bronco Sport, rebadged Ford Escape

I have driven the original, ridden in gen 2's, driven gen 3's, driven BII's and the Sport (which is my brother's favorite). As mentioned from other members, your choice should be based on how much space you need and the fuel economy you desire. They are all 2 door, four seaters except gen 6 and the Sport.

In regards to cost, Shran PO pretty much nailed that as an Early will cost as much or more than a gen 6, while a gen 3/4/5 are nice they will usually cost more than a BII. That gen 2 is a BEAST with strong Ford looks.

 

[Josh B]

That's really only a call you can make. The Bronco is bigger, so more room for stuff inside. The down side is it's going to probably eat more fuel. The Bronco II is going to be more nimble since it is smaller but less room inside for things. Fuel wise, it's probably going to be better but it might not be significantly more better. The Rangers have a similar problem when compared to the F-150. So basically, it comes down to do you want a full size vehicle or a small one?

How do Rangers have a similar fuel problem compared to the F150 ?

 

[scotts90ranger]

the half ton's got like 16mpg and Rangers of the era got like 18ish sometimes getting in the 23mpg range with a 4x4...

 

[Shran]

Oh I forgot the 78-79, those are second highest in cost. And by far my favorite… early 78 with round headlights, black with free wheeling decals, small lift, 33’s on 15x10s….

Dang.

 

[sgtsandman]

How do Rangers have a similar fuel problem compared to the F150 ?

The V6 Rangers tend to not be significatly better on fuel economy compared to an F150. Of course, it depends on how you drive it, where you drive it, and how it's setup and equipped.

Before I slightly lifted and put bigger tires on the 2011, it theoretically could get 23 mpg with the all season P tires it came with. I came close a few times on longer trips but never hit 23 mpg. 20-21 was more real world on the highway.

Generally speaking, most Rangers see something around 18 +/-. So, about the same as an F150.