Newly classic, still capable: 1992 to 1996 Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco’s chapter in American history started in the mid-1960s. It was first introduced as a rugged, compact two-door to compete against sport-utility vehicles such as the International Harvester Scout and the Jeep CJ-5. The word “versatile” was the best way to describe its capabilities. It was offered in sport-utility, pickup and roadster variants but came standard with go anywhere four-wheel drive and locking front hubs. See All Ford Bronco Listings

The Bronco has since evolved through six distinct generations, including a now midsized sport-utility vehicle that launched in 2021 — after the nameplate took a 25 year hiatus. The original formula has stayed the same, and the marketplace loves it. The first production sixth generation Bronco sold for over $1 million at a charity auction. The nameplate’s revival also brought increased attention and collectability for older models. See 90s Broncos for sale near you.

Photo credit: Ford

Famous Bronco

First, a little trivia. The 5th generation Bronco, in particular, gained international notoriety in mid-1994. Retired professional football player O.J. Simpson and his friend, Al Cowlings, evaded police for about 60 miles on Southern California freeways in a white 1993 Bronco XLT. Simpson was eventually arrested at his home in connection with the murder of his ex-wife, but he was eventually acquitted after a lengthy televised trial. 

As for the getaway car, the Bronco belonged to Cowlings. Today, it sits in the Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It reportedly still has the same fuel in the tank from the chase almost three decades ago, along with Cowlings’ original registration paperwork.

Photo credit: Ford

5th generation highlights

Broncos from the 1990s have become popular collector vehicles — and not just because of their television screen time. When it launched in model year 1992, the fifth generation Bronco followed the overall design language of the ninth generation Ford F-150 pickup, with a more aerodynamic fascia and an enlarged grille. 

The approach was well-received. In all, the 1992 through 1996 models sold 162,703 units. Now, more than 25 years later, exceptionally well-kept, rust free, low mileage Broncos are commanding premium price tags.

One of the features that the Bronco had since its inception was a removable hardtop. Due to safety regulations that evolved in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Ford designers made it more difficult to remove the top. For example, the mounting points for the three-point safety belts in the rear seat were affixed to the top. Even though the vehicle lost its convertible appeal, it still offered a compelling package. See 90s Broncos for sale near you.

Photo credit: Ford

Tech talk

Power for this Bronco generation came from a variety of engines.

• 4.9-liter inline-6 rated at 145 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque

• 5.0-liter V8 rated at 188 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque

• 5.8-liter high-output V8 rated at 200 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque

Torque was sent to all four wheels through a 3-speed automatic, a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. The 5th generation Bronco was a capable tow rig, but its short wheelbase could adversely impact handling depending on the size and weight of the cargo in tow. 

Photo credit: Ford

Speaking of size and weight, these were factors in the Bronco’s relatively thirsty nature. The 5.8-liter was rated at just 12 mpg in the city and 16 mpg on the highway, but these were numbers expected of a full-size SUV.

The 5th generation Bronco was well-appointed for its time. There were three available trim levels, including a base (which Ford called the Custom), an XLT and the top-tier Eddie Bauer with two-tone paint. Available amenities included captain’s chairs, a center console, an overhead console, lighted sun visors and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Check out Bronco Listings

There were some important safety advancements that arrived during this Bronco era, including four-wheel anti-lock braking, a front crumple zone and a driver-side airbag. When new, the 1992 Bronco had a retail price ranging from $19,437 to $23,786, depending on trim. 

Photo credit: Ford

Buy your Bronco

Now that the 5th generation Bronco has reached classic age, it is positioned for heightened collectibility. There are over a dozen such Bronco listings on KSL Cars as of this writing. Find Broncos of any generation there, as well.

*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.